In a whirlwind of controversy and internal turmoil, the production of Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of “Snow White” has found itself at the center of escalating drama, significantly affecting the film’s lead actress, Gal Gadot, and the entire Disney organization. Tensions have surged following a series of lackluster test screenings, particularly highlighting the performance of Rachel Zegler, who plays the title role. The fallout has led to the removal of a pivotal scene that Gadot, cast as the Evil Queen, had regarded as her standout moment.
The decision to cut this much-anticipated scene—featuring an intense battle between Gadot’s character and Snow White, supported by the Seven Dwarfs—came after the fifth round of test screenings revealed dismal audience reactions. While Gadot’s performance drew praise, Zegler’s portrayal and the overall choreography were criticized, prompting Disney executives to act swiftly in hopes of damage control. The move to eliminate the scene has reportedly left Gadot considering severing ties with Disney altogether, further complicating the film’s already troubled production.
Behind the scenes, the atmosphere at Disney has become increasingly fraught. CEO Bob Iger is under scrutiny as the company grapples with dwindling revenues and sweeping budget cuts. The “Snow White” project has been emblematic of Disney’s broader challenges, with reports of rewrites piling up and creative disagreements mounting. The recent decision to involve acclaimed director Greta Gerwig in rewriting crucial scenes has only intensified the unease, leading to speculation about possible delays in the film’s release, originally scheduled for March 2025.
Gadot’s frustration is palpable, especially after losing a key moment of her performance. She has publicly expressed her discontent over the executive decision to remove the scene, which she had been proud of, and has been instructed to reshoot it in a manner that diverges from her original vision. As tensions rise, Gadot is reportedly contemplating withdrawing from promotional performances tied to the film’s marketing campaign, an action that could significantly impact “Snow White’s” reception.
Adding to the complexity, Zegler has also expressed her grievances, partially blaming Gadot for the scene’s failure, citing exhaustion from multiple retakes that she felt hindered her performance. Insiders suggest that Zegler may have even lobbied for the scene’s removal, further straining the relationship between the two actresses.
The visual effects for the film have not escaped criticism either, with observers noting that the CGI designs for the Seven Dwarfs appear outdated, reminiscent of early 2000s productions. This visual shortcoming, attributed to last-minute budget cuts, has raised questions about the quality of the film as it approaches its release.
As the pressure mounts for Disney to deliver a successful film amidst this chaos, the company has taken drastic measures, including suppressing the release of footage from the original version of the scene. This strategy aims to mitigate additional backlash, reflecting a broader trend within Disney to avoid stirring up controversy, especially in light of the challenges surrounding both “Snow White” and other projects like the “Acolyte” series.
The situation surrounding “Snow White” has evolved into a full-blown crisis for Disney, threatening to tarnish the company’s reputation further. The backlash has intensified in the wake of Zegler’s controversial remarks and the growing visibility of Iger’s views on storytelling and ideology. This has led to a shift in consumer sentiment, with many families reconsidering their support for a film perceived as driven by ideological messaging rather than traditional storytelling.
As the drama unfolds, questions loom over the film’s future and Disney’s direction. Will “Snow White” be able to recover from this turmoil, or has it strayed too far from its original vision? The stakes are high, not just for the film but for the relationships within the cast and the overall integrity of the Disney brand. With the clock ticking, all eyes remain on the production as it navigates this unprecedented crisis.