Disney has decided to scale back its Hollywood premiere for the live-action Snow White, set for March 15, following controversies surrounding the film’s cast, including Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot.
The premiere will still feature a pre-party and a screening at the El Capitan Theatre, with stars Zegler, who plays Snow White, and Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen, expected to attend. However, in a notable departure from the usual grandeur of Disney’s red-carpet events, the media coverage will be limited. Instead of the usual large number of media outlets interviewing the cast and creatives, coverage will be restricted to photographers and a small in-house crew.
While Disney has not commented directly on the decision, the change in plans appears to be a response to several controversies tied to the film. These include backlash against Zegler’s casting as Snow White, as well as criticism from actor Peter Dinklage regarding the film’s portrayal of the seven dwarfs, following remarks he made about the stereotypical representation of little people.
Zegler, who is Latina, faced criticism when it was announced that she would play Snow White, with some fans of the original 1937 animated film questioning the casting. Zegler further stirred controversy when she referred to the original movie as “dated” and commented that Snow White would not be “saved by the prince” in the new adaptation. Instead, her character will focus on leadership and self-empowerment.
In addition to these issues, both Zegler and Gadot have been involved in politically charged situations. Zegler has made public pro-Palestine statements on social media, while Gadot, an Israeli actress, has become an outspoken supporter of Israel, which has fueled further political discussions.
Amid these controversies, Disney is attempting to navigate a delicate promotional campaign for Snow White, which is set to hit theaters on March 21. The film’s trailer has already garnered 11.8 million views on YouTube, and Disney’s PR team has continued with promotional appearances by both Zegler and Gadot, including appearances at the Oscars and a series of international screenings.
Despite the controversies, Disney’s decision to scale back the premiere has done little to dampen anticipation for the film, which remains one of the studio’s most talked-about releases for 2025.