Radio DJ Tony Blackburn, 82, has become an unlikely voice of support for Disney's latest live-action remake, Snow White.
Led by Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, Snow White landed in cinemas on Friday, March 21, but its opening weekend takings paint quite a gloomy picture for the film's success.
While the film is said to have topped the box office this past weekend against scarce opposition, it's estimated to have drawn in approximately $87.3m (£67.5m) across the globe.
This figure pales in comparison to the gargantuan $270m budget that was allocated to make the film.
Tony Blackburn has defended the Snow White remake
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Snow White's disappointing performance at the box office will no doubt be in some part down to the controversy surrounding the film in the build-up to its release.
Actress Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, was cast in the leading role of Snow White and has been a vocal critic of the themes of the Disney original.
Zegler admitted she "hated" watching the original, branded the Prince Charming character a "stalker", and insisted the remake would focus on "empowering" themes.
She also caused political rows with her public support of Palestine and vocal opposition to US President Donald Trump.
I’ve just seen a film my son-in-law has been working on,the new Disney production of Snow White.I can’t believe the negative reviews from the critics as it’s brilliant, kids and adults will love it.I loved the original film but for me this is even better. The songs are great and… pic.twitter.com/AK4VN4b6sb
— Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) March 22, 2025
Reports of a rift between her and co-star Gadot have also rocked the film, given that Gadot is from Israel and was once enlisted in the IDF (Israel Defence Forces).
Add to the mix Disney's decision to not hire dwarf actors to play the iconic seven dwarves in the film, it's no wonder Snow White has been accused of going overboard on "woke" agenda-pushing.
However, one man in the public eye who has lauded the flick despite its so-called progressive nature is veteran disc jockey, Blackburn.
The 82-year-old took to X, formerly Twitter, over the weekend to issue an impassioned defence of the movie - particularly as he has familial ties to the project.
"I’ve just seen a film my son-in-law has been working on the new Disney production of Snow White," Blackburn began.
"I can’t believe the negative reviews from the critics as it’s brilliant, kids and adults will love it.
"I loved the original film but for me this is even better. The songs are great and the production is fabulous.
"Sorry you film critics but you didn’t see the same film I saw, I loved it," he added, taking specific aim at the negative reviews that have plagued the film.
Snow White star Rachel Zegler has divided opinions with her political takes PAHowever, despite his passionate defence of the movie, Blackburn failed to persuade a number of his followers that Snow White was the decent watch he claimed it to be.
"It's because it's woke Tony. especially the lead," one followed hit back before a second echoed: "They have ruined Snow White!"
"The original is a classic. Not to be altered or characters removed!" a third similarly fired back before another added: "Not a chance the original can ever be bettered. Snow White without the dwarfs - no thanks."
And a fifth explained: "Tony the problem is Snow White and the things she has said. She has spoilt the film before it even had a chance. I for one will not take my grandchildren to see it and I know of many others who feel the same. I feel sorry for everyone else associated with this film."
However, there was still plenty of support for the film and Blackburn's stance among his followers.
"If the kids like it, what's the problem? For adults, nothing can replace the animated original," one X user diplomatically argued.
And another fan weighed in: "I saw it on Saturday night and I thought it was a decent film.
"The sequence featuring the rousing new version of Heigh-Ho was a highlight for me. Gal Gadot also stole every scene she appeared in as the Evil Queen." (sic)
