The Brett Cooper Show: "Snow White. What Happened?" - Episode 18 Summary

Release Overview

In Episode 18 of The Brett Cooper Show, host Brett Cooper delves into the tumultuous journey of Disney's much-anticipated remake of Snow White. Released on March 31, 2025, the film has not only fallen short financially but has also been met with widespread critical disdain and ongoing controversies surrounding its production and casting choices.

Origins of the Controversy

The backlash against Disney's Snow White began in September 2022 during the Disney D23 Expo, where Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, was cast in the traditionally Caucasian role of Snow White. Zegler's comments sparked debate as clips surfaced of her stating, "Snow White doesn't need a man. She's not going to fall for the prince... Maybe she'll even run for president" (04:02). This modern take on the classic character was perceived by many as a departure from the original narrative, igniting discussions about diversity and representation in beloved stories.

Cooper reflects on Zegler’s remarks, expressing frustration: "God forbid a woman dream about true love. We're all just sitting around here... That screams Disney princess" (04:11), highlighting the tension between progressive reinterpretations and traditional narratives.

Casting and Representation Issues

Adding to the controversy, Peter Dinklage criticized the remake for perpetuating stereotypes about little people. Initially excited about portraying one of the Seven Dwarves, Dinklage voiced concerns about the depiction of these characters, stating, "Take a step back and look at what you're doing here... It's still making up new woke" (09:10). Disney's response was to rename the characters as "Seven Magical Creatures" and utilize CGI instead of casting actual little people. This decision was met with backlash from the little people community, who felt marginalized by the change rather than empowered.

Cooper summarizes the irony: "By not actually hiring LP actors, they just fed into that and made them look silly and ridiculous" (10:05), noting that Disney's solution failed to address the underlying issues raised by activists and critics alike.

Financial Struggles and Critical Reception

Disney invested over $250 million into the production and promotion of Snow White. However, the film underperformed at the box office, earning only $43 million domestically in its opening weekend compared to previous live-action remakes like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. Cooper underscores the financial discrepancy: "Cinderella cost $90 million and brought in 91 million" (13:48).

Critically, the film received scathing reviews across the board. Initially, Rotten Tomatoes listed a 42% Tomatometer score, which later plummeted to 19% among all audience members. Reviews pointed out issues with the screenplay, direction, and performances, with comments such as, "Too cheesy, too over the top and too visually flat" (20:15) and "Gal Gadot's acting seems better suited for a Disney Channel show" (22:16).

Political Divides and Promotional Challenges

A significant factor in the film's downfall was the contrasting political views of its stars, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. Zegler openly supported Palestine, while Gadot expressed strong pro-Israel sentiments. This divergence created tension during promotional events, leading to an uncomfortable atmosphere. Cooper states, "Snow White is dealing with real issues. Maybe that's what you wanted all along" (26:19), referencing how geopolitical conflicts overshadowed the film's narrative.

Moreover, Zegler's integration of political statements into promotional materials, such as adding "Free Palestine" to her posts about Snow White, was deemed unprofessional. Cooper emphasizes the consequences: "When you are paid to do a movie... you are expected to do all parts of that job... Even if it spills into your personal life" (30:00).

Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil and Public Backlash

The internal struggles continued as Disney delayed the film's release to March 2025 and initiated costly reshoots, which failed to rectify the mounting issues. Public discontent was evident as theater seating charts showed minimal attendance, and online ratings sank to dismal figures, including a 1.6 IMDb rating.

Social media exploded with criticism towards Zegler, accusing her of jeopardizing the film's success through her political activism. In contrast, Gal Gadot faced less backlash due to her comments being separate from promotional efforts. Cooper argues, "Free speech does not mean that you are allowed to say whatever you want in your private employment without repercussions" (32:15), defending Disney's stance on managing the stars' public statements.

Conclusion and Lessons Learned

Brett Cooper concludes that Disney's Snow White serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of intertwining politics with mainstream entertainment. He advises content creators and corporations to prioritize artistic integrity and audience preferences over political agendas. Cooper asserts, "When you compromise artistic integrity to appease people... people can tell we know and we are sick of it" (34:26), urging for more inspirational and universally appealing storytelling.

The episode underscores the importance of aligning promotional strategies with the target audience's expectations and maintaining professionalism in public representations. Cooper calls for Disney and similar entities to heed audience feedback and focus on creating content that resonates on a fundamental emotional level rather than getting entangled in divisive cultural and political debates.

Key Takeaways:

• Representation Matters: Casting choices in iconic roles can spark significant discourse on diversity and inclusion.

• Separation of Roles and Personal Beliefs: Mixing personal political views with professional responsibilities can lead to public relations disasters.

• Audience Expectations: Understanding and aligning with the audience's desires is crucial for the success of remakes and reinterpretations of beloved classics.

• Professionalism in Promotions: Actors and public figures must navigate their public personas carefully to support the projects they represent without overshadowing them with personal agendas.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Zegler on redefining Snow White: "Snow White doesn't need a man. She's not going to fall for the prince... Maybe she'll even run for president" (04:02).

• Cooper on Zegler’s portrayal: "She's not really smiling. She's not really happy. She's kind of sour... that is what this caliber of acting feels suited for" (22:15).

• Jonah Platt on Rachel Zegler's actions: "Narcissism is not something to be coddled or encouraged. That is what she did... She hijacked the conversation for her own immature desires" (33:44).

This episode of The Brett Cooper Show offers a comprehensive analysis of why Disney's Snow White failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike, highlighting the intricate balance between modern reinterpretations and maintaining the core essence that makes classic stories timeless.