The release of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, has been met with significant controversy, culminating in protests from the dwarf acting community. The decision to replace human actors with CGI-rendered versions of the iconic seven dwarfs has sparked outrage, with many little people actors arguing that the move is discriminatory and erases valuable opportunities for an already underrepresented group in Hollywood. The protests, which took place outside Disney Studios in California in March 2025, have drawn attention to broader issues of representation, political correctness, and the impact of technological advancements on marginalized performers.

A Controversial Casting Decision

Disney’s Snow White has been under scrutiny since its announcement, with debates ranging from the casting of Zegler, a Latina actress of Colombian descent, as the traditionally fair-skinned princess, to the reimagining of the story’s narrative to align with modern sensibilities. However, the decision to use CGI for the seven dwarfs—Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy—has proven to be one of the most divisive aspects of the production. The film, directed by Marc Webb and set for release on March 21, 2025, has been criticized for sidelining dwarf actors in favor of computer-generated characters, a choice that many in the community view as a step backward in the fight for equitable representation.

The controversy gained traction following comments made by actor Peter Dinklage in 2022, who criticized Disney’s decision to remake what he called a “backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together.” In response, Disney issued a statement promising to take a “different approach” to the characters to avoid reinforcing stereotypes, ultimately opting for CGI dwarfs after reportedly filming with only one actor with dwarfism, Martin Klebba, while using non-dwarf actors for the remaining roles. The final product, as revealed in trailers and promotional materials, features fully CGI-rendered dwarfs, prompting accusations that Disney prioritized political correctness over authentic casting.

Voices of Protest

The dwarf acting community has been vocal in its opposition. Ali Chapman, an actress who stands at 3 feet 8 inches, told The Daily Mail, “Disney has made a live-action film and instead of giving seven talented little people the chance to shine, they’ve scrapped us completely and used CGI instead.” Chapman’s sentiments were echoed by Choon Tan, a 31-year-old performer and bodybuilder from North London, who described the decision as “absolutely absurd and discriminating.” Tan argued that Disney’s reliance on CGI undermines the careers of actors with dwarfism, stating, “There’s nothing wrong with casting someone with dwarfism as a dwarf in any given opportunity. As long as we’re treated equally and with respect, we’re usually more than happy to take on any acting roles suitable for us.”

Disability activist Fats Timbo, who has achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism, told Sky News that Disney’s choice “reaffirms negative stereotypes of little people not being actual people.” Timbo suggested that a title like Snow White and the Little People could have reframed the narrative positively, providing an opportunity to educate audiences, particularly children, about dwarfism. She lamented the missed chance to showcase real actors, noting that the film is often a child’s first encounter with representations of little people.

The protests outside Disney Studios, organized by members of the dwarf acting community, were a public display of frustration. Demonstrators held signs reading “Real Actors, Real Roles” and “CGI Erases Us,” highlighting the economic and cultural impact of Disney’s decision. Reports indicate that the group has hired a prominent U.S. lawyer to explore legal action against Disney, alleging discriminatory practices in casting.

Disney’s Rationale and Industry Context

Disney has defended its approach, stating that it consulted with members of the dwarfism community to ensure the portrayal of the dwarfs was sensitive and avoided perpetuating harmful stereotypes from the 1937 animated film. The company’s decision to use CGI was framed as a creative choice to align with the film’s “magical” aesthetic, with the dwarfs reimagined as “magical creatures” rather than human characters. However, this explanation has done little to quell the backlash.

The use of CGI in place of human actors is not a new phenomenon in Hollywood. Advancements in visual effects have allowed studios to create increasingly realistic digital characters, often at a lower cost than hiring and coordinating multiple performers. Films like The Polar Express and Avatar have pushed the boundaries of motion-capture technology, but the Snow White controversy raises questions about when such technology crosses ethical lines. For dwarf actors, who already face limited opportunities in an industry dominated by able-bodied performers, the replacement of roles traditionally suited to them with CGI feels like a betrayal.

The decision also comes in the wake of broader industry debates about representation. The casting of Zegler, who faced racist backlash for her role, and the reported tensions between her and Gadot over their differing political views—Zegler is pro-Palestine, while Gadot has supported Israeli causes—have added layers of complexity to the film’s reception. Critics argue that Disney’s attempt to navigate these controversies by minimizing risk, such as scaling back premieres and avoiding traditional press tours, has only amplified public discontent.

Rachel Zegler’s Role in the Controversy

Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old star of West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, has found herself at the center of the storm. Her comments about the original Snow White film, made during a 2022 interview at Disney’s D23 Expo, drew significant criticism. Zegler described the 1937 film’s romance as “weird” and dismissed the prince as a “stalker,” emphasizing that the remake would focus on Snow White’s leadership rather than her love story. These remarks alienated some fans and prompted David Hale Hand, son of the original film’s supervising director, to call the remake “insulting.”

More recently, Zegler has been accused of exacerbating the dwarf actors’ grievances. A YouTube video titled “Rachel Zegler ATTACKS Dwarf Actors” alleges that she blamed the community for the controversy, though no direct evidence supports this claim. Another video suggested that Zegler urged Disney to use CGI for financial gain, a rumor that remains unsubstantiated. In a 2023 interview with Variety, Zegler described the technical challenges of acting alongside CGI dwarfs, noting that it was “intense” and required her to sing and perform to empty spaces on set. While she expressed excitement about the film’s “magic,” her comments did little to address the community’s concerns.

Zegler’s public persona, marked by her outspoken political views and social media presence, has made her a lightning rod for criticism. Her Instagram posts condemning Trump supporters and advocating for Palestine have polarized audiences, with some pro-Trump commentators, like Megyn Kelly, calling for Disney to “redo” the film. Despite this, Zegler has not been fired, as some rumors suggested, and continues to promote the film, albeit in a scaled-back capacity.

The Broader Implications

The Snow White controversy underscores the delicate balance studios must strike between innovation, representation, and cultural sensitivity. For dwarf actors, the loss of seven roles in a high-profile Disney production is not just a professional setback but a symbolic erasure. The decision to use CGI raises questions about the future of acting for marginalized groups, as technology increasingly supplants human performers.

Moreover, the protests highlight the need for meaningful consultation with affected communities. While Disney claimed to have engaged with dwarfism advocacy groups, the backlash suggests that these efforts were insufficient or poorly communicated. The industry must grapple with how to integrate technological advancements without sidelining those who have historically relied on specific roles for visibility and income.

Looking Forward

As Snow White hits theaters, its box office performance remains uncertain. The trailer, which garnered over 1.1 million YouTube dislikes, reflects widespread dissatisfaction, with comments criticizing both the CGI dwarfs and Zegler’s casting. Some fans have called the film “Snow Woke,” a nod to the perception that Disney’s changes pander to progressive ideals at the expense of the original story’s charm.

For the dwarf acting community, the fight continues. The planned lawsuit against Disney could set a precedent for how studios approach casting decisions involving marginalized groups. Activists like Timbo and performers like Chapman and Tan are advocating for a future where little people are seen as “actual people” on screen, not relegated to digital approximations.

Disney’s Snow White was intended to be a modern retelling of a beloved classic, but its reliance on CGI has transformed it into a flashpoint for debates about representation and authenticity. As the industry evolves, the voices of those protesting outside Disney Studios serve as a reminder that progress must include, not exclude, those who have long fought for their place in the spotlight.