Disney is dialing back the glitz for its upcoming Snow White premiere, opting for a limited red carpet event on March 15 at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. The decision comes as the live-action remake, set to hit theaters on March 21, continues to stir controversy surrounding its stars, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot.
Unlike Disney’s typical star-studded premieres, the event will feature restricted media access, limited to photographers and an in-house crew, with no press interviews scheduled. While Zegler, who plays Snow White, and Gadot, cast as the Evil Queen, are expected to attend, the scaled-down format reflects the studio’s attempt to navigate a storm of backlash that has shadowed the film’s production. Disney Scales Back ‘Snow White
The controversies began with Zegler’s casting as Snow White, with some critics questioning Disney’s choice of a Latina actress to portray the traditionally fair-skinned character from the 1937 animated classic. Zegler further fueled debate by calling the original film “dated” and critiquing its storyline, particularly the prince’s pursuit of Snow White, which she described as “literally stalking.” Her comments drew ire from fans of the animated version, intensifying scrutiny of the remake.
Adding to the challenges, actor Peter Dinklage publicly criticized the film’s depiction of the Seven Dwarfs, calling it outdated. In response, Disney reworked the characters, consulting with members of the dwarfism community to ensure a more sensitive portrayal.
Beyond the film itself, political tensions have amplified the discourse. Zegler has voiced support for Palestine, while Gadot, an Israeli actress, has been outspoken in her support for Israel, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attack. Their opposing stances have sparked heated online debates and prompted calls for boycotts from various groups, further complicating the film’s rollout.
Despite the turbulence, Disney is pressing forward with promotion. Zegler and Gadot recently appeared at the Oscars, and the pair have participated in international press events and TV interviews. The official trailer, released earlier this year, has garnered 11.8 million views on YouTube, signaling that public curiosity remains strong despite—or perhaps because of—the controversies.
As Snow White nears its release date, Disney appears to be balancing damage control with its signature storytelling magic, hoping audiences will focus on the film rather than the headlines. Whether the strategy pays off remains to be seen when the movie opens in theaters next week.
