Grumpy, Dopey, and the Woke Reimagining: The Controversy Surrounding Disney’s Snow White

As President Trump famously stated, “Everything woke turns to s—t.”

This observation holds true even when it comes to the attempts to reinvent a cinematic classic like “Snow White.”

This week witnessed one of the oddest promotional events for a movie ever. Instead of premiering in major cities, Disney opted to host a gathering for 100 guests at a secluded castle in Segovia, Spain.

Disney’s apparent goal was to keep the movie’s star — 23-year-old Rachel Zegler — away from the public eye.

It’s a unique strategy. Yet, it’s also quite understandable.

Zegler has a knack for ruffling feathers wherever she appears.

The controversy began three years ago, right from the moment Zegler was cast in the role. In 2022, America was still processing the aftermath of the BLM movement.

Wanting to appear progressive, Disney boldly announced that it was casting the first Latina to play Snow White.

Such a groundbreaking decision! You could almost hear the glass ceiling shattering over a character whose portrayal in a $209 million Hollywood remake was suddenly up for debate.

However, Zegler soon expressed her disdain for the original Disney film.

In an interview, Zegler described the beloved animated classic as “extremely dated.” To be fair, a film made in 1937 might indeed feel that way. But it was her next comments that raised eyebrows.

“[Snow White’s] not going to be saved by the prince,” Zegler told the media. “She’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.”

While Zegler may have believed her words sounded revolutionary, most observers felt it indicated that Disney was set to produce yet another movie with the same themes we’ve been bombarded with in recent years.

The “strong woman” trope has become a standard checkbox in contemporary Hollywood. It’s no longer sufficient to show a woman as equal to a man.

No, in today’s narratives, female characters must dominate, easily besting swathes of helpless men clad in armor.

It’s illogical. But that’s not the point; the objective is to deliver a message. Think of it as a social media mandate.

However, Zegler’s remarks drew significant backlash, prompting Disney executives to advise their star to avoid the spotlight. They seemed unaware of the Gen Z culture’s social media tendencies.

Last November’s elections further ignited controversy around Snow White.

When Donald Trump was declared President-elect, Zegler took to Instagram to express she was “speechless,” a statement that was unfortunately inaccurate.

She followed up by declaring herself “heartbroken” and stated that she hoped “Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself may never know peace.”

This was quite a daring strategy — targeting a significant portion of the voting populace that might have once filled theaters to see her film.

It’s no surprise Disney executives acted quickly; Zegler was soon in damage control mode, apologizing while asserting, “everyone has the right to their opinion even when it differs from my own.”

How generous of her! I doubt many assumed that divergent opinions weren’t allowed by a starlet who seems less than competent.

By this stage, Disney executives were reportedly in a panic about the trouble Zegler was causing. The studio has faced a string of mishaps in recent years.

It seems every project they undertake veers into woke territory, turning into financial disasters.

A couple of years ago, their remake of “Peter Pan,” titled “Peter Pan & Wendy,” followed a similar path to what Snow White appears to be treading.

Instead of celebrating the original or adding a modern twist, Disney opted to provoke audiences.

The emphasis on “strong woman” themes and the obsession with “color-blind” (or, more appropriately, “color-obsessed”) casting was suffocating.

The film tanked — an outcome that was entirely justified.

And it appears that the new Snow White will meet the same fate. Hence, Disney’s team is working hard to keep their “star” hidden away — in a remote castle in Spain.

Perhaps it’s best for her to be out of sight. One can only imagine how studio execs might be regretting not sending her off with a poisoned apple.

Protesters Exhibit Their Moral Bankruptcy

Speaking of entitled individuals, I found it noteworthy to read the statement from Mahmoud Khalil’s wife.

The New York woman, married to a Hamas supporter facing deportation, expressed her thoughts through legal representation.

She claimed, “My husband was kidnapped from our home, and it’s shameful that the United States government continues to hold him. I demand his immediate release and return to our family. His disappearance has devastated our lives. Every day without him is filled with uncertainty, not just for me, but for our entire family and community. Our loved ones are struggling with the pain and fear of his sudden absence.”

This stance is striking since Khalil and his associates are ironically implicated in supporting kidnappings. Seventeen months ago, their heroes in Hamas abducted 250 Israelis from their homes.

Among those taken hostage were many Americans, including 21-year-old Edan Alexander from New Jersey. Yet, I don’t see Khalil and his circle expressing any concern for his family’s suffering.

No major protests have erupted in New York demanding Edan Alexander’s release.

Figures like Zohran Mamdani haven’t shouted for Alexander’s release from actual imprisonment.

These individuals repeatedly expose their true nature. They champion hostage-taking if it involves genuine torture and suffering.

But when U.S. law enforcement does its job? Suddenly, they portray themselves as victims. Sorry, but I’m not buying it.