A group of dwarf actors is planning to protest outside Disney Studios over the company’s decision to use CGI dwarfs in its upcoming Snow White remake, arguing that it denies real actors opportunities in what is supposed to be a live-action film.
Dwarf actress Ali Chapman called Disney’s decision a “total travesty.” Her husband, also a dwarf, expressed frustration over being “totally shut out” of a film that could have provided roles to multiple little-person actors.
“It’s hard enough in Hollywood,” he said. “Everyone’s trying to make their dreams come true. When you’re a little person, opportunities are few and far between. I was born to play Dopey.”
Their outrage is understandable. In an industry that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a core principle, Disney’s refusal to cast dwarf actors in Snow White contradicts its own messaging. If Hollywood is truly committed to representation, why exclude actors who would be the most authentic fit for these roles?
The controversy stems from comments made by actor Peter Dinklage, who criticized the film’s inclusion of dwarfs when the remake was first announced. “It makes no sense to me,” he said. “You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that [expletive] backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together.”
Following Dinklage’s remarks, Disney scrapped its initial plan and removed the seven dwarfs entirely, replacing them with full-sized “magical beings.” That decision was widely ridiculed, forcing the studio to adjust once again. Instead of hiring actual dwarf actors, Disney opted for CGI replacements—a move that has only fueled further backlash.
The protest organizer told The Standard, “If Hollywood is about inclusion and diversity, then you could have had talented little people actors in all of these roles.” He added, “This is a moment in history. Equality is a movement, but when it comes to little people, no one in Hollywood is listening.”
This is not the first time Hollywood has erased dwarfs from a major production. Director Taika Waititi’s Apple TV+ remake of Time Bandits also removed dwarf actors from roles originally designed for them, replacing them with average-sized cast members.
