Martin Klebba, who voices Grumpy and advises on the miner characters in Disney’s new live-action Snow White, recently shared his thoughts on the controversy surrounding the film’s launch. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Klebba expressed disappointment that the movie’s premiere would not feature a traditional red carpet event. The scaled-back celebration at El Capitan Theatre, he explained, results from Disney’s caution over public backlash, which has overshadowed what should have been a major milestone for the studio.
Klebba Addresses Zegler Controversy and Defends Classic Representation of Dwarfs in Storytelling
Klebba noted that the premiere changes are believed to stem from controversy involving lead actress Rachel Zegler, though he had not received official confirmation. Zegler, known for her candid social media presence, previously criticized the 1937 Snow White for its outdated elements and expressed political views after the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Klebba emphasized his pride in the film and said he hopes audiences will give it a fair chance despite the surrounding drama.
Martin Klebba Defends Snow White’s Classic Storytelling and Shares Disappointment Over Quiet PremiereThe portrayal of the seven dwarfs has also stirred debate, notably after actor Peter Dinklage criticized Disney’s choice to revisit the story. Klebba defended the use of motion-capture technology for the miners and pointed out that dwarfs, as a group, deserve representation. He expressed confusion over why there was controversy at all, arguing that the tale is a timeless classic and that portraying the dwarfs remains a meaningful part of storytelling tradition.
Klebba Supports CGI Choices but Regrets Dwarfs’ Omission from New Snow White Title
Klebba acknowledged that using CGI for the miner characters made logistical sense, especially given the challenges of casting and the film’s reliance on visual effects. However, he did express regret that the new film’s title, simply Snow White, omits mention of the dwarfs, unlike the 1937 animated version. Although he personally would have preferred the original naming approach, Klebba ultimately trusts that Disney’s marketing team made the right decision strategically.
Reflecting on his career, Klebba shared his gratitude for participating in multiple Disney projects, including Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. Looking ahead, he revealed a dream role: playing Puck, a Marvel Comics hero with dwarfism. Klebba humorously called for greater diversity in the superhero genre, expressing hope that Marvel might one day cast actors who break the typical “beautiful leading man” mold.
