TheQuartering [9/20/2023]
Love it or hate it, Disney’s newest live-action remake featuring newcomer Rachel Zegler as Snow White is on its way.
The West Side Story actress wasn’t one of the most prominent names in Hollywood. Still, since announcing her involvement with Disney’s live-action Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, she’s gained plenty of national attention, but not for positive reasons. Many Disney fans are boisterously unhappy with the casting, as Zegler has done almost everything she can to rub many the wrong way.
Although Zegler is widely unknown, she has had a few roles of note, including performing alongside Ansel Elgort in 2021’s West Side Story, directed by Steven Speilberg. She has also starred alongside Lucy Lui, Zachary Levi, and Helen Mirren in 2023’s DC sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
Despite a minimal career so far, Disney’s decision to cast Rachel Zegler as Snow White has led to a boycott by many based on the film’s inaccurate portrayal of Disney’s original princess and in response to Zegler’s progessive take on the foundational character. Zegler’s recent comments comparing her days in a dress on set to the struggling troubles of those impacted by the SAG-AFTRA strikes likely- has turned even more fans off from the up-and-coming actress following a stent of public perception issues associated with Snow White.
The 22-year-old actress and singer has been vocal about her take on Snow White, insisting that the lead character will portray a stronger, more feminist version compared to Disney’s original 1937 animated film. Obviously, the backlash from her comments was almost immediate, as many suggested a further commitment to the “woke” agenda by The Walt Disney Company.
In addition, other aspects of the live-action remake also found themselves under fire, as set images featured the seven dwarfs became available on social media. The only problem is that Disney missed an opportunity to offer employment to “little people” for the roles. Peter Dinklage, a prominent Hollywood figure with dwarfism, bashed Disney, calling the Snow White remake “backward.”
“They were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White, but you’re still telling the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there. It makes no sense to me. Because you’re progressive in one way, but you’re still making that ——- backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together; what the —- are you doing, man?”