Disney Delays Snow White Remake Following Controversial Backlash

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The Snow White and the Seven Dwarves remake from Disney has been postponed.

Disney enthusiasts have expressed concern about the upcoming musical fantasy picture.

It is helmed by Marc Webb and features a screenplay written by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson.

Based on remarks made by Rachel Zegler, who plays the title role in the film, some have criticized the 1937 classic adaptation for deviating too much from the original.

In an interview with Extra TV, Zegler discussed the 1937 storyline, describing it as 'strange' and centered around a love tale 'with a guy who literally stalks' Snow White.

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"I just mean that it's no longer 1937. She's not going to be saved by the prince and she's not going to be dreaming about true love," she added.

Zegler's remarks, meanwhile, provoked criticism online. One admirer of the first film tweeted: "Rachel Zegler admitting she didn't like Snow White growing up, saying she had only watched it ONCE before getting the role is so sad to me. Out of MILLIONS of women who loved the character, care about the story, and yet this is who we get."

However, a different user supported the actor: "Miss Rachel Zegler should not be in such hot water over saying snow white wasn’t ahead of its time (true), it wasn’t a childhood favorite of hers (honest), and the remake is going to attempt more feminism (something I think ALL of the other live-action princesses have said??)."

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The director's son from the first film, David Hand, has even condemned Snow White.

He stated in an interview with The Telegraph: "I mean, it’s a whole different concept, and I just totally disagree with it, and I know my dad and Walt would also very much disagree with it.”

"[...] I’m afraid of what they’re going to do with the early films... their thoughts are just so radical now. They change the stories, they change the thought processes of the characters, they just aren’t the original stories anymore. They’re making up new woke things and I’m just not into any of that.”

"I find it quite frankly a bit insulting that they may have done with some of these classic films.”

"There’s no respect for what Disney did and what my dad did... I think Walt and he would be turning in their graves."

Disney has since disclosed that it has rescheduled the film's release date.

An update on Friday, October 27, indicated that the release date has been rescheduled from March 22, 2024, to March 21, 2025.

Disney did not provide an explanation, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, there is speculation that the pushback is connected to the ongoing strike by actors.

The postponement of the film's release highlights complex dynamics in Disney adaptations.

The studio aims to bring fresh perspectives and updates to classic tales.

However, it also faces criticism from those who cherish these stories.

The Snow White remake stirs debate about Disney's approach to its beloved classics, with its reception by both long-time fans and new audiences yet to be seen.