Greta Gerwig's Barbie and Snow White Remake Spark Controversy
Greta Gerwig, director of the highly anticipated Barbie film (released in Italy on July 20, 2023, via Warner Bros. Entertainment, and in the US on July 21), is also facing backlash over her upcoming live-action Snow White for Disney. The Snow White remake, set for 2024, has drawn criticism for casting Colombian actress Rachel Zegler, replacing the seven dwarfs with magical creatures of various genders and ethnicities, and omitting the prince. Disney consulted with members of the dwarfism community to adopt a 'new approach to the story.' Gerwig's Barbie, described as a humanist and feminist work, explores gender roles in a doll world reflecting human imperfections. The film features no walls in Barbieland, symbolizing openness, and contrasts with the real world's desire to hide. Gerwig previously directed Lady Bird and Little Women.
Key facts
- Barbie film directed by Greta Gerwig releases in Italy on July 20, 2023, via Warner Bros. Entertainment and in the US on July 21.
- Gerwig's next project is a live-action Snow White remake for Disney, set for 2024.
- Snow White casting: Colombian actress Rachel Zegler as the princess.
- The seven dwarfs are replaced by magical creatures of various genders and ethnicities.
- The prince character is absent from the Snow White remake.
- Disney consulted with members of the dwarfism community for the new approach.
- Gerwig described Barbie as a humanist work, with no walls in Barbieland.
- Gerwig previously directed Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019).
Entities
Artists
- Greta Gerwig
- Rachel Zegler
- Noah Baumbach
Institutions
- Warner Bros. Entertainment
- The Walt Disney Company
- Rolling Stone
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy
- United States