Rachel Zegler's Snow White Controversies Explained Will She Get Fired From The Disney Movie?

The upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney’s Snow White is poised to be a significant departure from its animated predecessor, but the Rachel Zegler Snow White backlash could impact the film’s success. The remake seeks not only to retell the cherished story of Snow White but also to reimagine it for a contemporary audience, with updates about the Snow White remake that promise to address evolving societal norms and values. Central to this project is the casting of Rachel Zegler, a decision that represents a bold move towards inclusivity and diversity in the portrayal of iconic characters.

Rachel Zegler has been on the rise since starring as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, and she’s at the heart of the Snow White remake. This marks a pivotal moment in her career, catapulting her into the limelight and placing her at the center of a cultural conversation about representation in media. Zegler’s background challenges traditional expectations and expands the narrative possibilities for one of Disney’s most beloved characters. This casting choice, while celebrated by many for its forward-thinking approach, has also ignited a flurry of discussions and debates.

Rachel Zegler Clapped Back When Her Snow White Casting Caused Controversy

The Actor Used The Controversy To Highlight The Importance Of Inclusion In Hollywood

When Rachel Zegler was announced as the new face of Snow White for Disney’s live-action adaptation, the decision was met with both acclaim and controversy. The casting of Zegler, who is of half-Colombian and half-Polish descent, became a focal point for a broader discussion on diversity and representation in Hollywood. Amidst the backdrop of an industry often criticized for its lack of inclusivity, Zegler’s selection was a testament to Disney’s commitment to redefining traditional narratives to reflect a more diverse and global audience. However, this progressive step forward did not come without its detractors.

The controversy surrounding Zegler’s casting primarily stemmed from a vocal minority who took issue with a person of Latin descent portraying a character traditionally depicted as European. Critics, hiding behind anonymity on social media platforms, argued that Zegler’s casting was not true to the “original” story of Snow White, a character they felt should adhere to a more conventional European portrayal. This perspective, however, overlooks the universality of the Snow White tale, which, like many fairy tales, transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.

In response to the backlash, Zegler took a remarkably poised and positive stance (via Variety). She utilized her platform to address the controversy head-on, emphasizing the importance of representation and the impact of seeing oneself reflected in beloved characters. Zegler remarked:

“Never in a million years did I imagine that this would be a possibility for me. You don’t normally see Snow Whites that are of Latin descent. Even though Snow White is really a big deal in Spanish-speaking countries. Blanca Nieves is a huge icon whether you’re talking about the Disney cartoon or just different iterations and the Grimm fairy tale and all the stories that come with it. But you don’t particularly see people who look like me or are me playing roles like that. When it was announced, it was a huge thing that was trending on Twitter for days, because all of the people were angry.”

Zegler’s comments highlight the significance of her casting in breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. She underscored the global love for the character of Snow White, or Blanca Nieves, as she is known in Spanish-speaking countries, and the importance of diverse representations in storytelling. She acknowledged the uproar her casting had caused, but she chose to focus on the positive impact of her role, stating:

“We need to love them in the right direction. At the end of the day, I have a job to do that I’m really excited to do. I get to be a Latina princess.”

Zegler Criticized Original 1937 Snow White Movie

She Isn’t A Fan Of The Character’s Passive Nature

Rachel Zegler’s commentary on the original 1937 Snow White film (via Variety), while addressing its adaptation into a live-action version, stirred significant discussion and further controversy. Her insights into the outdated elements of the classic animated film were met with mixed reactions, particularly when she highlighted the passive role of Snow White and the peculiar behavior of the prince. Zegler’s candid observations on these aspects were an attempt to shed light on the progressive updates being made to the story, ensuring it resonates with a modern audience that values agency and empowerment over outdated gender norms. Zegler critiqued:

“I just mean that it’s no longer 1937. We absolutely wrote a Snow White that… she’s not going to be saved by the prince, and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love; she’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.”

Zegler emphasized the need for stories that reflect contemporary values and sensibilities. This reinterpretation signifies a shift from the traditional damsel in distress archetype to a more autonomous and self-reliant protagonist, aligning with current aspirations for gender representation in media. However, she doubled down on criticisms about the prince, noting that he’s “a guy who literally stalks her.” The actor also alluded to cutting all of the prince’s scenes from the remake.

Zegler’s remarks were particularly contentious, and her forthright approach and the framing of her criticisms led to backlash, with some fans and commentators accusing her of being dismissive of the original film’s legacy. Critics accused her of alienating fans of the classic animation by framing her criticisms in a manner perceived as shaming those who held the original film dear. This controversy underscores the delicate balance needed when updating beloved classics for a new era, where reverence for the original must be weighed against the imperative to reflect evolving cultural standards.

There Is Almost No Chance Zegler Will Be Fired From Snow White

Calls For Zegler’s Dismissal Are Unrealistic

The speculation surrounding Rachel Zegler’s potential dismissal from Disney’s live-action Snow White due to the controversy over her remarks about the original film and her casting has been a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike. However, there is no likelihood of Zegler being fired from the project. The production of Snow White wrapped before the onset of the Hollywood strike, a critical detail that underscores the impracticality of reshooting the film with a different actress in the lead role.

The financial and logistical challenges of such an endeavor would be enormous, not to mention the negative publicity and potential backlash from Zegler’s supporters and advocates for diversity in Hollywood. Disney, aware of these factors, is unlikely to take such a drastic step, especially considering that Zegler’s comments have not been widely deemed offensive within the broader context of societal conversations about representation and inclusivity in media.

Moreover, Zegler’s burgeoning star power and proven box office appeal add another layer of protection to her role in Snow White. The success of the Hunger Games prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which made $337 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo), demonstrated her ability to draw audiences and contribute to a film’s commercial success. Disney, a company always attuned to the marketability of its stars, is likely to view Zegler’s involvement in Snow White as a positive factor that will attract a diverse and global audience to the film.

Additionally, the controversy surrounding Zegler’s departure from the upcoming Paddington 3 was quickly clarified as her decision to support the strike (via CBR), rather than any implication of being fired due to the Snow White controversies. If Zegler was to continue working on Paddington 3, she would have been considered a “scab,” and she could even have had her Screen Actors’ Guild membership revoked.

In the realm of public opinion and social media discourse, Zegler’s comments have sparked debate, but they havenot crossed into territory that would typically warrant dismissal from a high-profile project. Her critiques of the original Snow White film and her vision for a more empowered and independent protagonist resonate with a significant portion of the audience and reflect broader trends in storytelling and character development. Disney, a company that has increasingly embraced diversity and modernized its storytelling approaches, is likely to view these discussions as part of the evolving dialogue around its classic properties, rather than as a liability.

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Other Snow White Controversies Explained

Peter Dinklage Has Spoke Out Against The Remake

The live-action adaptation of Disney’s Snow White has sparked other controversies too. One of the most notable controversies concerns the decision to make most of Snow White’s companions characters without dwarfism. This choice has been criticized for missing an opportunity to offer authentic representation and visibility to actors with dwarfism, a community that has historically been marginalized in the entertainment industry. Critics argue that such casting decisions perpetuate the exclusion of actors with dwarfism from mainstream narratives, where their presence could contribute to a more inclusive portrayal of characters. Wonka recently faced similar criticisms.

Additionally, the approach to reimagining the Snow White characters of the dwarfs has been met with mixed reactions. Disney’s intention to avoid reinforcing stereotypes associated with the original animated film’s portrayal of the dwarfs has led to a reevaluation of how these characters are represented. The company stated that it consulted with members of the dwarfism community (via Business Insider) to take a different approach with these characters, aiming to present them in a way that respects contemporary sensitivities. However, this has sparked debate about the balance between preserving the original story and updating it to reflect modern values.

The controversy was further amplified by comments from prominent actor Peter Dinklage, who criticized the film for what he perceived as a contradictory stance by Disney (via The Guardian). While applauding the casting of a Latina actress as Snow White, Dinklage questioned the decision to continue telling the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs without fully addressing the implications of the dwarfs’ portrayal. His remarks highlighted the complexities of updating classic tales in a way that addresses all aspects of representation and inclusivity. Below are Dinklage’s full comments:

In response to the backlash, some actors with dwarfism expressed concern that the controversy could lead to fewer opportunities for actors like themselves. They argued that the film could have been an opportunity to showcase diverse talents within the dwarfism community, thereby challenging stereotypes and broadening the scope of representation in Hollywood.

Moreover, the broader changes to the Snow White story and characters have sparked discussions about the nature of fairy tales and their adaptations. Critics of the updates argue that such changes may stray too far from the source material, losing the essence of the original tales. However, supporters contend that fairy tales have always evolved with time, reflecting the morals and values of the societies that retell them. This dynamic nature of fairy tales suggests that adaptations can be an opportunity to reexamine and reinterpret stories in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Many Praised Zegler’s Honesty In Addressing Her Role In The Movie

Another one of Rachel Zegler’s high-profile jobs earned her some controversy due to comments she gave. While on the red carpet for the premiere of the DC superhero sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Zegler was asked what drew her to the project and she responded, “needed a job” (via THR). She added that it was during the pandemic, and since West Side Story had yet to come out, she was having a difficult time booking her next role.

The comment received backlash from some who claimed that Zegler was being dismissive of the new movie and ungrateful for the opportunity. However, like the controversy over Zegler’s Snow White comments, this seems to have been blown out of proportion. Not only did many people enjoy the honest answer Zegler gave, but many critics ignored the fact that she went on to express how lucky she was to get the role of Anthea. It is another sign that, just because there are loud voices calling out something they don’t like doesn’t mean the controversy is warranted.

Sources: Variety, Variety, Box Office Mojo, CBR, Business Insider, The Guardian, The Hollywood Reporter

Disney’s Snow White

Snow White is a live-action adaptation of the 1937 classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Directed by Marc Webb, this newest iteration of the iconic character stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White alongside Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Originally slated to release in 2024, Snow White was delayed a year to 2025 partly due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

Release Date

March 21, 2025

Director

Marc Webb

Cast

Rachel Zegler , Gal Gadot , Andrew Burnap , Ansu Kabia

Studio(s)

Disney , Marc Platt Productions

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