Rachel Zegler was cast to play the titular role in Disney’s live action remake of “Snow White.” There have been a lot of backlashes revolving around this remake, and much of it has been geared towards 22-year-old Zegler. People are confused as to why she was chosen for the role, and many disagree with her modern-day approach to representing the princess. Others are outraged with her comments regarding the original 1937 classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
One of the first major criticisms the public had of Zegler was that she didn’t fit the look of the role. Originally, Snow White’s physical appearance depicts a young girl with black hair, rosy red lips, and skin that was white as snow. When Disney announced that she was cast for the role many people were understandably caught off guard. One of the physical descriptors, “skin white as snow,” was significant in not only serving as a physical depicter of the princess, but also inspires the actual name of the princess, Snow White.
I can understand why some may be surprised that she was cast; however, I think it’s absurd to be angry and upset because a white woman was not cast as Snow White. We have seen many white women portray Snow White and many of them have done a fabulous job doing so. Ginnifer Goodwin was a great portrayal of Snow White in ABC’s hit show “Once Upon a Time.” In my opinion, I think it is great to see yet another woman, such as Zegler, portraying Snow White in her own adaptation, regardless of her Latina roots and naturally tanned skin. Zegler has a beautiful voice and is a great actress who is capable of playing the role of Snow White.
When remaking a classic story, you have creative control to tweak certain aspects of the characters and storyline. In this case, Disney is remaking a classic that came out roughly 86 years ago. Times have changed, and I think it is great that Zegler is so passionate about modernizing Snow White and making it her own, but with that being said, I am not a fan of the approach she is taking.
Zegler has stated in interviews that this rendition of Snow White will not be a love story and that there will be no prince to save her. From what I’ve gathered, by watching some of her interviews, is that she doesn’t want to portray a woman relying on a man for saving, but I don’t believe that’s what the 1937 classic was portraying either. The original movie portrayed a young girl, who had an extraordinary talent of being able to communicate with animals. Snow White was charismatic and showed kindness to new people she met, such as the seven little men. She exemplified strength and perseverance too. Yes, there was a love story plot to the classic film, but what’s wrong with that? Loving someone doesn’t make you weak or any less of a human. Loving someone can be empowering and beautiful. Based on Zegler’s comments, it felt like she was anti-love and that it was not feminist to have a man help you, such as the prince in the original Snow White.
It is completely understandable and great that Zegler didn’t want to portray a helpless girl in need of a man to save her; however, she could have focused her energies on further developing the other wonderful characteristics Snow White possessed. Instead, she chose to hate on the romantic plot line, and speak poorly of it. Zegler can portray Snow White as a strong, independent woman while having a partner. It would be refreshing to portray a woman in love and how that love can be empowering.
Many others, including myself, were not happy with how poorly Zegler talked about the original movie. She stated in interviews that she was never a fan of Snow White, and basically that the film needed a lot of work and change. While stating this, people thought she came off extremely ungrateful for the role. I can agree that she has come off snobby and bratty in some of her interviews; however, giving her the benefit of the doubt, maybe she was trying to trash the original to make her version look that much better? Nevertheless, how she talked about the original film was grossly inappropriate.
It's ok if you want to give us a modern take on snow white but you don't have to disrespect what came before you look at Hallie Bailey she spoke about how much she loved the original animated little mermaid movie while Rachel zegler spoke that she hates the original snow white
— parody profile (@Osaaz51841855) September 10, 2023
Zegler should express gratitude to the original movie and acknowledge how the 1937 movie has paved the way for all other Disney princesses. Disney princesses have inspired little girls, teenagers, and women around the world since Disney gave us their first princess film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”.
Breanna Chicas is a freshman at Lockhaven University. She is a first-year Media and Journalism major. This is her first year working on the Eagle Eye staff. As a writer for the Eagle Eye, Breanna has set two goals for this year: find her voice as a writer and take on writing assignments that push her out of her comfort zone. When she’s not writing, Breanna can be found chilling with her dogs, taking on some sort of crafting project, or working as a server. Breanna hopes to continue to learn about the media and journalism world and find ways to incorporate her own flare into her assignments and projects.
