Disney has opted out of the London red carpet premiere for its live-action fantasy adaptation of Snow White, ahead of its March 21 release.
According to Metro UK, the studio has reportedly canceled the large-scale premiere for the major release to prevent any anti-woke controversy against the film. The Daily Mail reported from its sources that Disney expects an “anti-woke backlash” against Snow White, prompting them to reduce the media schedule to private press events with tight security.
The news source added, “That is why [Disney] has taken the highly unusual step not to host a London premiere for the film and are minimizing the amount of press questions that Rachel Zegler gets.”
Metro UK also indicated that no interview junket has been planned for the UK, as anticipated, with press opportunities to be held in another country instead as part of a European-wide junket. Earlier this week, the film launched its press run in Tokyo, with star Rachel Zegler performing the film’s first new song “Waiting on a Wish” live onstage.
Snow White has been mired with controversy, ever since the first announcement of Zegler’s casting. Backlash for the film ranges from its troubled production to the political opinions of its stars, including Zegler’s comments about the original film and Gadot’s military background.
Currently, Disney’s latest live-action remake is on track to open around $53 million at the North American box office, according to The Hollywood Reporter, quoting a Hollywood research firm. But the range is around $48 million to $58 million. If it continues that trajectory, it will continue the main studio’s middling streak of costly tentpoles, right after Captain America: Brave New World.
Disney may continue banking on its live-action adaptations. But with just two months away from the next Disney live-action remake and with no official trailer yet (ahem, Lilo & Stitch), the trend may be deflating.