Disney has reportedly decided to prohibit outside media from attending the Hollywood premiere of the live-action “Snow White” on March 15, following significant backlash surrounding the film.
The media coverage will be limited to photographers and a house crew, a stark change from the typically extensive press presence, as reported by Variety.
The controversy stems from the casting of Latina actress Rachel Zegler as Snow White, which drew criticism. Additionally, Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, faced backlash after expressing support for Israel amid the ongoing Hamas conflict.
In contrast, Zegler posted pro-Palestine messages on social media and made harsh comments about Donald Trump, leading to further scrutiny.
The premiere festivities will be scaled back to a brief pre-party and a screening at the El Capitan Theatre, excluding the usual media interviews with the cast.
This decision reflects the ongoing criticism the film has received from various quarters. Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White has been described as a departure from the traditional narrative, claiming her character is not focused on being saved by a prince but on becoming a leader.
The film also faced backlash for casting actors without dwarfism to play the seven dwarfs, prompting comments from actor Peter Dinklage, who questioned the decision to tell the story of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” while prioritizing a diverse cast for the leading role.
Disney has stated that they are consulting with the dwarfism community to avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film.
Amid these controversies, the premiere’s media ban reflects the studio’s attempt to manage the narrative surrounding a film that has become a lightning rod for criticism.
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