Disney's latest live-action spectacle, Snow White, made its grand debut in Los Angeles, and while the event was brimming with all the magic and charm one would expect from the House of Mouse, there was one unusual twist—most of the red carpet press was missing. The high-profile premiere, held at Hollywood’s iconic El Capitan Theatre, featured a dazzling array of treats, themed activity stations, and top-tier appearances, including Disney CEO Bob Iger and live-action film head David Greenbaum. But despite the extravagant setting, the event took a more reserved approach when it came to media access.
A Night of Magic with a Press-Free Twist
Instead of the usual press frenzy, Disney opted for a largely media-free premiere due to the ongoing controversy surrounding both leading stars, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. However, this didn’t put a damper on the evening's energy. Zegler, who plays the titular princess, and Gadot, taking on the role of the Evil Queen, were all smiles, engaging with one another and posing for photos. Both actresses participated in carefully controlled on-camera interviews with Disney’s in-house media team, ensuring a smooth yet highly publicized red carpet experience.
Adding to the excitement, Zegler shared a heartfelt moment on the carpet, embracing young actress Emilia Faucher, who portrays a younger version of Snow White, with an enthusiastic, "That's my girl, that's my baby!"—a sweet exchange that charmed onlookers.
Enthusiastic Reception and Fan Love
Inside the theater, the film began without any formal introduction, a common occurrence for El Capitan premieres. But that didn’t mean the audience wasn’t fully engaged. The first appearance of Gadot’s Evil Queen earned raucous applause, and Zegler’s debut as Snow White was met with even greater enthusiasm. One of the film’s major highlights? The debut performance of “Waiting on a Wish”, the first single from the movie’s original soundtrack, which was met with thunderous cheers from the audience.
Actor Andy Grotelueschen, who voices Sleepy, shared his excitement with The Hollywood Reporter, marveling at the sheer scale of the event. "The energy here is amazing. There are so many kids participating. There's animals. There's a deer. There are rabbits!" he exclaimed, capturing the whimsical nature of the premiere. When asked about the ongoing debates surrounding the film, he offered a grounded perspective: "In this day and age, I don't think you can please everybody. But I do know this movie was made with love and with reverence."
Controversies Loom Over the Celebration
Despite the night’s enchanting atmosphere, Disney took extra precautions due to lingering backlash surrounding Snow White. The controversy dates back to the film’s casting, as Zegler, of Colombian descent, was chosen to portray the traditionally white princess. Adding fuel to the fire, Zegler’s past comments about the original Snow White film sparked heated discussions. She criticized it as "extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power," and questioned the nature of Snow White’s romance, calling out the prince's actions as "literally stalking her." Defending the modernized approach, she doubled down on the film’s contemporary twist: "People are making these jokes about ours being the PC Snow White, where it's like, yeah, it is—because it needed that."
Meanwhile, Gal Gadot has also faced her share of controversy due to her outspoken support for Israel, a topic that has ignited debates, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions following the October 7 attack by Hamas. While the two actresses’ differing controversies created a unique PR challenge, Disney carefully navigated the situation with its media strategy.
A Different Approach to International Promotion
Rather than following a traditional blockbuster rollout, Disney made calculated moves for Snow White’s global debut. Instead of hosting a major U.K. premiere, the studio opted for a more understated event in Spain. Zegler performed “Waiting on a Wish” at the Alcázar of Segovia Castle, standing alongside director Marc Webb, further adding a fairytale-like element to the promotional campaign. Meanwhile, Gadot focused on media appearances in New York, making rounds on Good Morning America, Live With Kelly & Mark, and The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon.
A Bold New Take on a Classic Tale
With all the buzz surrounding Snow White, it’s clear that this film is no ordinary Disney remake. Whether it’s the casting choices, the fresh approach to storytelling, or the bold decisions behind the scenes, this adaptation has sparked conversations and divided opinions. But one thing is undeniable—Disney’s reimagined Snow White is here to make a statement. Love it or criticize it, this film is set to leave its mark on Hollywood and Disney history.
As the premiere night wrapped up, it was evident that despite the challenges, Snow White had cast its spell, enchanting audiences and setting the stage for what is sure to be a fascinating box office journey. Now, all that’s left is to see how the world embraces this modern twist on a timeless classic.
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