Rachel Zegler Responds Boldly

Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress cast as the new Snow White in Disney's live-action remake, has opened up about the backlash she faced, explaining that the strong reactions stem from the deep affection fans hold for the beloved 1937 original.

When Zegler, known for her role in *West Side Story*, was announced as Snow White in 2021, many fans reacted negatively to her Latin heritage, while others took issue with her remarks about the original film. Zegler had described the animated version as “outdated,” highlighting the troubling dynamics of the love story, where the prince essentially stalks Snow White.

In a recent interview with Vogue Mexico, Zegler reflected on how she now interprets these reactions: “I interpret people’s feelings about this film as passion for it, and what an honour to be able to be a part of something that people are so passionate about,” she shared in Spanish, adding, “We’re not always going to agree with everyone who surrounds us and all we can do is our best.”

Zegler, who hails from a Colombian background, also discussed the diversity challenges she faces in Hollywood: “Understand that the conversation comes about that the community doesn’t want to be seen as a monolith, but the reality of being Latin and working in this industry is that we try to represent the entire diaspora.”

As for the film itself, Zegler promises that Disney’s Snow White, directed by Marc Webb, strikes a delicate balance between honoring the original and introducing the story to a new generation. "It’s really important for audiences to know that Disney has found this beautiful, delicate balance between taking the animated classic that everyone knows and loves from 1937, and at the same time introducing it to this new generation,” she explained.

Snow White hits theaters on March 21, 2025.