Rachel Zegler Claps Back At Criticism Over Snow White And Comments On Toxic Disney Fans
Rachel Zegler received significant backlash for her remarks about the original 1937 film.
The casting of actors in iconic roles often stirs debates wildly when a beloved character is reimagined in a different light. When Disney announced Rachel Zegler would play Snow White in their live-action remake, it sparked a wave of controversy, much of which was unwarranted.
Zegler, an actor of Colombian heritage, has faced significant challenges since her casting, navigating criticism and backlash not just for her background but also for her comments about the original film. When Disney revealed Zegler's casting in 2021, some reactions were racially charged, as a few critics wrongly argued that her heritage disqualified her from portraying Snow White.
Despite her growing success in Hollywood and evident talent, Zegler was unfairly targeted with these baseless criticisms. This initial negativity set the tone for her challenges in the following years.
By 2022, the criticism extended beyond her background. Zegler’s comments about the 1937 animated version of Snow White also drew attention.
During an interview, she referred to the original film’s portrayal of the relationship between Snow White and the prince as "weird," particularly emphasizing that the prince’s actions came across as stalking.
"There's a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her," she said.
Unfortunately, her critique, which sought to focus on the evolution of female characters in modern adaptations, was misinterpreted by many, leading to another wave of backlash.
"In all honesty, it made me sad that it was taken in such a way, because I believe that women can do anything. But I also believe that they can do everything," the actress explained.
Rachel Zegler is set to portray Snow White in the upcoming film.
In a recent interview with Variety, Zegler opened up about the adverse reaction to her remarks, expressing disappointment that her words had been misunderstood. Her intention was never to dismiss the importance of love or romance in the story but to emphasize that female characters, like Snow White, can have multi-dimensional aspirations.
"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. It's never been true. It can be very upsetting when things get taken out of context or jokes don't land," explained Zegler.
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The actress was disappointed that her comments were misunderstood.
Disney
Despite her clarification, some critics continued to misrepresent her words. Zegler pointed out that the love story has always been a part of the film but noted that it was not the focal point of her previous comments.
She highlighted a broader societal issue—how women in the public eye are often unfairly scrutinized. Reflecting on her experiences and witnessing how women are treated in various arenas, Zegler said,
“I’ve watched women get torn down my whole life, my whole career.”
She also voiced concerns that this trend of undue criticism might continue, referencing the harsh treatment female figures often endure.
Zegler pointed out that children can easily grasp the idea that the same princess can be interpreted in various ways.
Despite the backlash, Zegler has remained resilient, refusing to let negativity define her experience. She has spoken about the importance of not giving power to those who aim to bring her down.
While she admits that stepping back from social media might provide her critics a sense of victory, Zegler remains focused on her work and personal growth.
In addressing the controversy surrounding her casting, Zegler recalls her childhood memories of watching diverse portrayals of Cinderella. She fondly remembers seeing Brandy as the titular character in the 1997 version of Cinderella alongside Whitney Houston.
Zegler’s point is clear—children can easily accept multiple versions of the same character, showing that the interpretation of iconic roles need not be tied to a singular vision of race or appearance.
Disney
As Disney's live-action Snow White prepares to come out in March 2025, Rachel Zegler’s experience shows how important it is to talk about representation and how movie characters are changing today. Even though she has faced much criticism, Zegler is dedicated to showing that characters like Snow White can mean more than they did before.
Her journey reminds us that diversity matters and that classic stories can be retold in ways that fit today’s world. By staying strong through all the backlash, Zegler sets a great example of how to stand up for change and inclusivity in entertainment.
Damjan
