Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage had some harsh words for Disney regarding its intent to remake Snow White and the Seven Dwarves this week, and the company has responded to Dinklage’s criticisms in a new statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“Literally no offense to anyone,” Dinklage said on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast on Monday, “but I was a little taken aback when they were very proud to cast a Latina actress (West Side Story and Shazam 2’s Rachel Zegler) as Snow White–but you’re still telling the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there.”
“It makes no sense to me,” Dinklage continued. “You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that f***ing backward story about seven dwarves living in a cave together? What the f*** are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough.”
Disney responded today in a statement to THR.
“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,” a Disney spokesperson said in the statement. THR notes that Disney has used cultural consultants in other live-action remakes, like Aladdin and Mulan.
In addition to Zegler, who will play the part of Snow White, Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot will play the part of the Evil Queen. Andrew Burnap will also join them. Amazing Spider-Man director Marc Webb is helming the feature. The picture has been in development for some time and is just now heading toward production. Disney has not yet offered a release date for the film.
