The first reviews of the new Snow White film were released on Sunday – as controversy over the Disney remake rumbles on.
Following a series of scandals and PR nightmares that have beset the project, Disney have scaled back the planned lavish premieres for the movie to a ‘handful’ of tightly controlled press events.
The film has previously been branded woke over fears it has prioritised its messaging over authentic storytelling – while it is claimed there is a feud between the two leading actresses Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot.
A large scale premiere had been expected to take place at Leicester Square in London, but an insider informed DailyMail.com earlier this month that a decision was made to not hold one for the upcoming movie.
But despite the drama behind the scenes the early reviews for the film were glowingly positive, with both Rachel and Gal receiving praise.
Writing on Twitter, Variety’s film reporter Katcy Stephan penned: ‘Rachel Zegler is a shining supernova in #SnowWhite, beautifully embodying the graceful, gentle nature of the OG Disney princess.
The first reviews of the new Snow White film were released on Sunday – as controversy over the Disney remake rumbles on
Following a series of scandals and PR nightmares that have beset the project, Disney have scaled back the planned lavish premieres for the movie to a ‘handful’ of controlled press events
‘It’s a visual feast with show-stopping new musical numbers and, of course, dozens of enchanting animated animals. The screenplay wisely gives its heroine newfound depth through her fervent desire to become the leader her father believed she could be, and a love story that’s sweet as apple pie.’
Crooked Media’s Matt DeGroot was similarly positive, writing: ‘Despite becoming an internet punching bag Disney’s remake of Snow White is actually mostly successful!
‘Rachel Zegler is an absolute star, (most of) the new songs are catchy and beautifully performed, and the visual palette is sumptuous and vibrant. Gal Gadot had beautiful gowns.’
Screen Rant host Ash Crossan added on their social media: ‘Despite the bob being all over the place, #SnowWhite is quite charming!
‘The message lands well, the critters are adorable, and Rachel Zegler and her enchanting voice are stunning. It almost got a full tear out of me, and I’ve never cried in my entire life.’
The DisInsider’s Skyler Shuler agreed, writing on Twitter: ‘Listen, I was worried, but let me tell you Snow White is PURE DISNEY MAGIC!
‘This will end up being a lot of people’s favorite live-action remake.’
On Saturday, stars Rachel and Gal attended the film’s US premiere, but it was a significantly smaller affair than would be expected for a Disney fantasy with a budget of $270 million.
Shining a light on bosses’ attempts to limit the difficult questions star Rachel could face about the film, a select number of photographers, far smaller than the number expected for a Disney premiere, were invited.
But despite the drama behind the scenes the early reviews for the film were glowingly positive, with both Rachel and Gal receiving praise
On Saturday, stars Rachel and Gal attended the film’s US premiere, but it was a significantly smaller affair than would be expected for a Disney fantasy with a budget of $270 million.(pictured with producer Marc E. Platt)
The premiere is the latest scaled-back event from bosses to promote the film, days after raising eyebrows by holding a ‘secret’ screening in Spain where global press were shut out
Noting the number of children that made up the guest list, the screening, held at LA’s El Capitan Theatre, took place at 3:30pm after a pre-party celebration that lasted just 90 minutes, according to Variety.
Earlier this week, bosses also raised eyebrows by holding a ‘secret’ screening in Spain where global press were shut out.
Rather than the usual list of major news outlets flocking to the scene, local Spanish influencers and families from the small city of Segovia, which boasts a population of just 51,000, were among the chosen ‘VIPs’ in attendance.
When asked by TMZ over the weekend how she feels now that Snow White is finally about to hit theaters, she answered, ‘It feels wonderful, thank you,’ but failed to comment on backlash surrounding the film.
It has also been rumored that there is a ‘feud’ behind-the-scenes with Rachel and Gal over their contrasting views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
A source recently told People that the two stars ‘have nothing in common’ and added, ‘On top of that, their political views differ, adding to the tension.’
Disney’s choice comes following criticism and fears that the remake prioritized ‘woke‘ messaging over authentic storytelling.
Notably, the remake has dumped the traditional romance plot because of ‘sexism’ and reimagined the Seven Dwarfs as a diverse group of ‘magical creatures’.
Zegler herself has also criticized David Hand’s 1937 original animated film as ‘extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power and what a woman’s fit for in the world’.
‘The original cartoon came out in 1937, and very evidently so,’ she told Extra TV in 2022.
‘There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird. So we didn’t do that this time.
‘We have a different approach to what I’m sure a lot of people will assume is a love story just because we cast a guy in the movie.’
‘All of Andrew’s scenes could get cut, who knows? It’s Hollywood, baby!’ she joked.
About the 1937 film, she added: ‘I was scared of the original version. I think I watched it once and never picked it up again. I’m being so serious.’
Zegler also told Variety that her version of Snow White would be dreaming about becoming a ‘fearless leader’ rather than ‘dreaming about true love’.
Sources previously revealed to DailyMail.com that Zegler’s reputation as a ‘loose cannon’ nearly got her axed from playing Snow White.
Zegler’s strong opinions have prompted some haters to vow to boycott the film.
Reflecting on comments made on social media about her casting as Snow White, Zegler insisted she doesn’t even try to wrap her head why ‘Disney adults’ would have a problem with someone Latina portraying the beloved princess.
Zegler proceeded to reveal that the line describing her character’s ‘skin as white as snow’ will reference ‘another version of Snow White that was told in history,’ in which the character ‘survived a snowstorm that occurred when she was a baby’.
Zegler has also criticized David Hand’s 1937 original animated film as ‘extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power and what a woman’s fit for in the world’
‘The king and queen decided to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience,’ she noted. ‘One of the core points in our film for any young woman or young person is remembering how strong you actually are.’
The star also admitted that it was ‘sad’ to see so many people rip her apart for teasing that her version of Snow White would not not be saved by a prince.
Disney also sparked backlash after they announced that ‘magical creatures’ would replace the seven dwarves to ‘avoid reinforcing stereotypes’ after Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage criticized the ‘f****** backwards story’ last year.
Dinklage’s concerns were shared by some charities, including the Restricted Growth Association in the UK.
The story has also been criticised as being ableist for portraying the dwarfs with lesser intelligence and Snow White seeing them as children.
Disney later said it’s ‘taking a different approach’ with Snow White’s seven companions.
In December last year, sources close to the production said Snow White’s seven ‘dwarfs’ were not going to be fully computer generated, and wouldn’t be dwarfs at all. Instead, she would be befriended by magical, forest-dwelling creatures.
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