24-03-2025
'We're real people': Actor's fury as Disney replaces Snow White dwarves with CGI
A Manchester-born actor has told of his outrage at Disney's decision to use CGI for the role of the seven dwarves in the new Snow White film.
Greg Doherty, who has dwarfism, accused Disney of going 'backwards' and said the decision could damage the careers of dwarf actors. The 47-year-old, who has appeared in the Harry Potter films and is a regular in panto, said: "Film work for little people doesn't come around too often, but when it does it's really enjoyable, which makes what Disney is doing so disappointing. I think they've gone backwards.
"What they have done is deny very talented and hard-working people with dwarfism that are out there and could have fulfilled these roles."
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Doherty, who has been acting professionally since his early 20s after studying a degree in performing arts and has also appeared in Phoenix Nights, said Disney's decision also undermines the previous work done by actors with dwarfism.
He said: "I hold in really high esteem some of the famous actors like Peter Dinklage, who have left a real legacy by making some really great movies and TV shows like Game of Thrones, and that's something he should be really proud of. But there are young actors coming through the ranks now that have got more confidence in themselves because these actors have done these great roles.
"You can see them in their interviews, on the streets; they aren't CGI dwarves, they're real people. There are many people that I know with dwarfism and this has upset them.
"By Disney doing this, they've gotten rid of those little people being able to have a chance for community in and around the shoots, and have basically said they don't need these people in the future."
Dinklage has also criticised the decision to remake Snow White. Speaking on the WTF Podcast in 2022, he said it 'makes no sense'.
He added: "You're progressive in one way and you're still making that f***king backwards story about seven dwarves living in a cave together, what the f*** are you doing man?"
The Manchester Evening News has contacted Disney for comment.
In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney said: "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."
