Disney's live-action Snow White remake replaces dwarfs with 'magical creatures'

Set photos from Disney’s upcoming live-action reimagining of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs reveal that the studio has opted for mythical diversity to avoid misrepresentation of people with dwarfism.

The photos indicate that Snow White's (Rachel Zegler) seven sidekicks are multi-racial, multi-gender and vary in height; and are now referred to as 'magical creatures'.

The cast were spotted shooting scenes in Bedfordshire, UK last week.

The images, where a stand-in can be seen for Zegler as the titular princess foregrounding her co-stars, confirm Disney's decision to "re-imagine" the dwarfs, after Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage criticised the studio's initial decision to perpetuate the 1937 classic's depictions, during an episode of Marc Maron’s 'WTF' podcast in January this year.

However, Dinklage was not opposed to a remake of the classic fairy tale, as long as it were given a “cool, progressive spin,” he said. “Let’s do it. All in.”

In a statement at the time, a Disney spokesperson said that “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.” 

Of the new seven "magical creatures" pictured, only one appears to have dwarfism, while the other six are seemingly fully-sized men and women of multiple ethnicities. 

The live-action remake will not feature a Prince Charming and will instead portray a 'stronger' Snow White who dreams of becoming a leader.

Gal Gadot also stars as the Evil Queen, Andrew Burnap as the film's male lead, and Ansu Kabia as Huntsman.

Snow White is directed by Marc Webb, from a screenplay by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson. It is co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Marc Platt Productions.