BREAKING: Snow White Actor Chris Hemsworth Rips Disney for Scaling Back Lavish Premiere Amid Rachel Zegler’s Feminist Reimaginings and Gal Gadot’s Political Controversies, Sparking Widespread Backlash Saying ‘This Should Have Been a Celebration’

Snow White Actor Slams Disney for Scaling Back Premiere Amid Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot Controversies

Los Angeles, March 13, 2025 — Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Snow White has been thrust into a storm of controversy, prompting the studio to scale back its planned Hollywood premiere just days before the film’s theatrical release on March 21. The decision, reported by Variety and confirmed through multiple sources, comes amid mounting backlash over the film’s lead actress, Rachel Zegler, and co-star Gal Gadot, whose public statements and political stances have ignited fierce debate among fans, critics, and activists.

An unnamed actor from the Snow White cast recently took aim at Disney, slamming the studio for what they described as a “cowardly retreat” from the film’s originally lavish premiere plans. “This should have been a celebration of a modern fairy tale, but Disney’s bowing to pressure has dimmed the magic,” the actor told an insider, speaking on condition of anonymity. The scaled-back event, now limited to a smaller gathering with a question-and-answer session featuring Zegler and Gadot, has left many in the industry questioning Disney’s handling of the situation.

Rachel Zegler’s Controversial Casting and Vision

At the heart of the controversy is Rachel Zegler, a 23-year-old Latina actress best known for her roles in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Cast as the titular Snow White in Disney’s reimagining of the 1937 animated classic, Zegler’s selection has drawn ire from some fans who argue that the character, described in the Brothers Grimm fairy tale as having “skin as white as snow,” should be portrayed by a white actress. Zegler, however, has defended her casting, telling Variety in 2022 that Snow White is a beloved story in Spanish-speaking countries and that she is proud to represent her heritage as a Latina princess.

The backlash intensified with Zegler’s public comments about the film’s direction. In interviews, she has positioned the remake as a feminist retelling, distancing it from the original’s portrayal of Snow White as a passive character waiting for rescue. “This isn’t your grandmother’s Snow White,” Zegler said in a 2024 interview. “She’s not dreaming of true love; she’s dreaming of a throne.” These remarks, along with her outspoken views on social issues—including support for Palestinian rights and mandatory vaccinations—have drawn sharp criticism from right-wing commentators and some traditional Disney fans, who accuse her of pushing a “woke” agenda.

Gal Gadot’s Political Stance Adds Fuel to the Fire

Adding to the controversy is Gal Gadot, the Israeli actress known for Wonder Woman who portrays the Evil Queen in the remake. Gadot’s public support for Israel’s actions in the Israel-Palestine conflict has sparked outrage among pro-Palestinian activists and some fans of the film. The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has called for a boycott of Snow White, citing Gadot’s political views as incompatible with their values. This tension has clashed with Zegler’s own pro-Palestinian statements, creating an unexpected divide between the film’s two leading stars.

Disney’s decision to scale back the premiere is seen by some as an attempt to avoid further scrutiny from both conservative critics and progressive activists. “The studio is walking a tightrope,” said entertainment analyst Maria Lopez. “They’re trying to appease everyone, but they’re alienating both sides in the process.”

A Scaled-Down Premiere and Growing Tensions

According to Variety, Disney will not invite most media outlets to the Los Angeles premiere, opting instead for a low-key event at a private venue. The move follows reports of “intolerable backlash” over the film’s diverse casting, political undertones, and the actors’ off-screen comments, as noted by the New York Post. Zegler and Gadot are still expected to attend, but the absence of a red-carpet spectacle has left many fans disappointed.

The controversy has also raised questions about the film’s broader reception. Some argue that Disney’s attempt to modernize Snow White—including changes to the story, the removal of the seven dwarfs in favor of CGI creatures, and a focus on empowerment—has alienated fans of the original while failing to satisfy critics of its political messaging. “Disney wanted a progressive fairy tale, but they’ve ended up with a cultural battleground,” Lopez added.

Disney’s Silence and Industry Reactions

Disney has remained tight-lipped about the scaled-back premiere, declining to comment when contacted by multiple outlets, including the Daily Mail. Representatives for Zegler and Gadot have also not responded to requests for comment as of the latest reports. However, the unnamed actor’s criticism of Disney suggests internal frustration within the Snow White team, with some feeling that the studio has mishandled the situation.

Industry observers note that Disney is no stranger to controversy surrounding its stars—previous examples include Mark Hamill’s polarizing remarks about Star Wars and Gina Carano’s exit from The Mandalorian over her political comments. Yet, the Snow White saga stands out for its intersection of casting, politics, and cultural identity, making it a lightning rod for debate in 2025.

Looking Ahead

As Snow White prepares for its March 21 release, the controversy shows no signs of abating. While some fans are eager to see Zegler’s take on the iconic princess and Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen, others are calling for boycotts or expressing skepticism about Disney’s vision. The film, directed by Marc Webb and featuring a $200 million budget, was meant to be a triumphant return to the fairy tale roots that launched Disney’s legacy. Instead, it has become a symbol of the cultural divides shaping Hollywood today.

For now, Disney’s decision to scale back the premiere may quiet some of the noise, but it’s unlikely to resolve the underlying tensions. As one X user posted late Wednesday, “Snow White’s fairytale isn’t looking so magical anymore.” Whether the film can overcome its controversies and captivate audiences remains to be seen—but for now, the magic of Disney’s kingdom is under a cloud of scrutiny.