Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Snow White is finally set to hit theaters on March 21. However, the film has been surrounded by controversy and criticism since its announcement. The movie’s star, Rachel Zegler, has faced backlash for her comments on social media, including criticizing the original film and slamming Donald Trump. Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, has also drawn fire due to her views on Israel.
In a bid to mitigate the damage, Disney is taking unique steps to promote the film. The movie’s world premiere in Los Angeles will feature a restricted press lineup, with only select outlets invited to attend. This move aims to prevent the stars from being asked about their personal opinions and controversies on the red carpet. Instead, Disney has opted for a more celebratory and family-friendly event.
The film’s marketing strategy has also been criticized as lacking in enthusiasm. Advance ticket sales didn’t begin until just days before the film’s release, sparking questions about the studio’s confidence in the movie’s success. However, insiders claim that this was always part of the plan, with a focused push in the final weeks leading up to the release.
Despite the challenges, Snow White appears to be tracking well at the box office. The film is expected to debut at around $50-56 million domestically, which would put it on par with other Disney live-action remakes. However, an exhibitor source warned that if interest doesn’t pick up in the coming weeks, the opening might be more in line with previous Disney releases.
The controversy surrounding Snow White began two years ago when Zegler was cast as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and faced criticism for her skin tone. The casting of the Seven Dwarfs has also been called into question, with some claiming they should have been CGI characters based on the 1937 film.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/snow-white-disney-rachel-zegler-controversy-1236159512