Rachel Zegler has opened up about the backlash to her casting as Disney’s Snow White and how it disrupted her personal life. Directed by The Amazing Spider-Man‘s Marc Webb, the live-action remake reimagines the beloved animated classic, with Zegler starring as the titular princess and Wonder Woman‘s Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Since her casting was announced, Zegler has faced relentless criticism that has only intensified as the film’s 2025 release approaches.
While speaking with Cosmopolitan, Zegler revealed that the harassment escalated to unsettling extremes, with people standing outside her apartment and shouting obscenities. Reflecting on this deeply personal ordeal, Zegler shared how she navigated the experience and found strength in the process. She explained:
“For being brown. For having brown skin. For playing Snow White. There was a lot of harassment from a certain group of people—they were showing up at my apartment and screaming profanities.”
“Where I wanted to, in a way that made it seem like it was tongue in cheek. Then it got to a point where it was not funny anymore and I really hated myself for something that other people were telling me about myself. But my ability to bounce back from that and still be passionate about the work I did for that project is something that I admire about myself.”
The Root of the Backlash: Racism and Tradition
Zegler pointed to racism and outdated notions as the primary drivers of the backlash. Critics argued that Snow White, traditionally depicted as having pale skin, should not be portrayed by someone of Colombian descent. However, Zegler clarified that the live-action adaptation redefines the character’s name to reflect her survival of a childhood snowstorm—a symbol of resilience rather than appearance.
Modernizing a Classic Tale
The remake also reimagines Snow White herself, moving away from the 1937 animated version, where her journey hinged on romantic rescue. Instead, the new film portrays her as a proactive leader with agency over her story. Zegler even referred to the original prince as “a guy who literally stalks” Snow White, emphasizing the need for a modernized approach to the narrative.
Standing Up Against Hate
The hostility directed at Zegler highlights a persistent issue in storytelling and representation. Insisting that Snow White adhere to outdated depictions ignores the expansive possibilities of folklore and diversity in casting. Racism and harassment have no place in shaping the creative direction of beloved stories.
Zegler’s resilience not only underscores her commitment to her craft but also amplifies the importance of evolving narratives to reflect contemporary values. By reimagining a beloved classic, the new Snow White promises to offer a fresh perspective while preserving its timeless themes of courage and perseverance.
