Rachel Zegler is set to grace the big screen as the iconic Snow White in Disney's latest live-action adaptation, which opens in theaters on Friday. The casting of Zegler, a talented actress of Colombian descent, garnered positive reviews for bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved character. However, the film's premiere in Los Angeles was not without its share of controversy, as it sparked a racist backlash against Zegler's casting.
The original 1937 animated version of Snow White is often criticized for its outdated portrayal of women in roles of power. This new adaptation aims to breathe new life into the classic tale. Rachel Zegler's journey to playing Snow White began with a recommendation from none other than Steven Spielberg. The renowned director, impressed by Zegler's talent, suggested her to the film's director, Marc Webb.
"I actually got a really glowing recommendation from Steven Spielberg to [director] Marc Webb," – Rachel Zegler
In an intriguing twist, Spielberg informed Zegler of her casting through a Taylor Swift-style Easter egg, leaving her initially unaware that she was auditioning for such a significant role.
"Yeah, he was giving Taylor Swift Easter eggs about my casting," – Rachel Zegler
Zegler revealed in an interview that the secretive nature of Disney projects meant she was not aware she was reading for Snow White during her Zoom session with Webb.
"With all of these Disney things, you have no idea what you’re reading," – Rachel Zegler
"It’ll say 'untitled Disney live action film' and the sides will have different names. It’ll say Amber and Jeff." – Rachel Zegler
The film also stars Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, adding another layer of excitement and star power to the production. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding her casting, Zegler remains poised and focused on delivering a performance that does justice to the timeless character.
