Disney's 'Snow White' Premiere Downsized Amidst Controversy: A Closer Look

Walt Disney Studios has scaled down the Los Angeles premiere of its live-action 'Snow White' movie, scheduled for March 15, opting for a smaller red carpet event with limited media access. Stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot are expected to attend a pre-party and screening at L.A.’s El Capitan Theatre, but media coverage will be restricted to photographers and a house crew. The film has faced considerable controversy. Rachel Zegler's casting as Snow White, a character traditionally depicted with 'skin as white as snow', sparked racist backlash due to her Latina heritage. Zegler also drew criticism for her remarks about the original 1937 film's themes, which she described as 'dated' and lacking strong female representation. The portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs has also been a subject of debate, leading to consultations with the dwarfism community and, ultimately, a CGI reimagining of the characters. The film's release was delayed from 2024 to March 21, 2025. The controversies have fueled online debates and calls for boycotts, impacting the film's reception and leading to a more subdued premiere event.