'Snow White' release plans change after Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot PR disaster

Disney has changed its plans for the upcoming Snow White premiere, choosing to keep it low-key after months of backlash surrounding its stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot.

According to Variety, the event at El Capitan Theater will still take place on Saturday, March 15, but media interviews on the red carpet have been scrapped in favour of a more controlled setting with only photographers and a house crew.

The studio initially planned a lavish global press tour, including major events in Los Angeles and London.

However, amid PR struggles, Disney has scaled back to a limited number of tightly managed press opportunities. One of the most significant is now set for Segovia, Spain — a small city far from the intense media spotlight.

The “anti-woke” backlash surrounding Snow White has been ongoing since Zegler, 23, was cast in 2021, with fans criticising her for not resembling the original animated princess, per the Daily Mail.

Zegler only made things worse when she called the 1937 film’s storyline “dated” and questioned Snow White’s love story.

“She’s not going to be saved by the prince,” Zegler told Variety in 2022. “She’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.”

Many fans felt her comments disrespected the classic fairytale film, further fuelling the criticism.