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Disney’s Snow White Controversy: Backlash, Social Media Scrutiny, and Box Office Struggles

The live-action adaptation of Disney’s Snow White has been surrounded by controversies, particularly involving its lead actress, Rachel Zegler. Following her casting announcement in 2021, Zegler faced backlash due to her Latina heritage, which some critics argued did not align with the traditional depiction of Snow White. The Cut+2EW.com+2Vulture+2

The situation intensified when Zegler made comments about the original 1937 film, describing it as “weird” and criticizing its outdated themes. She also expressed strong political opinions, including anti-Trump sentiments and support for Palestinian causes. These statements led to significant public debate and calls for boycotting the film. The Guardian+7The Cut+7Page Six+7

In response to the mounting controversies, Disney took measures to manage the situation. The company hired a social media expert to vet Zegler’s posts, aiming to prevent further public relations issues. Additionally, Disney scaled back the film’s premiere, limiting media access and red carpet activities. EW.com+5Vulture+5Page Six+5Page Six+1New York Post+1EW.com+4Page Six+4The Cut+4

Co-star Gal Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen, also became a focal point of discussions due to her pro-Israel stance, contrasting with Zegler’s pro-Palestinian views. This ideological difference reportedly led to tensions between the two actresses and influenced Disney’s promotional strategies for the film. EW.com+2Vulture+2The Guardian+2New York Post

Despite these challenges, Snow White was released on March 21, 2025. However, the film struggled both critically and commercially, grossing only $87 million worldwide against its $270 million budget. New York Post

This series of events underscores the complexities studios face when personal expressions of their stars intersect with public expectations and the business interests of major film productions.New York Post