Rachel Zegler Shines in Disney’s Live-Action Snow White Amid Controversy
Rachel Zegler, the star of Disney’s much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Snow White, is making headlines after her feature on the cover of Allure magazine. The actress, who captured audiences in West Side Story, faces criticism surrounding her casting as the iconic character traditionally described as “white as snow.” This backlash stems from Zegler’s Colombian heritage, raising discussions about representation and diversity in Hollywood.
Addressing Backlash and Speaking Out on Diversity
Rachel Zegler’s comments about the original animated film, along with her impassioned social media post following the 2024 elections, attracted significant scrutiny. She later issued an apology for her remarks aimed at certain political groups. As the release date of Snow White approaches—set for Friday against a backdrop of increasing tensions regarding diversity and inclusion initiatives—Zegler continues to advocate for change.
In her interview with Allure, she expressed a hopeful message for the future of diversity: “My only prayer for the future of diversity and inclusion is that we invest in and nurture talent no matter what they look like.”
Lessons from Snow White’s Story
Reflecting on her character’s journey of resilience and kindness, Zegler encourages audiences to learn from Snow White’s confrontation with the Evil Queen, portrayed by Gal Gadot. Described by Allure as “manipulative, authoritarian, and obsessed with loyalty and power,” the Evil Queen serves as a powerful antagonist in the tale. Zegler comments on the importance of depicting characters who choose benevolence in the face of adversity.
“That’s why it’s so important for the next generation to see movies like Snow White. To realize there’s nothing wrong with choosing to do what’s right and that it doesn’t have to be with anger or a clenched fist.. .. Snow White chooses kindness and still makes change,” she stated. With a vision of a future founded on kindness, she emphasizes the potential for films to influence societal values.
The Path to Casting
Zegler recently premiered Snow White alongside Gal Gadot and director Marc Webb at an event in Los Angeles. Her appearance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! provided further insights into her casting journey. She reminisced about receiving an early message from Steven Spielberg, her director in West Side Story, hinting at her casting in a playful manner with a string of apple emojis—drawing a parallel to Taylor Swift’s subtle hints.
She noted the tight secrecy during the audition process, recalling how she had “no idea” regarding the role she was reading for. Documents labeled as “Untitled Disney Live-Action Film” with alternate names led to her surprise upon realizing she was auditioning for the part of Snow White. “So, I was reading for Amber … and it wasn’t until I had that first read with Marc Webb on Zoom that he let it slip I was actually conversing with Dopey,” she recalled.
A Family Legacy of Disney Affection
Zegler also shared her family’s deep-rooted affection for Disney, mentioning that her parents chose “A Whole New World” from Aladdin as their wedding song. With a hint of humor, she remarked, “I was bred for this,” illustrating her lifelong connection to Disney’s magical storytelling.
As the premiere of Snow White approaches, audiences can look forward not only to a reimagined fairy tale but also to a narrative that champions inclusivity, kindness, and self-reflection.