Rachel Zegler Defends Snow White Amid Backlash: “It’s Passion, Not Hate!”

Oh, the tangled web of Hollywood drama! Rachel Zegler is stepping into the iconic role of Snow White, but it seems she’s found herself at the heart of a controversy storm. In a recent chat with Vogue Mexico, Zegler addressed the conservative backlash her casting has stirred. Expecting an avalanche of mixed emotions, she boldly stated, “I interpret people’s feelings about this film as passion for it. What an honor it is to be part of something that people care so much about.”
But hold on a second—why all the fuss? The controversy has roots dating back to her casting, driven by Zegler’s Colombian heritage. Some outraged conservatives didn’t hesitate to express their opinions, arguing that her involvement was a move against tradition. Things heated up further when Zegler implied that Disney’s timeless animated classic from 1937 had some seriously outdated elements, dubbing the prince a “guy who literally stalks” Snow White. Ouch! As if that wasn’t enough, Zegler’s critiques added fuel to the flames, especially after vocal remarks regarding political issues, including the previous Trump administration. Therefore, the MAGA crowd hasn’t shied away from calling for a boycott, with some even suggesting Disney should “permanently shelve” the movie.
But Zegler isn’t letting the backlash rain on her parade. She previously expressed to Variety how sad it is to see women torn down, stating, “I’ve watched women get torn down my whole life… we’re gonna witness that for a long time, I fear.” Despite all the noise, she assured fans that her version of Snow White will still include an integral love story, although she feels her feminist comments have been taken out of context.
Scheduled to hit theaters on March 21, the remake, directed by Marc Webb and featuring Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, aims to offer a fresh take on the beloved story. So, whether you’re team Zegler or team “keep it classic,” this cinematic saga promises to be one for the ages.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter