Entertainment

‘Akin to Blackface’: 100-Midget March Threatened Over ‘Snow White’ Casting Full-Size Actors

In the film “Snow White and the Huntsman” — an adult twist on the Snow White and the Seven Dwarves fairy tale — dwarves are an integral part of the film, but the actors playing them were actually “full-size.” For this reason, the Little People of America and dwarf actors are protesting the film, even threatening a “100-Midget March.”

(Related: ‘Snow White’ put bite on box office with $56.3M)

Dwarf Actors Protest Use of Full Size Actors in Snow White and the Huntsman

Danny Woodburn (Photo: Celebrity.net)

Danny Woodburn, an actor whom you may recognize from Seinfeld, even told the New York Post “this is akin to black face,” which was when white people would paint their faces black to portray black individuals.

According to the Post, eight full-size actors were cast in the film instead of dwarf actors. The Little People of America, according to TMZ, has issued a statement saying certain characters in the film were ”specifically written to be played by little people … and other roles that would be open to people of short stature.”

The Post went on to report Wooburn as saying he wouldn’t have a problem with the way the film was cast if “they were casting little people as the doctor on ‘ER’ or the lawyer on ‘The Good Wife.’”

To modify taller actors into a dwarf role, the Post writes their faces were digitally imposed onto smaller bodies and their voices altered.

Here’s what a casting representative for the film told the Post about the decision:

“It was a casting decision, not a body-type decision,” a rep for “Huntsman’s” Universal Pictures.

“They [actors in the dwarf roles] came with pedigrees and recognizability.”

The actors actually playing the dwarves, despite being full-size in reality, are Nick Frost, Ray Winstone and Ian McShane.

Dwarf Actors Protest Use of Full Size Actors in Snow White and the Huntsman

(Photo: Snow White and the Huntsman)

While Woodburn graciously says these men are “fabulous actors” to the Post, he concedes that the manipulation of the content for the sake of “creative license” doesn’t “sit well” with him. Other actors are not so mild about it though. TMZ reports 4′1” Matt McCarthy saying he is organizing a 100-midget march to Universal Studios in protest. McCarthy also made the “black face” comparison saying this decision by the film ”is the equivalent of Universal casting a white actor to play a role written for an African-American person and digitally changing the color of their skin.”

What are your thoughts? Should Universal have reserved the roles for shorter actors? Share your thoughts in the comments.

The date for the march is still forthcoming.

If you haven’t seen Snow White and the Huntsman yet, here’s the trailer:

Comments (139)

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  • blograju
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:12pm

    The dwarfs were overlooked.

    Report Post » blograju  
  • Libertyguard
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:11pm

    We know all are equal but some are simply more equal than others.

    Report Post »  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 8:37am

      Shouldn’t the best actor get the role reguardless of size. These midgets want to discriminate against the average height people.

      Report Post »  
  • caleejr
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:01pm

    When a PRIVATE business wishes to spend their PRIVATE money on a project – realize this, it’s not coming out of your pocket. bunch of whiney…errr, I mean Squeaky, little people.

    *disclaimer*
    this in no way implies that little people have squeaky voices, or that all little people are siding with the short sighted mentality of the group protesting the movie.

    Report Post » caleejr  
    • Americansworking
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:18pm

      As a private citizen he also has the right to complain you idiot! Also to withhold business from companies. Do you feel bigger about yourself making fun of the disabled? What a jerk you are. Are there no kittens around you to kick?

      Report Post »  
    • mdeputy7
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 5:13pm

      I believe too much emphasis is put on the fact that short people are “disabled.” I’m not a midget, but I’m pretty short, and, while I got made fun of growing up, I’ve dealt with it and am moving on with my life. People take offense way too easily with things like this. I mean really…..akin to blackface? To be fair, what’s wrong with blackface anyway? Black people put white powder on their faces to emulate white people in comedy sketches and occasionally movies. Why is that ok? It’s only a problem if you start making derogatory remarks or attacking people while using those things. These midgets (dwarfs) were in no way being made fun of. They were simply not used. Quit whining.

      Report Post »  
    • whitenoyse
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 5:43pm

      “Disabled??” My rear. I’m at five feet. Vertically challenged? True, I can’t become an NBA star. Height enabled? You bet! The times are few that I’ve smacked my head on a corner cupboard or hanging branch. My lovely wife is 6 inches taller, two beautiful daughters, and I work with some of the tallest men on the planet. What you make of what you are given is up to you. Tall, short, deficient or excessive pigmentation… Who gives a rusty rat’s arse. The attention I’ve received due to my height has helped me “stand out” in a crowd. I use it to my advantage.

      Quit whining and start winning.

      Report Post »  
    • downhillmike
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 6:08pm

      Americansworking – do you feel more powerful by calling these people disabled? I don‘t think smaller people are disabled and don’t need you calling them that while trying to protect them from humorous remarks. Get over it.

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on June 8, 2012 at 7:53am

      Maybe he looked for the BEST actors, regardless of size and couldn’t find enough little people to play all the roles. That’s what happens when you look at the best and not statistics of minority. I would hate to be cast because I was the best little person they could find. I would rather be the best person who happened to be little.

      Report Post »  
  • Skee
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:48pm

    I think the ratio of a 100 midget march is the equivelant to 50 normal sized people.
    That’s not a very impressive march.
    Maybe he could lure some occutards to his march by advertising free stuff.
    Like, join our march and get all the free air you can carry.

    Report Post » Skee  
    • Americansworking
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:20pm

      So when you make fun of a disabled person that must make you about a tenth of an average person. Whata freak you are. I have to shield my child everyday from jerks like you. Your parents must be proud.

      Report Post »  
    • blackyb
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 5:39pm

      Yes, people should tie up their cats and dogs.

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • blackyb
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:47pm

      Are jerks considered disabled? Well you are politically incorrect talking to a jerk like that (and us.)

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • DIR
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 10:19pm

      Small people are disabled because they are small? Is that like black people are disabled because they’re Black? That’s nuts! Such comments might be considered racist by both conservatives and liberals, especially by those whom have been labeled disabled, but aren’t, because of how they look. Do I care what someone has to say good or bad in a semi-serious or joking tone, other than in a really nasty mean spirited way? Not really! For the most part should anyone really care about really nasty venomous commentary? A lot of people are using this politically correct stuff way to much. People make fun of men, women, orientals, fat, skinny, blonds all the time (especially black on black jokes and day to day commentary). The list is endless. Apparently the current cause ‘de jur’ is little people. Some people need to lighten up.

      On the other hand, if somebody is defending others to make some meaningless self aggrandizing, as if they really care, point, that’s a whole different situation. Because it’s BS and It threatens freedom. I think it is a point of concern. Right now It’s a great liberal trick. People who use this technique are mostly disingenuous or just plain stupid and more often than not end up stepping in their own politically correct BS Irrespective of the stupidity, it still fosters a devisive atmosphere.

      Just a casual oberservation!

      Report Post »  
  • whitenoyse
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:46pm

    I am the founder of S.H.R.I.M.P.S., Short People Representing Insecure Minute Persons in Society. This organization was formed in the 70′s for “those of us who like to jive, and measure under five-foot-five.” As such, I believe this is a frivolous assault on a non-issue. After all, if average-sized people are outlawed from playing short person roles, then only outlaws will be average-sized people who are playing…, well, you get the idea.

    I think this over reaction is very short-sighted. Would little(r) people then be banned from roles that cast them as taller? Mickey Rooney, anyone??? We need to look at the big picture here. Size doesn’t matter. But the march sounds like a lot of fun! Where do I sign up??

    (I guess I‘m one of a dying breed that not only doesn’t get offended by height-related chuckles, but comes up with quite a few of my own. And, by the way, I am very blessed to have a wonderfully rewarding career with an NBA franchise. Lighten up, people, short and tall…)

    Report Post »  
    • Belwraith
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 6:00pm

      I‘m sure this wouldn’t have even been an issue if the movie hadn’t been so successful.

      Report Post »  
    • blackyb
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:54pm

      You are cool, dude. I think you would about make it in anything because you do have the overreach gene. Get going and good luck. (Do watch out for the cats and dogs.) Maybe you could take one of your own if they let marchers do that. Ask firs because you don’t want to get where you are going and have to dress the dog up like a horse and ride it. Well, maybe you could lead the parade if you took a great dane. That sounds like a winner. Seriously good luck with your march at least. I am not so inclined to support the forcing people to hire this one or that one, etc. Start youor own filming, etc.

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • whitenoyse
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 10:32pm

      Thanks, BLACKYB! I’ll watch out for those cats and dogs. I wouldn’t want to step in a poodle and drown! (Badda Bing!!)

      Report Post »  
    • whitenoyse
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 10:46pm

      Nutz!! I meant S.H.R.I.M.P.S = Short HUMANS Representing Insecure Members in Society!!

      My bad. Must be my short memory…

      Report Post »  
  • blackyb
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:43pm

    Well, to the midget actor who is comparing the used up race card to his shortness, get real. The race card is outdated. When you stand on a box to look taller, you are using a box face, so let it go and get real.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • blackyb
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:41pm

    Now we got ‘midget power’ arriving on the scene. These people who make movies hire who they want for the reasons they want. It is their business. Many midgets are not proportionately formed and are not suited for parts that they want. I have nothing against midgets, but artists have an instinct to what is going to develop their own work. Keep it real. Be who you are and find your own strengths in that and work with it. Quit forcing your race, stature and form on others who are doing their own thing. You do your own thing and be proud of it. Make and pay for your own artistic development (hopefully it is decent) and utilize this to your own advantage. This is America you have the right to pursue your own happines, but not the right to force yourselves on others.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • Obamujahadeen
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:40pm

    They need that Animal Planet Shortywood crew out there to crack some heads! ;)

    Gotta weed out those ‘heighteners’ and ‘anti midgites’ (anti dentites,Seinfeld) out there ; )

    Report Post » Obamujahadeen  
  • SREGN
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:38pm

    When they march do they have to take twice as many steps?

    Report Post »  
    • Americansworking
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:24pm

      Did you have to use double the time to think of that slam that an average person. A person who was smart would not make fun of the disabled. Hope you don‘t have children as we don’t need any more cruel hearted people like you in the world. Are you going to make fun of GB’s kid too? You must be proud of yourself because no one else is.

      Report Post »  
    • SREGN
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:57pm

      Sorry AmericansWorking, I didn’t realize the humor-challenged would also be reading this.

      Report Post »  
    • oldduffer
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 7:31pm

      Make fun of my disabilites all the time. If I took it as serious as some are taking it then I wouldn’t have time for anything else. I’d be too busy feeling sorry for myself being reminded by short minded people all the time. Get a life and lighten up and teach the kids and yourself too laugh a little. If you‘re nice I’ll let you chase people pushing my wheelchair while I trip them with a cane.

      Report Post »  
    • oldduffer
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 7:35pm

      My comment was for AmericansWorking. Get a life and learn to laugh.

      Report Post »  
  • Iron_Wyll
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:37pm

    Why make such a big thing out of such small matters? Does movie casting dwarf all other issues? Is it a microcosm for the larger political situation? Do we intend to shrink from our duties or will we rise up, stand tall and draw our bows as we yell “Pluck yew!” I’m just syaing.

    Report Post » Iron_Wyll  
  • EBL
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:35pm

    http://evilbloggerlady.blogspot.com/2012/06/protests-we-hope-actually-happen-100.html How small minded of the producers!

    Report Post » EBL  
  • contkmi
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:34pm

    It was a small turnout.

    Report Post » contkmi  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:46pm

      Nice. You get an A+

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • EBL
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:10pm

      And they can only do a little damage anyway.

      Report Post » EBL  
    • Americansworking
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:26pm

      Why did your brain show up? Hope someone brought a microscope. If you hurry you might be able to find a child to punch or something? Feel better about yourself making fun of the disabled? WOW you da man!

      Report Post »  
  • FedUpWithLibs
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:33pm

    A digitized “normal” size person has a whole different look than a dwarf. The proportions are different. If the people making the film wanted the dwarf characters to look like hobbits and not the standard dwarf that’s fine with me. I highly doubt they are “heightist” of what ever the fu_k you call it. This political correct bullsh_t is ruining our country.

    Report Post » FedUpWithLibs  
    • Americansworking
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:28pm

      Then maybe they should just use special effects for every character?

      Report Post »  
    • RLTW
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:38pm

      The way the film industry is going my hope is all actors will be A-political Avatars soon. But hopefully not Denzel Washington he’s the only real actor remaining.

      Report Post »  
  • Justone View
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:33pm

    DON’T MESS WITH GOOFY!
    He is my patron saint!

    Report Post » Justone View  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:33pm

    Geez, didn‘t they use ’full sized’ actors in the Hobbit Trilogy? Where was the squabble then?

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • Americansworking
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:30pm

      It was the same maybe you just did not see it. Ops for disbaled people can come few and far between and it is a shame to not have the roles filled by the people it was written about. The story was not Snow White and the seven computer altered people

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 6:30pm

      Hi RJJ,

      Have you heard? The mouse can read but he can’t write. : )

      Report Post » The-Monk  
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:33pm

    Now that’s funny!!!!!!!!

    Of course all the main hobbits and dwarves in the LOTR were “big folk”. The doubles were dwarves, I mean midgets, I mean vertically challenged, I mean little peo….. Aw, you know what I mean.

    Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • Ars21689
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:31pm

    If I had to choose between watching Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, and Nick Frost over a bunch of no name dwarf actors, I’ll choose the first three. Although, they could have at least thrown Peter Dinklage in there. He’s a dwarve and an amazing actor.

    Report Post »  
  • Dagnabbit5
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:30pm

    I don’t remember there being any uproar when Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Ian Holm, Dominic Monaghan, and John Rhys-Davies were all cast as little people in The Lord of the Rings triology.

    Report Post »  
    • SiKa7x
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:32pm

      My thoughts exactly! I thought of Gimli as soon as i read this

      Report Post »  
  • TheLeftMadeMeRight
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:29pm

    Look out Walt Disney! If the dwarfs win in court they’re coming after you and Goofy next!!!

    Report Post » TheLeftMadeMeRight  
  • DimmuBorgir
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:27pm

    Um, they did cast a white person to play a black person. Anyone remember Tropic Thunder:

    “I know who I am. I‘m the dude playin’ the dude, disguised as another dude!

    Report Post » DimmuBorgir  
  • Mutiny
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:27pm

    Let them march. Not everything is fair.

    Report Post » Mutiny  
  • Ravings of a lunatic planet
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:26pm

    They have a point here. WTH’s the deal with full size actors playing the rolls of the “dwarfs”? What part of dwarf did they not get? Geesh.

    Report Post » Ravings of a lunatic planet  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:24pm

    Hollywood liberals are evil nanosophobes!

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • nobull14
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:22pm

    Follow the yellow brick road !!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • EBL
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:19pm

    You know saying the word midget is like saying the N-word. You size-ists you!

    Report Post » EBL  
    • betterthantv
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:26pm

      Exactly what I was thinking. I thought they wanted to be called “Little People”. Kind of odd.

      Report Post » betterthantv  
    • DimmuBorgir
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:43pm

      Didn‘t you know it’s only offensive if people of average height say that word.

      same with the other “harmful” words that only certain people can say because it’s “our word” as they like to say.

      DimmuBorgir  
    • TJexcite
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:48pm

      It is not akin it is.Thanks to computers and CIG what will stop them from having a modern day black face. Ray Winstone was the animated Beowulf but you would no know that as it was a composite design. What would stop them from making a traditionally black character computer rendered to be be played by a white actor. there would be uproar.

      Same here as Snow white was a reanimation they could have the dwarfs different but why bother making them short in the computer when they could have found at least 5 little people to be some of them. Wish them the best and hope that just because computers can does not mean you should.

      Report Post » TJexcite  
    • EBL
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:09pm

      DIMMUBORGIR I accidently reported you when I was just replying. My bad. In french if would be a faux pas (a little mistake).

      I was just saying this is a protest that I hope happens. There is only a risk of a small amount of damage.

      Report Post » EBL  
    • The Sergeant Major
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:29pm

      EBL Your diminutive statement hit it home; though a little petite in your explanation you have found a way to insult the people of height. For every guy with “Napoleon Complex” their 5 guys with the opposite of napoleon’s undersized development. They are those that dislike any guy with an shaved head, elevator shoes and a lifted F-350.

      Report Post » The Sergeant Major  
    • Americansworking
      Posted on June 7, 2012 at 4:38pm

      because midget is a word to describe a small sized replica of something not the real thing. Little person is more spot on, they are not replicas of average size people they are in fact little people. It is less then human or whole. Maybe that helps? I have always hated all PC terms until I have had to defend my child over and over in public when people run up and make fun of her because she was born different. And yes a certain number of people in this country and I imagine everywhere do come right up to disbaled people and point, laugh, ask stupid questions, try to touch sometimes etc etc. You do that everyday of your life and see if a word or a name may hurt?

      Report Post »  
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