Disney’s Live-Action Snow White Trailer has provoked criticism with the circulation of the new trailer for the much-anticipated live-action film. As much as the teaser gave audiences a sneak preview of the nostalgic movie’s unveiled setting, fans have criticized the makers for numerous decisions. The controversy resulted from a struggle between the people who prepared the movie aiming at enhancing originality in this material and individuals who felt that this particular preparation demeaned the original material and aimed at conforming to modern production standards.
The Casting Debate
One of the biggest debates is over Rachel Zegler being named Snow White in the movie. An actress, Zegler who is popular for her performance in West Side Story is a perfect example of how the role is not cast more traditionally. Skeptics don’t spare the comments section on social media, saying that the original version of Snow White from the German folklore was designed to be light-skinned with black hair, while Ziegler is Latina.
But Ziegler has come out to stand for the role insisting that there is no harm in representation. During her interviews, she has stressed the importance of making storytelling in today’s multicultural world. “Snow White is a story of virtues, which include courage and friendship, and is important in any part of the world,” she said in a recent interview.
Changes to the Seven Dwarfs
One of the most talked about topics is the controversy people have with Disney over changing the seven dwarfs. Instead of known characters such as Grumpy and Dopey, the new piece casts a group of “magical creatures” of different sizes and origins. This transition comes from an earlier controversy caused by the actor Peter Dinklage complaining about the continued negative stigma attributed to dwarfism.
A Modern-Day Snow White
The trailer also shows the difference between the Snow White in this movie and the Snow White from the 1937 cartoon. While the passive lady who waits for the prince charming to come and save her is portrayed in the old story, this version of their story seems to portray Snow White as a warrior who will fight for the kingdom and her people. Although this has been under the overarching paradigm of Disney making changes to most of their princesses for the contemporary world, there has been mixed response. While there are praises for the change as a progressive improvement, there are critics who complain about the dilution of the character.
The Fans React
Everyone and anyone has released his or her version of the trailer on social media. Some fans used #NotMySnowWhite to express their resentment concerning Disney’s political correctness saying the company is trying to push woke versions instead of delivering the authentic story. Instead, people have supported the movie, appreciating efforts to tell the story from a new point of view.
One viral tweet read:
Snow White is not only a film, it is the memory of what we grew up with for millions of people. Disney has to be very cautious even while remodeling something to that extent.
Disney’s Response
Disney has remained tight-lipped and has not come out in the open to come out and react to the backlash. However, sources inside the company say that the studio expected some backlash since the audience has been divided in reaction to recent remakes like The Little Mermaid and Mulan. Of course, the final litmus test for the team behind Snow White will be whether movie-goers take to the new version of Snow White and Snow White’s July movie counterpart when the films are released.
Looking Ahead
Still, the live-action Snow White is one of the biggest attempts made by Disney as a company which has had a few misses lately. The film is directed by the director of The Amazing Spider-Man, Webb Marc, and has original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul from the hit movie musical The Greatest Showman In creating this movie, Moss Crook is trying to use the best of the past while also bringing something new.
