Rachel Zegler has spoken on the intense reactions surrounding Disney’s live-action remake of the classic Snow White. The film is set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025 IST. In a recent interview with Vogue Mexico, the actress explained that she sees the strong feelings expressed by critics as a sign of passion for the film. Her comments come amid considerable criticism from conservative groups who have challenged both her casting and her remarks on elements of the original story.
Film Release
Disney’s new adaptation of Snow White brings a fresh take on the beloved animated classic first released in 1937. The film is directed by Marc Webb and stars Gal Gadot in the role of the Evil Queen. The production team has worked to blend the traditional elements of the classic story with a modern twist that appeals to today’s audiences. The movie promises to honor the original while updating it to reflect contemporary values and storytelling techniques.
Key details about the film include:
Release Date: March 21, 2025 IST
Director: Marc Webb
Leading Cast: Rachel Zegler (Snow White) and Gal Gadot (Evil Queen)
Genre: Live-action fantasy adaptation
The creative team has worked to preserve the charm of the original animated version while incorporating new ideas to make the story relatable for modern viewers. This balance has been a topic of discussion as the film approaches its release.
Casting Criticism
The casting of Rachel Zegler as Snow White has sparked controversy, especially among critics who question the choice due to her Colombian descent. Some groups have argued that the actress does not fit the traditional image of the character. Zegler, however, has defended the casting decision by emphasizing that the story of Snow White is one of transformation and adaptation.
In her interview, she stated,
“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.”
This statement underlines her commitment to the role and her belief in the film’s ability to reach a wide audience, despite the criticism. The discussion around her ethnicity has also led to broader debates about representation and the evolution of classic characters in modern cinema.
Backlash Reaction
Criticism intensified when Rachel Zegler made remarks comparing the original animated film to being “dated” and referred to the prince’s behavior by describing him as “a guy who literally stalks” Snow White. These comments led to a surge in disapproval, particularly among conservative circles. Right-wing groups, including some aligned with MAGA ideologies, have called for a boycott of the film and even urged Disney to shelve the project entirely.
Key points regarding the backlash include:
Strong reactions from conservative groups
Criticism of the remarks on the original film and character behaviors
Calls for a boycott and demands for the project to be canceled
The controversy has not only affected public opinion about the film but has also fueled discussions about freedom of expression in creative work. Rachel Zegler’s responses and remarks have been scrutinized by many who see the criticism as part of a larger cultural debate.
Love Story
Rachel Zegler also addressed comments regarding the film’s love story, which some critics have misunderstood. She explained that the love story in this version of Snow White remains a central part of the narrative. The actress stressed that her remarks on modern relationships and feminism were taken out of context by those who objected to her views.
She mentioned,
“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 can be very upsetting when things get taken out of context or jokes don’t land. The love story is very integral. A lot of people wrote that we weren’t doing that storyline anymore — we were always doing that; it just wasn’t what we were talking about on that day.”
This explanation clarifies that the film will continue to present a love story as a core element of its narrative. The remarks highlight the importance of not reducing the film’s themes to simple sound bites, but rather understanding the broader message it intends to deliver about personal choice and modern relationships.
Industry Response
The controversy has also shone a light on the treatment of women in the entertainment industry. Rachel Zegler recalled previous experiences of criticism and noted that many women in the field have faced similar challenges throughout their careers. She expressed her sadness over the recurring pattern of criticism, pointing out that such experiences have been part of her professional journey.
Points raised by Zegler include:
Recognition of a long history of harsh criticism directed at women in film
A personal account of the struggles faced throughout her career
The importance of remaining true to one’s vision despite public backlash
Her comments suggest that the current controversy is part of a broader issue within the entertainment world, where creative choices and personal expression are often met with intense scrutiny. The conversation around Snow White thus extends beyond one film, touching on larger themes of representation, criticism, and the challenges of reimagining classic stories for a modern audience.
The upcoming live-action remake of Snow White is a project that brings together classic storytelling and modern perspectives. With a release date set for March 21, 2025 IST, the film continues to generate discussion and debate among critics and audiences alike. For more updates on this topic, tune in to Vviptimes.
