By Disney’s live-action “Snow White” film has been embroiled in controversy from the get-go it seems. The film’s casting drew issues, as did its use of ‘magical creatures’ as opposed to dwarves, and some awkward set photos in the British tabloids.
Arguably the biggest blowback though came from comments made by its star Rachel Zegler during an interview with Extra TV at D23 back in 2022 when she discussed the various dated elements of the 1930s original saying “there’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her” and how it’s “weird”. A separate interview with EW had her labelling the original as “extremely dated”.
That drew the ire of fans of the original film who found the comments disparaging, others had issues with someone who wasn’t a fan playing the role, some simply thought she misread the film, and there’s a contingent that has an issue with any non-white actress in the role.
Talking to Variety recently, she reflected on the comments and says she’s saddened people interpreted them as having disdain for the original story:
“In all honesty, it made me sad that it was taken in such a way, because I believe that women can do anything. But I also believe that they can do everything.
I would never want to box someone in and say, ‘If you want love, then you can’t work.’ Or ‘If you want to work, then you can’t have a family.’ It’s not true. It’s never been true. It can be very upsetting when things get taken out of context or jokes don’t land.
The love story is very integral. A lot of people wrote that we weren’t doing [that storyline] anymore – we were always doing that; it just wasn’t what we were talking about on that day. I’ve watched women get torn down my whole life, my whole career.
We’ll watch it in the election that’s upcoming. We’re gonna witness that for a long time, I fear. Sometimes it can feel like we’re going back; it certainly felt that way when that was happening.”
Zegler also explains how the famous like about the character having “skin as white as snow” will work in the film:
“It fell back to another version of ‘Snow White’ that was told in history, where she survived a snowstorm that occurred when she was a baby. And so the king and queen decided to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience. One of the core points in our film for any young woman or young person is remembering how strong you actually are.”
“Snow White” is believed to have undergone extensive reshoots to bring the film more in line with the original cartoon. Disney has reportedly spent $209 million to produce the film, though the British tabloids have suggested a figure as much as 50% higher.
Greta Gerwig pens and Marc Webb directs the film which stars Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap, Ansu Kabia, Dujonna Gift and Martin Klebba. It opens March 21st 2025.
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