With Disney developing a live-action adaptation of their film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, there’s been a lot more controversy than you might expect. For example, iconic actor Peter Dinklage recently called Disney out regarding the film. He explained that it’s not really progressive if they continue to have dwarf actors play the titular dwarfs, especially if they’re going about just living in a cave and acting silly. While Disney has claimed they’re looking into a different type of portrayal for their dwarf characters, it seems not everyone shares the same thoughts as Peter Dinklage. In fact, Peter Dinklage is now facing backlash from other dwarf actors that believed he’s now depriving them of work.
This includes a video posted by actor Dylan Postl, who WWE fans will recognize as Hornswoggle. He also played the titular Leprechaun in the horror film Leprechaun: Origins. According to him, via The Daily Mail, Peter Dinklage actually cost dwarf actors a lot of jobs with his statements.
Specifically, Dylan Postl stated the following:
“It makes me so sick to my stomach to think that there are seven roles for dwarfs that can’t get normal acting roles, or very few and far between roles” Postl said, “and now they are gone because of this guy.”
Similarly, actor Jeff Brooks also feels like Peter Dinklage has the wrong idea about Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The actor, whose first role was Josh the Gnome, noted that Disney shouldn’t have buckled so easily because of Peter Dinklage’s comments.
“It scares me that Disney would change a decision that big over the comment of one actor. They have been too quick here.”
Furthermore, even talent agent Lauren Brooks was upset with the comments made by Peter Dinklage. She outright implied that he’s selfish to have said such things. Lauren Brooks, who has represented dwarf actors for 15 years, said:
“If he doesn’t want the competition then that is pretty selfish for him to deny other people the right to work.”
Finally, Katrina Kemp noted that these complaints are pointless because there’s no telling if Disney ever intended to use dwarf actors at all. The 31-year-old dwarf actor believes that they more than likely wanted to use digital effects to create the characters, which means that Peter Dinklage had no impact on the film after all despite the backlash. Of course, given the lack of details on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, it’s hard to tell how exactly they intended to portray the characters.
Thus, for the time being, we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Hopefully, however, all of these talented actors will continue to find work in the entertainment industry. While Peter Dinklage might’ve tried to have everyone’s best interests at heart, there’s clearly nothing wrong with portraying such characters. And if these roles allow them more work and opportunities to act, then they might as well.