Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Snow White made its grand debut on a sunny Saturday afternoon in Hollywood, marking a magical and intimate celebration for the beloved tale. The world premiere, held at the iconic El Capitan Theatre, was a scaled-back affair compared to the typical glitz and glamour of major Hollywood events. Rachel Zegler, the film’s Snow White, stepped onto the red carpet, dazzling in a light pink ballgown and sparkling diamonds, as photographers captured her arrival. Her co-star, Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, followed shortly, smiling for the cameras. The event was notably understated, with fewer photographers and reporters than usual, as the premiere emphasized a more private and curated experience.
The guest list included a mix of cast members, filmmakers, and Disney affiliates, all gathered to celebrate the film’s release. Director Marc Webb, screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson, and producers Marc Platt and Jared LeBoff were among the attendees, along with the film’s talented cast, such as Martin Klebba, Jason Kravits, and Emilia Faucher, who plays the younger Snow White. Songwriters Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, composer Jeff Morrow, and cinematographer Mandy Walker also joined in the festivities. The event was a celebration of collaboration and creativity, bringing together the team that brought this timeless story to life.
The pre-party, held in a tented venue behind the El Capitan Theatre, offered a whimsical experience for guests, especially the young attendees from the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando and Malibu. Sponsored activities included an Essie nail polish station with a magic mirror theme, specialty drinks like “Just One Bite” coffee, and a MiracleGro flower bouquet station. The event also featured apple-infused beverages, a nod to the iconic poisoned apple from the original tale and Shirley Temple’s role in presenting Walt Disney with an honorary Oscar for the 1938 animated classic. The atmosphere was enchanting, blending nostalgia with modern touches to create a memorable experience for all.
The premiere was just one stop on the promotional tour for Snow White. Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot have been busy spreading excitement for the film. Earlier this month, they presented at the Oscars, held at the Dolby Theatre across the street. Zegler then embarked on an international tour, performing the film’s new single, “Waiting on a Wish,” in Tokyo and Spain. In Tokyo, she was joined by Sakura Kiryu, the Japanese voice of Snow White, while in Spain, the medieval Alcázar of Segovia Castle served as a stunning backdrop, evoking the iconic castle from the 1937 animated film. Gadot, meanwhile, focused on press appearances in New York City, including stops on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, Live With Kelly and Mark, and Good Morning America. The promotional efforts highlighted the global appeal and cultural significance of the film.
Despite the excitement surrounding the film, Snow White has not been without its challenges. The project has faced controversy since its early development, particularly over the casting of Rachel Zegler as the titular princess. Some fans criticized her Colombian heritage, arguing it disqualified her from playing the character described in the original fairy tale as having skin as white as snow. The backlash intensified when Zegler commented on the problematic elements of the original story, such as the prince’s behavior toward Snow White, which she described as stalking. These remarks sparked outrage among some fans, who accused her of disrespecting the character. Zegler later clarified her comments, emphasizing that Snow White’s desire for romance was still central to the story but that the character also had other goals and ambitions.
The film has also faced criticism for its portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs. In 2022, Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage expressed concerns about the original animated film’s perpetuation of negative stereotypes about little people. In response, Disney announced that the live-action adaptation would take a different approach to the characters, consulting with members of the dwarfism community to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes. These controversies highlight the challenges of reimagining a beloved classic for modern audiences while staying true to the story’s essence. Despite these hurdles, the premiere marked a hopeful beginning for the film’s release, set to hit theaters on March 21. The event was a testament to the power of storytelling, the importance of representation, and the enduring magic of Snow White.
