Actor Martin Klebba, who portrays Grumpy in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White, recently expressed his disappointment regarding the studio’s decision to scale back the film’s release. Reports from Variety on March 11, 2025, indicate that the premiere will be significantly subdued.
Additionally, Disney has reportedly restricted media access, allowing only a select group of photographers and a limited house crew to cover the event. In his remarks to the New York Post, Klebba commented:
“I was a little disappointed,”adding, “I’m not disappointed in Disney. I’m disappointed in the world.”
The decision for an understated premiere may be connected to controversies surrounding lead actresses Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, as well as creative choices that have drawn criticism for being overly “woke.”
“Bummed”Martin Klebba Reflects on the Reduced Premiere of Snow White
Snow White is a reimagining of the beloved classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In this new version, Zegler stars as the iconic princess, while Gadot assumes the role of the Evil Queen. Klebba lends his voice to a motion-captured depiction of Grumpy.
In his discussion with the NY Post, Klebba emphasized the extensive effort that went into the film, noting that director Marc Webb dedicated four years to produce this adaptation in collaboration with producers and Disney.
“Just because a couple of people have views that not everybody feels the same way, now we’re having to alter the fun part of making a movie, which is premieres,”Klebba explained.
While acknowledging his disappointment regarding the premiere, the actor understood Disney’s cautious approach. He attributed some controversies to the casting of Zegler, a Latina actress, in the lead role, which sparked debates about racial representation in a story traditionally tied to a character described as having “skin as white as snow.”
Critics have also reacted to substantial changes from the original tale. Reports indicate that the seven dwarfs have been transformed into a diverse assortment of magical beings with varying ethnic backgrounds and gender identities, as outlined by Sky News.
Additionally, Zegler highlighted during a 2022 interview with Extra TV that the traditional romantic subplot in the original story felt outdated, arguing that the prince’s pursuit of Snow White was more akin to stalking.
As discussions around the film intensified, some called for a boycott triggered by Zegler’s pro-Palestinian viewpoints, differing significantly from Gadot’s stance in relation to the conflict in Gaza, as reported by The Guardian.
Expressing his desire to participate in the film’s premiere alongside his co-stars, Klebba shared:
“The world has come a long way. Whether you’re woke or not woke, God doesn’t make mistakes. Just be you and accepting,”he stated, adding, “Accept everybody for who they are and the world would be a great place.”
As of now, Disney has not issued a public statement addressing these developments. The film is set to premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood this Saturday, with a cinematic release scheduled for March 21.