Rachel Zegler, the talented actor set to star as Snow White in Disney Studios‘ upcoming live-action remake, is once again addressing the criticism and backlash surrounding her casting decision. In a recent tweet, Zegler expressed her gratitude to those defending her online but requested not to be tagged in discussions that she described as “nonsensical discourse” regarding her role.
Since the announcement of her casting in 2021, Zegler has faced unjust racist remarks from internet users who questioned the casting of an actress of Latin descent to portray a character traditionally depicted as having “skin as white as snow.” Despite the negativity, Zegler has stood strong and maintained her belief in the importance of representation and inclusivity in storytelling.
In a previous interview, Zegler opened up about the criticism, stating, “At one point, you just have to shut it all off and think, if I’m not going to read the bad, I’m just not going to read the good either. I’m just going to believe in what I believe in.”
The recent controversy surrounding the “Snow White” remake emerged after leaked photos from the film’s UK set surfaced online. The photos revealed the seven actors set to play Disney’s reimagined representation of the beloved “seven dwarfs.” Although the studio did not officially release the images, Disney confirmed their authenticity.
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The diverse casting choices and the departure from the classic canon of the story sparked further criticism on social media. Some expressed dissatisfaction with the reimagined approach to the characters, including Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White.
Responding to the criticism, Disney clarified its intention to take a fresh approach with the seven characters, aiming to avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film. This approach is evident in the decision to simply title the new live-action film “Snow White,” as seen in promotional materials.
Last year, the film’s development faced additional scrutiny when “Game of Thrones” actor Peter Dinklage called the original story “a backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together.” He suggested that the story needed updating, which extended beyond casting a Latin actress as the lead. His comments came during an appearance on Marc Maron’s “WTF” podcast.
In her recent tweet, Zegler shared four adorable photos of herself as a child dressed up as various Disney princesses, including Snow White. She ended her post with an aspirational message, stating, “I hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what.”
Zegler’s powerful stance on representation and positivity in storytelling serves as an inspiration to many, and her portrayal of Snow White is highly anticipated. As discussions continue, it is essential to remember the importance of inclusivity and the impact that diverse casting can have on empowering young audiences to see themselves represented in the stories they love.