Snow White Remake: Disney enthusiasts are voicing their discontent with actress Rachel Zegler following her remarks expressing disinterest in the original “Snow White” narrative and her assertion that the upcoming live-action adaptation, in which she stars, will not center around a romantic story.
A video clip of Zegler from nearly a year ago, wherein she states that the forthcoming live-action “Snow White,” set to debut in March 2024, will diverge from the central character’s romantic involvement, is gaining traction on TikTok.
During an interview with ExtraTV at the D23 Expo in September 2022, Zegler stated, “The original cartoon came out in 1937 and very evidently so. There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird. Weird. So we didn’t do that this time.”
In a conversation with Variety at the same event, Zegler explained that the reimagined “Snow White” takes into account that it’s “no longer 1937.”
“She won’t rely on a prince for salvation, nor will she harbor dreams of true love,” remarked the actor, renowned for her role in the 2021 adaptation of “West Side Story.” “Instead, her aspirations are geared towards becoming the leader she envisions herself to be, inspired by her late father’s words urging her to be fearless, just, brave, and authentic.”
Zegler also disclosed in an interview during the same month that she initially felt “apprehensive” about the original “Snow White” and only revisited it after securing the role in the remake.
“I believe I watched it once and then decided not to watch it again,” Zegler disclosed to Entertainment Weekly. “I’m being sincere. I watched it once and later experienced the Snow White’s Scary Adventures ride at Disney World. It scared me; after that, I never revisited ‘Snow White.'”
A TikTok user, @cosywithangie, posted a video sharing excerpts of Zegler’s interviews and critiquing her stance, asserting that not every woman aspires to be a leader.
“Criticizing Disney princesses isn’t synonymous with feminism,” noted the TikTok content creator in a video that has garnered over a million likes. “Not all women desire leadership roles. Not all women aim to be leaders. Not all women seek or covet power, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Wanting to experience love, marriage, homemaking, or embracing gentleness does not diminish your worth as an individual or a woman.”
Social media influencer Trisha Paytas also voiced her dissatisfaction with Zegler’s remarks. In a TikTok video, Paytas expressed being “thoroughly irked” by the “Snow White” remake.
“Why would [Zegler] express disdain for Snow White? Why?” questioned Paytas. “Numerous individuals would jump at the chance to portray Snow White. Snow White holds immense iconic status, yet you’re openly denouncing all aspects of the film.”
While Zegler has yet to directly respond to the critique, she has been sharing encouraging messages on her X (formerly Twitter) timeline. On August 11, she tweeted her wish for “greater kindness” in the world and responded to another user by saying, “I’m utterly drained. I believe it’s reached a point of conclusion for me, to be honest.”
While some individuals took offense to Zegler’s remarks, others defended her stance on social media. One individual noted that all live-action Disney adaptations have attempted to incorporate more feminist elements. Another individual attributed the backlash to “the internet’s inclination to criticize accomplished women.”
