Disney Says It’s ‘Taking Different Approach’ for Snow White Remake after Criticism

Peter Dinklage arrives for the premiere of the final season of "Game of Thrones" at Radio City Music Hall in New York, US, April 3, 2019. (Reuters)
Peter Dinklage arrives for the premiere of the final season of "Game of Thrones" at Radio City Music Hall in New York, US, April 3, 2019. (Reuters)
TT
20

Disney Says It’s ‘Taking Different Approach’ for Snow White Remake after Criticism

Peter Dinklage arrives for the premiere of the final season of "Game of Thrones" at Radio City Music Hall in New York, US, April 3, 2019. (Reuters)
Peter Dinklage arrives for the premiere of the final season of "Game of Thrones" at Radio City Music Hall in New York, US, April 3, 2019. (Reuters)

Walt Disney Co says it is "taking a different approach" for its upcoming live-action remake of animated movie "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", following criticism from actor Peter Dinklage.

In an interview on comedian Marc Maron's podcast "WTF" on Monday, Dinklage, who has a form of dwarfism known as achondroplasia, said the casting of a Latina actress in the titular role was "progressive" but called the story, based on the 19th-century fairytale, "backward".

"Literally no offense to anything, but I was a little taken aback...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," the "Game of Thrones" and "Cyrano" actor 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 you're still making that backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together? What are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I'm not loud enough."

The remake of Disney's 1937 animated film, in which seven dwarf miners take in a princess after she is exiled by her wicked stepmother, stars "West Side Story" actress Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Israeli actress Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.

"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 industry publication The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday and which was quoted widely in the media.

"We look forward to sharing more as the film heads into production after a lengthy development period."

When contacted for comment, a Disney representative referred Reuters to the published statement.

The new Snow White movie is scheduled for release next year.



Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Says He’s Leaving the Band After Nearly 30 Years

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
TT
20

Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Says He’s Leaving the Band After Nearly 30 Years

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)

Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron said Monday that he’s leaving the band after nearly 30 years.

The 62-year-old Cameron announced his departure in a social media post.

“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron said. “Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter.”

Cameron didn't give a reason for his departure.

“Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer. He has propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings. It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always,” Pearl Jam members said in a statement posted to the band's social media accounts.

They made no mention of a replacement.

Cameron, who played drums for Soundgarden for more than a decade before joining Pearl Jam, was not a founding member of the band and didn't play drums for the early albums that made them rock superstars.

But he provided some much-needed stability at the drum kit after the band had gone through four others since its inception. He first joined in 1998 as a temporary replacement for Jack Irons, playing on a long tour before making his studio debut with the group on 2000's “Binaural.”

He just finished a yearlong tour with the band in support of its 12th studio album, “Dark Matter.”

Cameron was born and raised in San Diego before moving to Seattle shortly before its music scene became a global phenomenon. He played in proto-grunge band Skin Yard before joining Soundgarden. He did double duty with Pearl Jam and a reunited Soundgarden from 2010 to 2017.