Important Note: This article contains spoilers for the live-action remake of Snow White by Disney.
The recent remake of Disney’s Snow White has ignited a significant controversy, initially sparked by actor Peter Dinklage’s critical remarks. While the casting for the film has drawn attention for various reasons, one prominent concern is the portrayal of the seven dwarfs. Although it is common and often welcome for a live-action adaptation to diverge from its animated predecessor, the changes implemented in this film have not been well-received by audiences. The portrayal of the dwarfs has been a focal point of this backlash.
This criticism may explain why Snow White has fallen victim to review-bombing on platforms like IMDb. One would typically assume that those delivering negative reviews have seen the film firsthand, but the lack of verification on IMDb allows for unverified reviews to flourish. Many harsh critiques stem from viewers who have explicitly indicated their intention to watch the film through unofficial channels. Notably, Dinklage himself managed to be one of the most vocal detractors, making pointed comments about the film prior to its release, and without even viewing it.
Understanding Dinklage’s Critique and Disney’s Reaction
A Drastic Response to Sarcasm
Back in 2022, during an appearance on the podcast “WTF with Marc Maron,”Dinklage raised major concerns about the inclusion of the seven dwarfs in the live-action adaptation. His comments immediately stirred up controversy, leading to an initial response from Disney indicating plans to replace the dwarfs with magical creatures. This decision, however, later shifted towards utilizing CGI versions of dwarfs. Dinklage’s remarks, which were delivered with a noticeable tone of sarcasm, perhaps prompted an overreaction from the studio.
“Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there. It makes no sense to me. You’re progressive in one way but then you’re still making that fucking backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together, what the fuck are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough. I don’t know which studio that is, but they were so proud of it. All love and respect to the actress and all the people who thought they were doing the right thing. But I’m just like, what are you doing?”
Dinklage’s tone may sound confrontational due to the intensity of his remarks, but a closer listening to the podcast suggests a layer of facetiousness. Given his status as a prominent Hollywood actor, it seems unlikely he was unaware of which studio produced Snow White. Ironically, had he seen the film, it’s plausible he would have taken greater offense to the alteration of the dwarfs’ roles, particularly concerning their involvement in the downfall of the Evil Queen portrayed by Gal Gadot.
Introducing Quigg: A New Dwarf Character
Differentiating Dwarf Representation
Actor Martin Klebba was initially confirmed as one of the seven dwarfs, but his role is primarily rendered inconsequential due to the use of CGI. In contrast, the character Quigg, played by dwarf actor George Appleby, provides a refreshing take on representation. Coincidentally, Appleby shares a history with Dinklage from their time on “Game of Thrones.”Notably, Quigg stands as the sole authentic dwarf in the film, establishing a conceptual distinction between fantasy dwarfs and real individuals with dwarfism.
Quigg’s character also addresses the core issues Dinklage highlighted about stereotypical portrayals of dwarf characters. Amidst these discussions, Quigg emerges as a vital figure in the film, playing a crucial role in the narrative arc by saving Snow White’s life and contributing significantly to her romantic story. Nevertheless, the treatment of Snow White’s other dwarf characters underscores a missed opportunity for deeper representation.
Examining the Representation of Dwarfs in Snow White
Unintentional Oversights in Representation
While the narrative gives Quigg an essential saving moment, it sidelines the seven dwarfs and diminishes their roles substantially, reducing them to mere background characters. Disney’s decision to put a hold on the remake of Tangled suggests the studio acknowledges their recent missteps regarding public reception. It appears Disney is eager to learn from its cinematic errors, but the fact remains that these issues could have been circumvented entirely.
If the studio was capable of hiring a dwarf actor for Grumpy and another for Quigg, the question remains: why couldn’t they find five additional actors? By slightly altering the production’s content, such as changing the lyrics of “Heigh-Ho,”it would have promoted a more inclusive environment. Disney certainly had access to a diverse pool of talented dwarf actors eager for a role in Snow White. It raises concerns as to why they fell short in providing adequate representation amidst this ongoing dialogue on inclusivity in entertainment.