Disney is facing a public relations nightmare with its upcoming live-action remake of Snow White, prompting the studio to delay the release by a full year until 2025.
The movie, which stars Rachel Zegler as the titular character, was initially scheduled to hit theaters in March 2024. But after a string of negative publicity, including leaked on-set photos and controversial comments from the lead actress, Disney has pushed back the release to March 21, 2025.
The delay has sparked speculation about the reason behind the decision, with many pointing to the overwhelming backlash the production has faced in recent months.
First look at Disney’s live-action #SnowWhite, starring Rachel Zegler https://t.co/mzMiovCKPx pic.twitter.com/iwdwOunHWs
— Variety (@Variety) October 27, 2023
The controversy first began when unauthorized photos from the set showed a multi-racial and gender-diverse cast of grungy hipsters portraying the iconic “seven dwarfs.” The images quickly went viral, with many criticising the casting choices and questioning whether they were true to the beloved story of Snow White.
Disney has yet to address the issue or provide an explanation for the unusual casting decision. In the newly released official still photo from the film, the dwarfs are noticeably absent, replaced by what appears to be computer-generated characters. It is unclear at this point whether the original cast of “dwarfs” will still be featured in the final version of the movie.
Adding to the negative publicity, Zegler has also come under fire for old videos in which she can be seen denouncing the original 1937 Snow White. In the videos, the actress claims that the character’s storyline is outdated and that she no longer needs to be saved by a prince. She also boldly demanded to be “paid for every hour” that the movie is streamed during the ongoing Hollywood actors’ strike.
The backlash against Zegler’s comments has been swift, with many Disney fans expressing their disappointment and calling for a recasting of the lead role. Some have even started online petitions to boycott the movie once it is released.
“I’m if gonna stand there 18 hours in a dress of an iconic Disney princess, I deserve to be paid for every hour that it’s streamed online.”
The new Snow White is the most insufferable woman I’ve ever seen pic.twitter.com/U1swu4roRl
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) August 2, 2023
Amid all the negative publicity, it is no surprise that Disney has decided to delay the movie’s release by a full year. The studio has not officially commented on the delay or issued a statement addressing the controversy, leaving many to wonder if other factors may have contributed to the decision.
One thing is certain: Disney is in damage control mode and will have to work hard to win back fans’ support for the remake of one of its most beloved animated classics.