- Can Rachel Zegler play Snow White despite her skin? Rachel brings a modern edge to the role and faces backlash for her Latina heritage in a traditionally white character.
- Zegler’s version of Snow White will focus on independence and leadership rather than romance and traditional fairy tale tropes.
- The film has faced significant controversy over the depiction of dwarfs and differing political views between the lead actresses.
- Disney has reduced marketing efforts and press access due to the extensive backlash surrounding the film’s release.
Rachel Zegler, known for her roles in “West Side Story” and the upcoming “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” has faced criticism for her portrayal of Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake.
The backlash began when Zegler was chosen for the lead role in June 2021, sparking disapproval from some fans and conservative commentators who questioned the decision to cast a Latina actress as a character traditionally associated with the description “skin as white as snow.”
Despite the controversy, Zegler has defended her interpretation of Snow White, emphasizing that her portrayal will offer a contemporary twist. She explained that the character’s name is derived from surviving a snowstorm as a baby, drawing parallels to a storyline in ABC’s “Once Upon A Time.”
Zegler has also endured harassment, including instances where people have shown up at her door to hurl insults, primarily due to her brown skin and her casting as Snow White.
She’s been outspoken about reimagining the original tale, pointing out that Prince Charming’s behavior in the 1937 film could easily be interpreted as stalking. Her version of Snow White will focus more on independence and leadership instead of romance.
The film has hit additional snags, facing criticism regarding the portrayal of the seven dwarfs and the differing political views of Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot. Rachel Zegler has voiced support for Palestine, whereas Gadot has been known to support Israel, prompting some activist groups to call for a boycott.
In light of the backlash and ongoing controversies, Disney has pulled back on the film’s marketing strategy and restricted press access for the premiere.
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Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
