"Snow White" Premiere Brings Smiles Amidst Controversy
Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, the stars of Disney’s controversial Snow White remake, put aside rumors of a feud and shared bright smiles at the film’s scaled-back premiere in Los Angeles on Saturday. Held at the El Capitan Theatre, the event brought together the cast and crew for a celebration of the highly anticipated film. Zegler, 23, stunned in a rose-colored lace dress with a corseted bodice and a floor-length skirt, channeling her role as Snow White. Meanwhile, Gadot, 39, wore a sheer black lace dress with a ruffled miniskirt and a floor-length skirt, embodying the Evil Queen’s elegance and menace. The actresses posed for photos together, showcasing their chemistry despite reports of tension between them.
The premiere also featured appearances by other cast members, including Martin Klebba, Jason Kravits, George Salazar, Andy Grotelueschen, Emilia Faucher, Lorena Andrea, Dujonna Gift, and Idris Kargbo. Director Marc Webb, screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson, and producers Marc Platt and Jared LeBoff were among the key creative minds in attendance. The event included a red carpet pre-party and a screening of the film, though Disney opted for a smaller-than-usual gathering of photographers and reporters. Interviews were limited to Disney-employed personalities, such as Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
Controversy Surrounds the "Snow White" Remake
The Snow White remake has been no stranger to controversy in the lead-up to its March 21 release. One of the most significant backlash Points came from Disney’s decision to replace the seven dwarfs with CGI characters. The studio aimed to "avoid reinforcing stereotypes" from the original 1937 film, but fans and critics accused Disney of being overly "politically correct" and "woke." Additionally, Rachel Zegler sparked outrage when she referred to the original Snow White as "extremely dated" and emphasized that her portrayal would not depict the character as a damsel in distress.
Zegler also faced criticism for her political statements, including a social media rant against those who voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. This led to calls for a boycott of the film. Furthermore, rumors of a feud between Zegler and Gadot gained traction due to their differing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Zegler expressed her support for Palestine by writing "Free Palestine" on social media after the release of the first Snow White trailer, while Gadot, who is Israeli, has been vocal about defending her home country against Hamas attacks.
A Glimpse into the Press Tour and Promotion
In the days leading up to the Los Angeles premiere, Zegler and Gadot made separate appearances to promote the film. During an event in Segovia, Spain, Zegler performed "Waiting on a Wish" in front of Alcázar de Segovia Castle, which inspired the iconic castle in the original Snow White. However, she avoided press interviews during the event. Meanwhile, Gadot did not attend the Spain event, and Disney canceled the UK premiere entirely, scaling back the film’s press tour.
Despite these challenges, Gadot expressed optimism about the film’s potential, urging fans to give it a chance. When asked by a TMZ reporter if people should watch Snow White, she responded, "Of course — it’s a great movie." Her positive stance comes despite reported friction with Zegler, as sources close to Gadot have revealed her confusion over Zegler’s criticisms of the original Snow White. According to People, Gadot believes that criticizing a project you are part of is unprofessional and unnecessary.
A Bittersweet Celebration for "Snow White"
While the Los Angeles premiere of Snow White brought the cast and crew together in a moment of celebration, the event was undeniably overshadowed by controversy. The film’s efforts to modernize a classic tale have been met with resistance from fans and critics, and the tensions between its lead actresses have added to the drama. Nevertheless, Zegler and Gadot’s red carpet chemistry offered a glimmer of hope for the film’s success. As Snow White prepares for its release, Disney and its stars will likely focus on highlighting the film’s artistic merits and emotional appeal to sway audiences in its favor.
In the end, the Snow White remake serves as a reminder of how challenging it can be to reimagine beloved stories for modern audiences. While Disney aims to make the classic fairy tale more inclusive and progressive, the backlash has shown that not all changes will be universally accepted. The film’s success will depend on its ability to balance tradition with innovation and win over fans who are deeply invested in the original story. Only time will tell if this Snow White can carve out its own happily ever after in the hearts of viewers.
