Disney's 'Snow White' Star Rachel Zegler Sparks Controversy with Woke 'Snow White' Remarks

Actress Rachel Zegler, set to star as a Latina Snow White in Disney's live-action remake, has stirred up significant buzz and controversy with her comments about the upcoming film. In a red-carpet interview last year, recently resurfaced after unauthorized set photos were leaked, Zegler dissed the original Disney animated classic, hinting at a radically different direction for the beloved fairy tale.

"It's no longer 1937," Zegler told Variety at the D23 Disney fan expo. "She's not gonna be saved by the prince, and she's not gonna be dreaming about true love. She's dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be, and the leader her late father told her that she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave, and true."

While some see this as a refreshing take on the character, it has ignited a wave of backlash, especially after unflattering set photos showed a diverse group of "seven dwarves," including gender-diverse individuals who are mostly normal-sized. The depiction of the dwarves prompted criticism, with actor Peter Dinklage expressing his concerns about representation.

Disney initially denied the authenticity of the leaked photos but later admitted they were genuine, adding fuel to the debate about the film's direction. Zegler, who has faced previous criticism for her comments during the promotional tour of the West Side Story remake, seems to be embroiled in controversy once again.

Despite the mixed reactions and heated debates, the actress remains uninterested in engaging with the discourse surrounding her casting. Disney's 'Snow White' is set to open in March 2024, and it is clear that this modern adaptation is already sparking conversations about representation, character portrayals, and the balance between classic storytelling and contemporary values.