Disney's 'Snow White' Faces Controversy Ahead of March Release

Disney's upcoming live-action adaptation of Snow White, set to premiere on March 21, 2025, is facing a barrage of controversy and backlash from both critics and audiences. The casting of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as the titular character has sparked debates over 'wokeness' and race representation, particularly given the film's historical context and the character's traditional portrayal. Zegler's past comments about the original film, describing its prince as a 'stalker,' have further fueled the backlash, prompting Disney to alter promotional strategies, including barring independent press from red carpet interviews. Compounding the issue, the film has been criticized for its handling of the portrayal of dwarfs and the political implications of its leads, with Zegler and Gal Gadot expressing opposing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. As Disney navigates this tumultuous landscape, industry predictions suggest the film could achieve box office earnings between $45 million and $70 million despite the controversies surrounding it. The combination of a star-studded cast and modern reinterpretation of a classic tale positions Snow White as a potential box office player, though its release is mired in cultural conflict.