The Los Angeles premiere of Disney’s highly anticipated film “Snow White” took place on 15 March 2025 at the El Capitan Theatre, drawing significant attention not only for its star-studded cast but also for the social media discourse surrounding it. The event featured Rachel Zegler, 23, portraying the titular character, and Gal Gadot, 39, as the Evil Queen, among other cast members and crew.

While the actresses appeared to maintain a professional demeanour on the red carpet, social media users quickly noted what they perceived as inauthenticity in their smiles. Many took to X to express scepticism about the relationship between the two leads, speculating that their smiles were “bad, fake, forced” and that the cordiality displayed was likely superficial. One user suggested, “Guarantee the smiles dropped as soon as they were done with the picture,” while another proposed that producer Marc E. Platt appeared to be “holding them back like two wild beasts trying to kill each other.”

Amidst these interactions, it is important to note that the backdrop of these observations is reportedly a long-standing tension between the two actresses, believed to stem from contrasting views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly as Gadot is from Israel. This speculation has further complicated the film’s public reception, especially considering ongoing debates surrounding the appropriateness of the remake itself.

Despite the buzz surrounding the actresses, the premiere marked a carefully managed affair amid controversies that have dogged the film since its announcement in September 2022. Reports from Variety indicated that Disney opted to scale back the premiere event, reducing media coverage and limiting press interactions, reflecting concerns about potential backlash.

Rachel Zegler attended the premiere dressed in a strapless blush pink gown featuring a corseted bodice and a voluminous skirt, topped with a diamond necklace that complemented her striking look. Upon expressing her excitement to TMZ about the impending theatrical release, Zegler stated, “It feels wonderful, thank you.” Meanwhile, Gadot opted for a sheer black lace dress with layered detailing, accessorising with a statement necklace.

The film’s journey has not been without its controversies. Critics have taken issue with Disney’s approach to revamping the classic story. Actor Peter Dinklage voiced his concerns, characterising the original “Snow White” narrative as “backwards” and highlighting the challenges inherent in retelling it with a contemporary lens. Dinklage remarked that while he appreciated the casting of a Latina actress as Snow White, it ultimately felt incongruous against the backdrop of the original tale.

In light of this criticism, Disney stated their intention to address stereotypes associated with the characters by engaging in discussions with members of the dwarfism community for the revised portrayal of the seven characters. Additionally, David Hand, son of one of the co-directors of the original animated film, conveyed his disapproval of the current remake, which he feels lacks “respect” for the original material.

The film, directed by Marc Webb, is set to hit theatres on 21 March 2025. As excitement builds for the release, the reception of both Zegler and Gadot at the premiere continues to fuel speculation about the dynamics within the cast, adding another layer to the narrative surrounding this modern retelling of a beloved classic.

Source: Noah Wire Services