Rachel Zegler on Facing Snow White Backlash: "It’s a New Era, Let’s Embrace It"

Rachel Zegler knows she won’t be everyone’s favorite Disney princess—but she’s okay with that. Since being cast as the lead in Disney’s upcoming live-action Snow White remake, the West Side Story star has faced heavy criticism. Now, she’s addressing the controversy head-on.

“I interpret people's feelings about this film as passion for it," Rachel told Vogue Mexico in an interview. "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 do our best."

Rachel, who is of Colombian descent, has faced backlash from some fans who claim she doesn't match the traditional image of Snow White—similar to the response Halle Bailey received when cast as Ariel in The Little Mermaid. But rather than let the negativity bring her down, Rachel has found strength in knowing how much representation matters.

"Growing up, Belle was the princess I connected with most because she had brown hair," she explained. "It was hard to find someone who looked like us in these movies. Now, I see what a beautiful experience it was for Black girls around the world to see Halle play Ariel.”

Beyond criticism of her casting, Rachel also faced backlash for her 2022 comments about the film’s storyline—particularly her remarks about the original prince being a "stalker." Some fans worried Disney was straying too far from the beloved 1937 classic.

However, Rachel assures audiences that the remake will strike a balance between nostalgia and progress.

"Disney has found this beautiful and delicate balance between the animated classic everyone knows and loves and introducing it to a new generation," she said.

And at the heart of it all? A Snow White who leads with kindness.

"Her superpower is her heart," Rachel added. "She has no supernatural abilities beyond her love for humanity, for all living creatures, and her belief that there's goodness in everything. That’s something I think the world could use more of."

Disney’s Snow White is set to hit theaters in 2025.

Source: E! News