Snow White remake faces social media backlash

LOS ANGELES: Disney’s latest venture, a live-action remake of the beloved 1937 classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” slated for release next year, has ignited a storm of controversy on social media.

While Disney’s streak of live-action reboots has sparked past debates, the backlash against the new adaptation, which notably drops the “Seven Dwarfs” from the title, has been particularly intense within certain circles.

The furor surrounding the film gained momentum after interviews with Rachel Zegler, the actress portraying the new Snow White, resurfaced online. Zegler, who is of Latina heritage, faced racist trolling on social media.

The around Zegler’s casting have been ongoing since Disney announced her as the lead in 2021. The actress addressed the issue on X, formerly Twitter, choosing to appreciate those defending her.

extremely appreciative of the love i feel from those defending me online, but please don’t tag me in the nonsensical discourse about my casting.

i really, truly do not want to see it.

so i leave you w these photos! i hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what pic.twitter.com/AU5PjJutK5

— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) July 15, 2023

In a BBC report, Dr Robyn Muir, a media and communications lecturer at Surrey University, expressed her dismay at the racism directed towards the casting. She highlighted the significance of diverse representation in Disney films, noting that people of color did not see themselves as Disney princesses until Jasmine from “Aladdin” emerged in 1992.

Zegler’s remarks about the original Snow White and the direction of the new adaptation have also added fuel to the controversy. She described the original film as unsettling and outdated in terms of female empowerment.

Zegler said that the reimagined Snow White will evolve into a formidable leader rather than being dependent on a prince’s rescue. The actress also hinted that the love story element will take a backseat, playfully referring to the prince as a “stalker.”

In an interview with Variety, Zegler underscored the new Snow White’s independence, stating, “We absolutely wrote a Snow White that is not gonna be saved by the prince.”

These changes to the iconic storyline have provoked strong reactions from fans of the original 1937 classic. As Disney continues its push for inclusivity and fresh perspectives in its adaptations, the discourse surrounding the remake serves as a reflection of the broader conversations taking place within the entertainment industry and society at large.

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