The Challenges of Reimagining a Classic: Rachel Zegler Responds to Criticism
Rachel Zegler, the young actress who will star as Snow White in the upcoming live-action reboot, recently opened up about the backlash she faced after being cast in the role. The 23-year-old actress, who is of Colombian descent, shared her thoughts on the situation during an interview with Variety, where she expressed how disheartened she felt by the public’s reaction.
“In all honesty, it made me sad that it was taken in such a way because I believe that women can do anything,” Zegler explained. “But I also believe that they can do everything.” Zegler’s casting received significant attention due to her ethnic background, with some fans criticizing the decision based on the original character’s fair skin. Despite this, Zegler has continued to stand by her portrayal of the iconic Disney princess, emphasizing the reboot’s modern take on the classic tale.
The live-action version of Snow White, set to hit theaters in March 2025, is intended to have a fresh perspective compared to the 1937 animated classic. Zegler noted that the film would present a Snow White who is no longer reliant on being “saved by the prince” or fixated on “dreaming about true love.” Instead, the character’s journey will focus on Snow White discovering her inner strength and becoming the leader she always knew she could be.
Zegler clarified her earlier comments, which some fans took out of context. “I would never want to box someone in and say, ‘If you want love, then you can’t work,’ Or ‘If you want to work, then you can’t have a family.’ It’s not true,” she stated. “The love story is very integral… we were always doing that; it just wasn’t what we were talking about on that day.”
A Reimagined Snow White with Stronger Themes
In the original fairy tale, Snow White’s name is derived from her fair complexion. However, in the live-action adaptation, Zegler’s Snow White will carry a different meaning behind her name. According to the film’s creators, Snow White is named after surviving a snowstorm as a baby, symbolizing resilience and strength—a theme that Zegler hopes will resonate with young viewers. “One of the core points in our film for any woman or young person is remembering how strong you actually are,” she said.
Zegler, who grew up in Spanish-speaking communities, also reflected on the significance of her casting in the role of Snow White, which is traditionally associated with European heritage. “You don’t normally see Snow Whites that are of Latin descent,” she remarked in a 2022 interview. “Even though Snow White is really a big deal in Spanish-speaking countries. Blanca Nieves is a huge icon… but you don’t particularly see people who look like me or are me playing roles like that.”
While her casting has sparked controversy, Zegler remains hopeful that her portrayal of Snow White will add something meaningful to the legacy of the character. As anticipation builds for the movie’s release in March 2025, fans are eager to see how this reimagined Snow White will reflect a more modern, empowering narrative while staying true to the essence of the beloved fairy tale.