Disney’s highly anticipated ‘Snow White’ live-action reboot has hit a roadblock as the studio announces a one-year delay in its release. Originally scheduled for March, the film’s debut is now set for Spring 2025. The reason behind this sudden shift is still unclear, with speculations ranging from ongoing actors’ strikes to a massive wave of backlash.
Key Takeaway
The release of Disney’s ‘Snow White’ reboot has been delayed and the studio has decided to feature CGI-animated dwarves instead of using non-little-person actors as originally planned.
The delay news was accompanied by the release of the first official publicity picture, which confirms the replacement of the original plan to use non-little-person actors for the seven dwarves. In the image, actress Rachel Zegler is seen as Snow White, surrounded by CGI-animated dwarves who retain their characteristic short stature from the original animated film.
This change comes as a surprise following leaked set photos from earlier this year, which gave a glimpse of the dwarves’ appearance in the reimagined version of the beloved classic. The leaked images depicted a combination of typical-height actors and one little person, causing significant controversy and outrage online.
The casting decision to include non-little-person actors stemmed from actor Peter Dinklage’s public criticism of the ‘Snow White’ story, deeming it demeaning to little people and outdated. In response, Disney had vowed to take a different approach, but with the recent promotional image featuring CGI dwarves, it seems that the studio is backtracking.
However, the possibility of animating the dwarves raises concerns about the exclusion of little-person actors from securing these coveted roles. Furthermore, utilizing CGI for all the dwarves would also likely add significant costs to the film’s production budget. It remains to be seen what approach Disney will ultimately take and whether the current animated dwarves are temporary placeholders.
Another aspect of controversy surrounding the ‘Snow White’ reboot revolves around its lead star, Rachel Zegler. The actress has faced criticism for her previous comments expressing her dislike for Snow White and considering the story as outdated. Comparisons have been drawn between Zegler’s remarks and Halle Bailey’s approach to “The Little Mermaid,” highlighting a perceived difference in their attitudes towards the source material. It remains to be seen if Zegler’s perspective will change in the years leading up to the film’s release.
