Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage had some thoughts about Disney's upcoming version of a classic animated film, and he did not mince words.
In June 2021, Disney made a casting announcement for their live-action adaptation of the Walt Disney classic that started it all–Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The re-imagining of the 1937 film–based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale–follows the studio's recent trend of reworking their iconic films with 2017's Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson; and 2019's Aladdin, featuring Will Smith.
The new Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will feature Steven Spielberg's West Side Story breakout star Rachel Zegler in the titular role.
The casting of Zegler–who is of Colombian and Polish descent–is the mouse house's latest move in diversifying the role of Disney princesses, following the casting of Black actress Halle Bailey as Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
Although the new Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is getting lauded for its diverse casting, not everyone is embracing this remake.
Actor Peter Dinklage, who has a common form of dwarfism known as achondroplasia, called out Disney's double standards and for revisiting the “f'king backward story.”
The four-time Emmy Award-winner discussed his point of contention on the podcast, WTF with Marc Maron.
"There's a lot of hypocrisy for someone who is a little bit unique," Dinklage told Maron regarding topics that are considered taboo to discuss in the industry.
When Maron asked him to elaborate on the issue, Dinklage replied:
“No offense to anything, but I was a little taken aback … They were very proud to cast a Latino 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," said Dinklage. "It makes no sense to me."
The actor touches on the subject at the 43:00 minute mark in the interview, which can be seen, here.
WTF Podcast - Peter Dinklageyoutu.be
He continued:
“You’re progressive in one way, but you’re still making that fucking backward story of seven dwarfs living in the cave. 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.”
In all deference to Zegler, Dinklage questioned Disney's intentions.
“They were so proud of that, and all love and respect to the actress and the people who thought they were doing the right thing, but I’m just like, ‘What are you doing?’”
People weighed in with their observations, starting with some who were unable to identify the problem.
Others agreed with Dinklage how some films just don't translate well from cartoons to real life.
The new Snow White is directed by Marc Webb. Joining Zegler in the cast is Wonder Woman’s Gal Gadot, who will play the Evil Queen.
The re-imagining will feature an all-new soundtrack with songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the Tony-winning duo responsible for Best Musical, Dear Evan Hansen; and the 2016 musical film, La La Land, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.
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