Disney has claimed that it will actively try to “avoid reinforcing stereotypes” with its live-action take of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, following Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage’s recent criticisms of the upcoming reboot.
The studio is set to re-adapt its 1937 animated classic, which is itself a retelling of the 1812 German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, with the movie starring Andrew Burnap, Wonder Woman’s Gal Gadot and West Side Story‘s Rachel Zegler.
Speaking as a guest on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast recently, however, Dinklage criticised the studio’s decision to make the movie, calling it a “backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together”.
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Responding to the criticism, Disney has released a statement saying that is is “taking a different approach” to the original source material to “avoid reinforcing stereotypes”.
“To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
“We look forward to sharing more as the film heads into production after a lengthy development period.”
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During his appearance on the WTF podcast, Dinklage questioned Disney’s progressive credentials and their decision to tout the casting of a Latina lead in the project.
“Literally no offence to anyone, but I was a little taken aback when they were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White — but you’re still telling the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” he said.
“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 f**king backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together? What the f**k are you doing, man?
“Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough.”
Set to start filming in the UK this spring, the Marc Webb-directed remake of Snow White is gearing up to be an all-singing, all-dancing affair, with La La Land and The Greatest Showman composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul on board to write new songs.
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