Art & Culture

Peter Dinklage calls out Disney for hypocrisy over Snow White remake. What happened?

Ishita SrivastavaJanuary 27, 2022 | 17:44 IST

Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage has, rightfully, called out Disney for the live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The 52-year-old actor who has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, called the remake "f*****g backwards". 

Dinklage accused the Disney studio of double standards by only paying attention to racial diversity in its cast, but not to the other damaging stereotypes in the storyline.

"I was a little taken aback by [the fact] they were very proud to cast a Latina actress [Rachel Zegler] as Snow White, but you’re still telling the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," Dinklage said on Marc Maron's WTF podcast on January 24.

Peter Dinklage. Photo: Getty Images

He went on to clarify on the podcast by saying, "Literally no offence to anyone, but I was a little taken aback when they were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White — but you’re still telling the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there. It makes no sense to me. You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that f*****g backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together? What the f**k are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough."

The Emmy-winner is not part of Disney's project. 

The Seven Dwarfs in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). Photo: IMDB

Disney responded by saying it was going to "avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film".

A Disney spokesperson told New York Post, "To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community. We look forward to sharing more as the film heads into production after a lengthy development period."

The original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs film, released in 1937, was the first full-length animated feature film from Disney. The movie has seen many adaptations over the years, all featuring the seven dwarfs living in a cave. 

The Disney remake, to be directed by Marc Webb, is currently in pre-production and is set to start filming this summer in the UK. Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot will play Snow White and the Evil Queen respectively.

Last updated: January 27, 2022 | 17:44
IN THIS STORY
Read more!
Recommended Stories