Rachel Zegler: Snow White live-action star Rachel Zegler responds optimistically to the negative backlash

Rachel Zegler reflects upon the backlash she received after getting cast as Snow White. The 23-year-old actress started her acting career through roles in musical theater and eventually got her big break in Steven Spielberg's musical stage adaptation of West Side Story. With these roles, she proved her acting and singing chops in this dreamy genre. So, it isn't surprising to see her getting cast as Snow White.

Unfortunately, upon the announcement of Zegler's casting as the Disney princess, she faced a significant backlash. The negative feedback mainly stemmed from a racial prejudice against Zegler's Latin background. She did not respond at the time. However, during her recent cover story for Vogue Mexico, she decided to address this subject.

“I interpret people’s feelings about this film as their passion for her, and what an honor to be a part of something for which people feel so much passion. We’re not always going to have the same sentiments as those around us and all that we can do is give the best of ourselves”

Zegler attributes those reactions to the fans' deep passion for the 1937 animated film - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, itself based on a German fairy tale.

The actress also faced backlash as she spoke about the 1937 film for the way it depicted its romance and the central character of the prince. The actress said that the prince is a "guy who literally stalks" the titular princess and called the 1937 film "dated." During her latest dialogue with Vogue Mexico reps, she spoke about striking a balance between the 20th-century film and the latest adaptation.

“It’s very important for the audience to know that Disney has found this beautiful and delicate equilibrium between the 1937 animated classic that everyone knows and loves, and at the same time, presents it to this new generation.”

Rachel Zegler responds to the negative backlash of her Snow White casting

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Rachel Zegler's Snow White casting, declared in 2021, wasn't received warmly upon the announcement. The reported outrage was because of Zegler's Colombian descent. Now, a live-action adaptation starring Zegler is scheduled to be released on March 21. So, she looks back at the past and shares optimistic feedback despite the negative backlash.

During her recent dialogue with the Vogue Mexico reps, the actress ascribed it to their passion for Disney. Zegler also addressed it during her conversation with The Little Mermaid star Hailey Bailey.

“As much as you’d like to remind people verbally that being in the spotlight doesn’t absolve you of your humanity – that you’re allowed to have human moments – it doesn’t necessarily do what you want it to do. It fuels them more.”

In the face of these comments, Rachel Zegler decided that "choosing thankfulness and gratefulness" is "choosing peace.”