Disney's upcoming live-action remake of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is generating buzz, not just for its classic storyline, but also for its modern casting choices. Leaked set photos reveal a diverse group of actors portraying the characters, reflecting Disney's commitment to inclusivity.
The photos, published by The Daily Mail, showcase Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as Snow White, and a multi-racial, multi-gender ensemble cast as the "magical creatures," a reimagining of the seven dwarfs. This change follows criticism from "Game of Thrones" actor Peter Dinklage, who voiced concerns about perpetuating stereotypes.
The images depict Snow White in her iconic blue and yellow dress, accompanied by the "magical creatures" in a field. Zegler's casting has already sparked discussions, as she is of Colombian and Polish descent, while Snow White is traditionally portrayed as a fair-skinned German princess.
Of the seven "magical creatures" shown, only one appears to have dwarfism. This shift in representation follows Dinklage's public critique of the original portrayal of the dwarfs. He questioned the film's progressive stance on casting a Latina actress while retaining the potentially problematic depiction of the dwarfs living in a cave.
Disney responded to Dinklage's comments by stating they would be taking a "different approach" with the characters and consulting with members of the dwarfism community. The company aims to avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film.
The live-action "Snow White" is slated for release in March 2024. The film's creative choices have sparked a conversation about representation and inclusivity in classic storytelling.
