In the world of entertainment, representation matters. It is crucial to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, feels seen and heard on the big screen. Recently, there has been a debate surrounding Disney’s decision to not use dwarves in the upcoming live-action remake of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Actor Dylan Postl, a dwarf himself, expressed his disappointment, stating that roles were being “taken away because ‘progression’.” In this article, we will delve into the significance of inclusive casting, the arguments from both sides, and the need for representation in Hollywood. Postl argued that the roles were being taken away from the dwarf community, stating, “It’s not right!”

Fellow dwarf actor Peter Dinklage, renowned for his role as Tyrion Lannister in “Game of Thrones” had a somewhat different understanding of this situation. While Dinklage praised the character of Snow White being cast as a Latina woman, he took broader issue with the idea of the dwarf characters in general:

“Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there. It makes no sense to me. You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that f***ing backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together? What the f*** are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough.”

While Postl disagreed with Dinklage’s standpoint, citing instances where Dinklage had previously accepted dwarf roles in movies like “Elf,” he acknowledged the barriers Dinklage had broken with his non-dwarf roles. Postl questioned Dinklage’s authority to speak on behalf of the dwarf community, emphasizing that dwarf actors face significant challenges in securing roles in Hollywood. The limited opportunities available often stereotype them as elves, leprechauns, or other fantastical characters.

“Peter Dinklage spoke up about this, and that was my issue,” Postl said. “He had in the past no issue cashing checks that were made for dwarf roles like ‘Elf’ and all of that. Yes he blew away the barriers when he did his his roles that weren’t necessarily made for a dwarf but the ‘Elf’ role was made for a dwarf, that check cleared just fine.”

“It just doesn’t sit right with me,” Postl added. “What gave him the voice for all of our community?” he then asked.

"These are roles made for actors of my stature… I can't go for the Harrison Ford or the George Clooney roles."

Dylan Postl thinks the casting of the live action Snow White And The Seven Dwarves is the opposite of progressive.@DylanPostl | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #PMU pic.twitter.com/yvsgnw2fPl

— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) July 17, 2023

During the discussion surrounding Disney’s casting decision, the role of actor Hugh Grant in the remake of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” was brought up. Grant is set to play an Oompa Loompa, a character originally portrayed by dwarf actors in the 1971 version of the film. This raises questions about the consistency of casting decisions and the representation of dwarf actors in the industry. In the 2005 remake of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” one dwarf actor was used to portray 165 characters, further highlighting the lack of opportunities for dwarf actors in Hollywood.