In a surprising turn of events, actress Rachel Zegler, known for her role as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake, has changed her stance on the classic 1937 animated film she once criticized.
Zegler, who previously called the original Snow White “weird” and “sexist,” now describes playing the iconic character as a “lifetime honor,” despite her past criticisms.
Zegler Reflects on the Honor of Playing Snow White
In an emotional interview on Good Morning America just days before the film’s release on March 21, Zegler, 23, spoke about how excited she was to step into the role.
She expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity, calling it a dream come true for a “huge Disney fan.”
“It was the honor of a lifetime,” she said. “This one is certainly extra special as a huge Disney fan.
To get to bring her to life in such a unique way is just a beautiful opportunity, and I’m very honored.”
Snow White’s Modern Twist Sparks Debate
As the new live-action Snow White approaches its release, the film has already sparked intense discussion, particularly due to its modern twist on the original story.
Critics have slammed the $270 million project, labeling it as “woke” for its alterations to the romance plot and the use of CGI instead of dwarf actors.
Zegler defended the changes, explaining that the film is about bridging the classic fairy tale with a modern audience.
“It’s all about bridging a classic to a modern age to bring it to these beautiful young people,” she explained.
“Snow White’s superpower remains her heart, that’s always been the core of this story.”
Zegler’s Political Views Add Fuel to the Fire
Zegler’s outspoken political views have also fueled the controversy surrounding the remake.
Known for her pro-Palestine stance and outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump, Zegler’s personal politics have caused tension among some audiences.
A Shift in Opinion from Zegler’s Previous Criticisms
In 2022, Zegler made headlines by criticizing the 1937 animated version of Snow White.
She claimed the original film was “extremely dated,” particularly due to its portrayal of women in power.
She also pointed out the problematic nature of Snow White’s love story, where the prince stalks her, calling it “weird.”
At the time, Zegler revealed that she had only seen the original movie once.
“The original cartoon came out in 1937, and very evidently so.
There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird,” she had said. “So we didn’t do that this time.”
Zegler also revealed that she chose not to sing the famous “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” explaining that she was “scared” of the original version.
Tension Between Zegler and Co-Star Gal Gadot?
In addition to the film’s public scrutiny, rumors of a feud between Zegler and her co-star, Gal Gadot, have emerged.
The two actresses, with an age gap of 16 years, reportedly clash over their differing political views.
Gadot, a former IDF soldier, has publicly supported Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, while Zegler has voiced her support for Palestine.
Reports suggest that the divide between them has created tension, with sources claiming the two have “nothing in common.”
Further fueling the rumors, Gadot was absent from the film’s secret Spanish premiere, and she and Zegler arrived separately at the LA premiere, posing for only a few photos together.
Disney’s Struggle with the Snow White Reboot’s Reception
In response to the backlash, Disney has scaled back the Snow White premieres, hosting only a select number of tightly controlled events.
For instance, the LA premiere at the El Capitan Theatre was invite-only, with only Disney-approved photographers and interviewers attending.
Zegler, who was also a star in the 2021 remake of West Side Story, briefly addressed the film’s criticism during the premiere.
Despite the controversy, she remained firm in her belief that the modern version of Snow White is a positive step forward, particularly in its representation of the character.
The future of the film remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—Rachel Zegler’s journey with the iconic role of Snow White has taken many unexpected twists, and she’s fully committed to the responsibility of bringing the classic princess to life in a new way.