Disney is gearing up for its live-action version of the iconic Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (1937) which will be hitting theatres next year. Starring Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, and Andrew Burnap, the forthcoming film has been on the receiving end of a ton of backlash, for various reasons. One of the more famous personalities who took offense with the film is Game of Thrones actor, Peter Dinklage.
Peter Dinklage once bashed the film for being progressive in one way (by casting a Latina lead) and being extremely regressive in the other. The actor, who has a common form of dwarfism, Achondroplasia, has time and again used his fame and platform to address the issues concerning members of the dwarfism community. And Peter Dinklage did not sit mum when it came to criticizing Snow White.
Peter Dinklage Calls Snow White “Backward”
A few months back, Peter Dinklage appeared on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast where he applauded Snow White for choosing a Latina, Shazam actress Rachel Zegler, to play the princess. However, he did have a bone to pick with the studio as they were promoting outdated stereotypes when it came to the ‘Seven Dwarves’ part of the fairytale’s title.
According to Dinklage,
“I was a little taken aback when they were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White. 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 and you’re still making that f*cking backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together, what the f*ck are you doing man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough.”
After Dinklage stated his concerns, Disney released a statement saying that it is having a discussion with the members of the dwarfism community about how the film could avoid reinforcing the outdated stereotypes that were shown in the original, animated film. A spokesperson for Disney told The Hollywood Reporter,
“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.”
Well, they stayed true to their words. In July 2023, photos from Snow White’s production revealed the reimagined portrayal of the Seven Dwarves. The group now consisted of 6 males and 1 female of different ethnicities, with only one of them being a dwarf. Disney later stated that the photos showed stand-in actors. Now, actor Martin Klebba has been confirmed as a member of the group.
Peter Dinklage Faces Backlash for His Comments
While Dinklage might have the best interest of the dwarfism community at heart, it looks like his words did not sit right with other members. Actor and professional wrestler Dylan Postl did not support Dinklage’s point of view and stated that he is playing a part in taking away major motion picture roles from dwarf actors who would love to be a part of such films.
Talking to Piers Morgan, Postl stated,
“There are actors, dwarf actors, that dream to be in a major motion picture such as this Disney remake. And now, because Peter Dinklage said what he said last year, now, it’s being taken away. And it’s taken away because of ‘progression.’ It’s not right because these are roles made for actors of my stature, roles that aren’t ever really given…I can’t go out for the Harrison Ford or the George Clooney roles because that’s not for me.”
He also criticized Dinklage’s perspective of calling the Seven Dwarves backward as in his eyes, the characters in the animated film were “heroes” with individual personalities and not just creatures who dwell in the caves. Do you agree with Postl or do you believe Dinklage was right to take a stand?
Snow White releases in theatres on March 22, 2024.
Source: WTF Podcast
