In a high-profile showdown in Hollywood, Emmy-winning actor Peter Dinklage’s recent critique of Disney’s planned live-action remake of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” has ignited a torrent of discourse on Twitter, putting a renewed spotlight on the representation of Little People (LPs) in the film industry.
During a conversation with Marc Maron on his “WTF” podcast dated January 24, Dinklage, renowned for steering clear of the traditional roles earmarked for LP actors, praised Disney’s choice to cast a Latina actress as Snow White. However, he simultaneously voiced his strong disapproval of the continuation of the dwarf characters in the story.
Dinklage’s bold critique set social media ablaze and resulted in a significant response from Disney. The entertainment powerhouse announced a revision of the film’s character portrayal.
However, this maneuver has stirred a new wave of controversy within the LP and broader disability community. Critics argue this is a repeated pattern in Hollywood, where either actors of average height are cast and subsequently shrunken via CGI, or the roles of dwarfs are restricted to stereotypical representations. This ongoing issue contributes to an industry-wide dilemma of limited narratives for LP actors, perpetuating typecasting and underrepresentation.
While Dinklage’s proactive involvement in the debate is a notable change in his generally reserved stance on these issues, his elevated platform and subsequent influence have drawn mixed reactions within the LP community.
Twitter users were quick to weigh in on the ongoing debate. Some users threw their support behind Dinklage’s critique, citing Disney’s choice not to hire actors with dwarfism as a reflection of their prejudice. Others rebuked Dinklage for seemingly denying opportunities to other LP actors.
These are Snow White’s seven fucking dwarves!!? Where do they work? The Benetton mines!? Nice job Peter Dinklage pulling the ladder back up behind you. I’ll be watching Time Bandits for the 3 millionth time instead of this “for a modern audience” pandering shit! pic.twitter.com/PdoDN82q1G
— Movies Merica 🎬 (@MoviesMerica) July 14, 2023
Disney not hiring actors with dwarfism for their Snow White remake is not Peter Dinklage’s fault. He never said don’t hire them… he said portray them like complicated human beings not stereotypes. In response Disney chose not to portray them at all.
— DanDivination😈🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🇺🇦 (@DanDDoes) July 14, 2023
So instead of 7 little people actors getting an opportunity to be in a major motion picture, Peter Dinklage complained, and now Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is Snow White and the Seven Whatever the Fuck This Is. Seven little people actors lose out on a potential big break. pic.twitter.com/itscLRoqvI
— Trump Has Been Indicted (@DontSlapJokers) July 14, 2023
Disney strikes again…
Snow White is Hispanic and the 7 Dwarfs include 6 full-grown adults pic.twitter.com/cKLkFCuiKT
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) July 14, 2023
However, the heart of the issue extends beyond casting decisions. For a more comprehensive change in the film industry, there is a call for LPs to be integrated not only as actors but also as writers, producers, and directors. Such an inclusive approach could foster a more diverse and nuanced portrayal of the LP community, challenging stereotypes and enhancing understanding of dwarfism.
As the narrative surrounding the Snow White remake and Dinklage’s comments unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the progress still required in Hollywood’s quest for accurate and fair representation.
