Martin Klebba, who voiced Grumpy in Disney’s new live-action Snow White remake, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the film. The actor, known for his work in Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion franchises, says he is proud of the movie despite its premiere being scaled back due to public backlash.
Klebba explains that the decision not to invite press onto the red carpet was made by the filmmakers due to concerns over public reaction to lead actress Rachel Zegler’s comments on social media. Zegler had previously expressed her dislike for the original 1937 animated classic, citing outdated plot points, and posted critical comments about President Donald Trump’s election after his victory.
However, Klebba emphasizes that he believes the inclusion of CGI dwarfs was a necessary choice to bring authenticity to the characters. “We’re still going to be walking around,” he says, highlighting the importance of representation for people with dwarfism.
Klebba also expresses surprise at the decision to leave out the dwarfs in the film’s title, stating that it would have been ideal to keep them included. Despite this, he remains committed to his role and excited for audiences to see the movie. The Snow White remake is set to premiere on Saturday and will be held at the El Capitan Theatre.
As an advocate for representation in media, Klebba reveals his aspirations to play a Marvel character with dwarfism in the future. He praises Chris Pratt’s casting as “beautiful-looking,” hoping to bring diversity to the role of Puck. With this move, Klebba aims to showcase unique talent and challenge traditional Hollywood norms.
Klebba’s involvement in Disney projects is not new, having starred in films related to theme park rides before joining the Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion franchises. His dedication to his craft and commitment to representation make him a valuable addition to the Snow White remake.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/snow-white-premiere-disney-rachel-zegler-martin-klebba-1236163485