Disney’s recent release of the second trailer for its live-action remake of “Snow White” has stirred significant controversy online. With a budget reportedly exceeding $300 million, the trailer has faced overwhelming negative feedback, accumulating thousands of critical comments in just a few hours. Many of the criticisms are focused on the lead actress, Rachel Zegler, particularly her post-election comments expressing animosity towards supporters of President Elect Donald Trump. Some commenters juxtaposed Zegler’s call for kindness with her provocative remark wishing that “those who voted for Trump never know peace,” highlighting a perceived hypocrisy in her statements.
Zegler’s apology for her inflammatory remarks came only after she characterized Trump’s supporters as emblematic of a “deep sickness” in the country. This sentiment has seemingly fueled a backlash, with some commenters reportedly hoping for the film’s villain, the Evil Queen played by Gal Gadot, to prevail over the titular character, Snow White. This response reflects a broader sentiment of disapproval towards the creative decisions made in the film, bringing to mind Disney’s troubled launch of the first trailer, which faced its own wave of negative reception. Recent statistics revealed that the first trailer received a staggering 735,000 dislikes compared to just 69,000 likes, emphasizing the film’s struggle to resonate positively with audiences.
The backlash appears to stem not only from Zegler’s remarks but also from a series of controversies linked to the film’s production and its narrative decisions. For instance, Zegler previously criticized the original 1937 animated classic as sexist and outdated, contributing to concerns about the film’s fidelity to the source material. Additionally, the decision to replace the traditional seven dwarfs with “magical beings” after backlash from actor Peter Dinklage further underscored Disney’s attempts at reinterpreting the classic fairy tale. This shift has been met with skepticism from audiences who feel these changes deviate from the beloved story.
Zegler’s political activism on social media, including her statements supporting “Free Palestine,” while promoting the film, has further complicated her and the film’s public image. Gal Gadot’s background as a former Miss Israel and IDF veteran has led to scrutiny regarding the political dynamics at play within the cast. Critics have drawn attention to the apparent disconnect between the film’s messages of inclusion and the controversies surrounding the actors involved, leading to a deeper dissatisfaction among viewers who are disillusioned by the perceived hypocrisy.
Viewer comments on platforms like YouTube highlight the widespread discontent with the new adaptation, showcasing a blend of sarcasm and frustration. Phrases like “The Queen is the true hero” and “If I saw this movie on a plane, I would still walk out” reflect a sentiment that rejects the new vision for the film. Many viewers feel that Disney’s attempts to promote a modern, diverse interpretation of the classic story have only resulted in a series of contradictory and confusing narratives. The backlash showcases not just a response to creative choices but also a frustration with the broader cultural shifts in media representation.
Scheduled for theatrical release on March 21, 2025, Disney’s “Snow White” remake will face the challenge of overcoming the substantial criticism and negativity it has already provoked. With the film’s significant budget and high expectations, it remains to be seen whether it can recover from its rocky start and reconnect with audiences that feel alienated by its creative decisions and the associated controversies. As the marketing progresses, Disney may need to navigate public perception carefully to bolster audience enthusiasm ahead of the film’s launch.