First look at Snow White remake showcases diverse casting of ‘magical creatures’
We officially have our first look at the new Disney Snow White movie.
The live-action remake of the classic fairytale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs stars Rachel Zegler, who portrays the much-loved princess.
Photos were taken on set of the highly-anticipated flick as shooting took place in Bedfordshire this week.
West Side Story star Rachel, 22, wasn’t seen in costume, but stand-ins were used for both her and Andrew Burnap, 32, who will play a new character called Jonathan.
With actors of all different genders, ethnicities, and heights cast in the roles of the newly named ‘magical creatures’, the film offers a refreshing take on Disney’s original tale.
Andrew’s Jonathan also replaces the Prince in this modern tale.
Despite some already criticising the film for becoming ‘politically correct’ and negatively branding it ‘woke’, others are intrigued to see how the new approach to casting pans out.
The snaps captured cast and the extras in a large field as they headed off on a whimsical adventure.
And while Rachel herself wasn’t seen donning a red cape with her co-stars this week, she has already been spotted out in the whole Snow White getup.
There was originally some confusion as to whether the images were legitimate or not when DailyMail.com initially published the photos.
Shortly after, a Disney spokesperson told The Daily Beast on Friday (14 July) that the set photos were fake.
‘The photos are fake and not from our production. We are currently trying to have the Daily Mail issue a correction,’ Disney initally said.
However, when asked for a response to Disney’s claim, the Daily Mail said that the production studio ‘confirmed that stand-ins were used for both Rachel Zegler and Andrew Burnap in these images’.
In a statement to The Independent, a Disney spokesperson later clarified things.
‘The images that ran [in the Daily Mail] are not official film photos,’ they said.
‘These show stand-ins for some talent and do not feature Rachel Zegler or Andrew Burnap.’
Walt Disney Studios first announced the Snow White remake in 2016.
Despite the changes, there’ll still be elements of the original, as both of the iconic songs from the 1937 animation will feature, along with new tracks written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
The project hasn’t escaped controversy, though, as it’s already received backlash from one very famous actor.
With Rachel, Andrew, and Gal Gadot (as the Evil Queen) cast in June 2021, Peter Dinklage had some harsh words for the reboot.
The American star – who has achondroplasia – described it as ‘f***ing backwards’.
In an appearance on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast in January 2022, the Game of Thrones weighed in on Rachel taking the lead role.
‘I was a little taken aback when they were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White,’ he said.
‘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.’
He added: ‘You’re progressive in one way and you’re still making that f***ing backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together. What the f*** are you doing man?’
After announcing the changes they would be making to the well-known story, Disney released a statement in response to the criticism.
A spokesperson 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.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Shakira, 46, not bothered ‘whatsoever’ by age gap with rumoured lover Jimmy Butler, 33
MORE : James Cameron strongly denies wanting to make drama series based on Titan submarine tragedy
For all the latest Entertainment News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.