Summary
Disney’sSnow Whitelive-action remake has received a lot of hate from some ‘fans,’ but lead actress Rachel Zegler had a diplomatic explanation for the backlash.
Disney’sSnow Whitelive-action remake has been the subject of controversy since the beginning. From Peter Dinklage blastingSnow Whiteas a “backward story” for its depiction of dwarves to the negative response to the CGI in the firstSnow Whitetrailer, the live-action remake has been criticized on multiple fronts.Snow White actress Zegler herself has been attacked, partly for her criticism of the original 1937 animatedSnow Whitefilm. However, many critics (most seemingly conservative-leaning) have hurled hate towards Zegler simply for being a Latina actress cast in a traditionally white role.
During an interview withVogue Mexico(translation viaToonado), Zegler discussed the controversy and where she stands ontheSnow Whitebacklash. Zegler explained that she believes the backlash is prompted by people’s passion for the originalSnow Whiteand added that it was “an honor” to be part of a movie people feel strongly about. She acknowledged that not everyone is going to agree and said that all anyone can do is their best. Zegler also assured fans that the Disney remake found a “beautiful, delicate balance” between being faithful to the original animatedSnow Whitefilm and introducing it to a new generation.
I interpret people’s feelings about this film as passion for it, and what an honor to be able to be a part of something that people are so passionate about. […] We’re not always going to have the same feelings as everyone around us and all we can do is give our best.
While the haters may be the most vocal (or at least grab the most attention), not everyone is negative towards Zegler and theSnow Whiteremake. A glance at the comments on Zegler’s Instagram posts proves there’s no shortage of fans who are excited to see the Golden Globe-winning West Side Storystar take on the iconic Snow White role. While theSnow Whitebox office projectionssuggested the film’s financial fate could be bleak, it wasn’t outside the realm of possibility for it to do well in the long term, particularly if enough of Zegler’s fans show up.
There are legitimate reasons to criticize theSnow Whiteremake, but the film seemingly receives more vitriol than Disney’s other live-action reinterpretations. David Hand, a former Disney designer and son of a director on the original animated film, calledtheSnow Whiteremake a disgracefor “making up new woke things,” a sentiment conservatives often used to describe anything that attempts to promote diversity. But Zegler proved her singing and acting talents with her Golden Globe-winning performance as Maria in Steven Spielberg’sWest Side Story, and while her subsequent films haven’t been as well-received, she’s often been singled out as one of the bright spots in them. So, ifSnow White doesn’t work, she’s unlikely to deserve all of or any of the blame, and no one deserves to be treated so harshly regardless.
Snow Whiteis scheduled to be released in theaters on July 19, 2025.
Snow White
A live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale. The film follows Snow White as she escapes into the forest and seeks refuge with seven dwarfs to elude her jealous stepmother, the wicked Queen, who is threatened by Snow White’s surpassing beauty.
