In a dramatic turn of events just two months before the highly anticipated premiere of Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White,” lead actress Gal Gadot has reportedly cut co-star Rachel Zegler from key promotional campaigns. This decision comes amidst escalating tensions and significant backlash surrounding the film, which has already been plagued by creative controversies and public criticism.
Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen, is said to be frustrated with the film’s direction and the way Disney has handled its promotional strategy. Sources close to the production indicate that her dissatisfaction reached a boiling point following the release of the film’s teaser at Disney’s D23 Expo. Rather than generating excitement, the teaser triggered widespread disappointment among fans, primarily due to its heavy reliance on CGI for the dwarfs, who were entirely animated rather than portrayed by real actors. Critics have called the teaser uninspired, drawing unfavorable comparisons to previous Disney live-action adaptations.
The conflict between Gadot and Zegler appears to have intensified over the last few months, particularly as Zegler has made headlines for her controversial public statements. Insiders suggest that her remarks, which included dismissing the original 1937 “Snow White” as outdated and mocking the idea of a prince rescuing the titular character, have alienated both audiences and studio executives. Gadot, who initially joined the project with hopes of honoring the classic film, has reportedly grown increasingly uncomfortable with Zegler’s approach and public persona.
As the backlash against Zegler escalated, Disney executives attempted to shift the marketing focus towards Gadot, hoping to salvage the film’s image. However, this move backfired, leading Gadot to distance herself from Zegler entirely. Insiders confirm that she insisted on being removed from promotional appearances alongside her co-star, signaling a significant rift between the two actresses.
The film’s challenges extend beyond the lead actresses. Disney’s marketing strategy has come under scrutiny, with allegations that Gadot’s musical performances have been cut from the final edit, leaving her feeling blindsided and undervalued. Despite her extensive preparation for the role, including vocal training for the musical elements of the film, she discovered that her singing scenes were absent from promotional materials, adding to her frustrations.
As the studio grapples with one of its worst PR crises in recent memory, it faces tough decisions regarding the film’s future. Insiders suggest that Disney is weighing the financial implications of either investing further to rework the film or scrapping it altogether. With significant losses already incurred from recent box office flops, the stakes are high.
The situation has raised questions not only about the future of “Snow White” but also about Disney’s broader approach to filmmaking amid a rapidly evolving cultural landscape. As Gadot refuses to act as a scapegoat for the film’s shortcomings, the studio must navigate this turbulent environment carefully, balancing creative integrity with commercial viability.
With tensions rising and the film’s reputation hanging in the balance, “Snow White” has become emblematic of the challenges facing Disney as it seeks to modernize its beloved classics while also respecting their legacies. As it stands, the studio’s next moves will be crucial in determining whether the film can recover from its troubled production or if it will go down in history as one of Disney’s most significant missteps.
