Disney's 'Snow White' faces backlash, security threats amid controversies

Disney's live-action remake of 'Snow White', released on March 21, has faced heavy backlash due to casting choices and controversial storyline changes, notably the decision to cast Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, in the title role. Critics and fans are divided, with Zegler's portrayal focusing on Snow White as a leader rather than a romantic figure, a shift that some view as empowering while others deem it unrecognizable. The film's performance at the box office has been underwhelming, debuting at $43 million domestically, significantly less than expected, which has raised concerns over its financial viability given its high production costs. Zegler's social media activity, including comments about the original film and political statements, has reportedly added to the film's troubles, leading to increased security measures for her co-star Gal Gadot amid rising tensions. The decision to use CGI for the seven dwarfs instead of casting actors with dwarfism has also drawn criticism. Amid the chaos, Disney has struggled to manage the narrative surrounding the film and its lead actress, further compounding the negative response.