Title: Disney’s Live-Action “Snow White” Film Faces Delays Amidst Controversy
In a surprising move, Disney has announced a significant delay in the release of its much-anticipated live-action adaptation of “Snow White.” Initially scheduled for a March 2020 premiere, the film’s new release date is set for March 2025, with no official explanation provided by the studio. While Disney has remained tight-lipped about the underlying causes of the delay, it is evident that the film has been surrounded by a whirlwind of criticism and controversy.
The film’s leading actress, Rachel Zegler, has come under intense scrutiny for her remarks about the classic fairy tale’s narrative, which centers on the blossoming romance between Snow White and a charming prince. Zegler’s criticism revolved around the prince’s questionable actions, asserting that the love story portrayed in the 1937 animated classic was marred by these questionable character traits. She candidly stated, “Her romance with someone who chases her is a pivotal plot point. It’s odd, isn’t it? That’s why we decided against it this time.”
Elaborating on the film’s unconventional direction, Zegler emphasized that “it’s not primarily about the love story,” and she remarked, “which is genuinely refreshing.” These statements by the film’s leading lady have caused considerable controversy and raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike.
In another video, Zegler asserted that her portrayal of Snow White would not involve being “rescued by a prince” or pining for true love. Instead, she envisaged the character as one who aspired to follow her late father’s counsel and become a strong, fearless, just, bold, and honest leader.
The actress’s “woke” interpretation of “Snow White” has generated concerns within the industry regarding its potential impact on the film’s overall reception, although it remains uncertain whether Zegler’s remarks directly contributed to Disney’s decision to postpone the film. Some, including Jeremy Boreing, co-founder of The Daily Wire, speculated that the delay might be related to substantial reshoots, attributing it to the ongoing actors’ strike in Hollywood.
Boreing conjectured, “I suspect the SAG strike excuse is merely a smokescreen, and they are, in fact, reshooting significant portions of the movie to align it more closely with their own classic version.” Questions have arisen about how Zegler and her co-star, Gal Gadot, will handle potential backlash stemming from their comments on the film’s departure from the original storyline.
Adding fuel to the fire, videos featuring an updated portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs were leaked online in July, causing an overnight sensation. Audiences expressed their discontent with the portrayal of Snow White’s seven companions, one dwarf and six adults, deeming it inaccurate. While Disney disavowed these images as “official photos,” they did confirm their authenticity, further complicating the film’s already tumultuous journey.
In response to the backlash, The Daily Wire has unveiled its own live-action rendition of “Snow White and the Evil Queen,” starring Brett Cooper, known for “The Comments Section.” This marks the inaugural full-length production by Bentkey, a child-friendly media company that officially launched in 2023.
Jeremy Boreing, co-founder of The Daily Wire, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and stressed the importance of preserving the traditional values inherent in the original “Snow White” story. During a recent live-streamed Q&A session, Cooper, who takes on the role of Snow White in the upcoming film, shared her excitement and underscored the significance of reintroducing the timeless lessons of the original story to modern society.
“I’m thrilled for all of you to experience something that is exquisitely filmed and beautifully written, as we rediscover those enduring principles within the fairy tale,” Cooper remarked, emphasizing the enduring relevance of the story’s timeless ideals.