Washington [US]: Actress and singer Rachel Zegler has addressed the criticism surrounding her upcoming film, Snow White, stating that the backlash stems from people’s deep love for the character.
Zegler, who plays the titular Disney princess in the live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, faced controversy after her casting was announced in 2021. Many criticized the decision due to her Colombian heritage, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Further controversy arose when Zegler referred to the original 1937 animated film as “dated” and criticized the prince’s role, saying he “literally stalks” Snow White. The backlash intensified when she spoke out against Donald Trump’s election last year, leading the MAGA coalition to call for a boycott of the film.
However, Zegler remains optimistic, stating, “I interpret people’s feelings about this film as a passion for it. What an honor to be part of something that people feel so passionate about. We’re not always going to have the same feelings as everyone around us, and all we can do is give the best of ourselves.”
She also praised Halle Bailey, who portrayed Ariel in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid (2023), calling it a “beautiful experience” for young Black girls to see such representation on screen.
Speaking about her Colombian roots, Zegler emphasized the importance of representation in Hollywood. “I understand that the community doesn’t want to be seen as a monolith, but the reality of being Latino and working in this industry is that we try to represent the entire diaspora. I know where I have been, I represent it in my narrative, and I carry it in my heart every day,” she shared.
Zegler also discussed how Disney balanced the classic 19th-century fairytale with modern storytelling. “It’s very important for the public to know that Disney has found this beautiful and delicate balance between the animated classic that everyone knows and loves from 1937 and, at the same time, introduces it to this new generation.”
On Snow White’s character, she added, “Her superpower is her heart. There is no supernatural power that Snow White possesses beyond her love for humanity, for all living creatures, and her fundamental belief that there is goodness in everything. That’s something I really believe the world could take advantage of more.”
The highly anticipated Snow White is set to release in theaters on March 21.