In the latest episode of Disney’s theatrical circus, the mighty House of Mouse once again finds itself entangled in a web of its own making. This time, the drama involves its live-action remake of Snow White, with the starring role played by Rachel Zegler, a young actress whose personal antics and political outspokenness have seemingly cast a long shadow over the production. As Disney scrambles to control the narrative – and its profits – the unfolding spectacle seems more like a Grimm fairy tale for modern times.
Here’s the scoop: Disney decided to hire Zegler, best known for her unapologetic social media presence and firm political stances, as the face of its iconic Snow White. Now, one might think that casting an actress who eagerly tells dissenters she doesn’t need their money would be a risky move for a business that’s all about ticket sales. Yet, Disney took that leap, possibly under the misguided impression that controversy is good for box office numbers.
Indeed, Zegler’s penchant for alienating a sizeable chunk of potential moviegoers has led to Disney scaling back its high-profile premiere events. The company decided to tone down the glitz and glamour, scaling back the Hollywood festivities for a more subdued affair across the Atlantic, far from the prying eyes of the press. It’s like a royal ball without the prince – or much of an audience, for that matter.
The European premiere featured Zegler serenading a sparse gathering with a song from the film, in front of the original castle that inspired the fairy tale. Despite the picturesque setting, the turnout was more fitting for a school play than a Disney blockbuster. This quieter event seems to reflect Disney’s hopes of staving off further controversy, though the strategic retreat might simply underscore the doubts surrounding the film’s reception. The press, effectively banished from the scene, remained far from the music – literally forced to watch from the sidelines as Disney attempted damage control.
Meanwhile, as if this tale couldn’t become more Shakespearian, whispers of discontent have emerged regarding the controversy surrounding Zegler’s divisive comments. This has created a maelstrom of public relations issues.
As this saga unfurls, it’s clear that Disney’s latest Snow White venture risks becoming a cautionary tale on the dangers of mixing politics with fantasy. While the studio hoped for a blockbuster, they may end up with a flop – a blustery lesson in what happens when art strays too far from its audience. But given the kingdom clamor, one thing is certain: there’s plenty of chatter, if not charm, surrounding this fairytale gone awry.
