As snow White has already sparked controversy, largely because of its star, Rachel Zegler. For many, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs represents the pinnacle of animation, a testament to Walt Disney’s vision and his desire to set a new standard in entertainment. That’s why some of Disney’s creative choices for 2025 snow White seem disconcerting and Zegler’s actions even more so. As a film as indelible in the studio’s legacy as Beauty and the Beast, FrozenOr Toy Story, snow White has sparked some exciting debates about modern entertainment and cultural change. Delving into Disney’s next adaptation requires an open mind, a civil approach, and perhaps a little perspective because, as the Evil Queen has taught generations of Disney fans, things aren’t always what they seem.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfsa film loosely based on the classic 1937 Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Chronicling the journey of the titular Disney princess, her seven companions, and the love of her life, it’s nearly impossible to find someone unfamiliar with Disney’s take on the legend. As the first Disney princess film and one of the most influential films in cinematic history, this award-winning project proved that animated features were not only viable, but a legitimate art form on par with their live-action counterparts. Paving the way for all Disney animated features that followed, it was announced in 2016 that a live-action remake, simply titled Snow White, was in development. Starring Rachel Zegler of Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes And West Side Story The film became notorious for its tumultuous production and controversial comments from its cast. After being delayed to a 2024 release due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, snow White is now slated for release on March 21, 2025, leaving audiences wondering how Disney’s latest live-action remake will compare to previous ones like The Lion King, AladdinAnd The Little Mermaid.

How Rachel Zegler Questioned the Legacy of a Disney Classic

Disney is no stranger to controversy surrounding its stars, whether they are Star WarsMark Hamill’s controversial public remarks or Gina Carano’s infamous comment that led to her abrupt removal from The MandalorianIt’s not uncommon for the public to be offended by what celebrities say outside of their respective projects. In Rachel Zegler’s case, much of the reaction to the upcoming snow White The remake is the result of his off-screen commentary, particularly on the original film. Zegler’s remarks have sparked debates, explaining how Walt Disney’s beloved classic has become a battleground for modern political tensions and how today’s world is reshaping a once-timeless fairy tale.

Disney’s first princess film holds a cherished place in Disney’s 100 years of animation, not only for its revolutionary impact, but also for the nostalgia it evokes for many. As one of Walt Disney’s first major feature films, it naturally carries emotional weight and fond memories for generations of fans. Regardless of the criticisms against it, the influence of the 1937 film on Disney, childhood, or the animation industry as a whole is undeniable. So when Rachel Zegler, in a 2022 interview with Andxtratvcalled the original film “dated” and criticized elements like Snow White’s relationship with a “guy who literally stalks her,” many saw these comments as abrasive, even disrespectful. His remark that the film was “weird, weird” also didn’t sit well with some of the fanbase, prompting a swift backlash. Complicating matters, a previous interview In the film, Zegler criticized Disney’s potentially problematic portrayal of princesses and women in positions of power, while pointing out that the fact that the film scared her as a child only added fuel to the fire. Many fans questioned whether Disney made the right choice in casting Rachel Zegler in such an iconic role.

Beyond her comments, Rachel Zegler’s role as Snow White has sparked fresh controversy in light of Disney’s recent push to deliver more culturally representative storytelling. Disney’s live-action remakes have drawn mixed reactions when it comes to casting in recent years. Films like 2019’s Aladdin and the 2020s Mulan have been praised for featuring casts that reflect the characters’ ethnic backgrounds. However, other remakes, such as the upcoming Lilo and Stitchfaced backlash, with some fans claiming that Sydney Elizabeth Agudong, who was cast as Nani, did not resemble the character’s Pacific Islander features. Similarly, the 2023 film The Little Mermaid sparked debates over the casting of Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy in roles rooted in Danish literature and sometimes interpreted through an LGBTQ+ lens. Zegler, who is half-Colombian and half-Polish, sparked similar discussions. Critics have questioned whether a casting approach similar to Zegler’s would be Aladdin And Mulan should have been applied to Snow White, a character whose story comes from Germany.

How the Snow White trailer sparked a historic uproar

While the debates rage and the discourse could not be more heated or toxic if it were not brewing in the Evil Queen’s cauldron, it is impossible to deny that the backlash is real. snow White The trailer was released in 2024, and quickly racked up over a million dislikes, with that number only increasing as the film gets closer to its release. It’s common for reboots and remakes to face criticism, but this level of response seems unprecedented as it hits historic lows. snow White The trailer raises questions about what exactly sparked this backlash, and whether it’s solely centered around Rachel Zegler’s casting.

As accusations fly and heated words are exchanged, finding legitimate reasons for Snow White The rejection has become difficult. Some audiences are critical of the direction Disney is taking, feeling that the modern reimagining strays too far from the magic of the original. Others believe Disney is rushing the project in an attempt to mitigate the backlash over Zegler’s past comments, as well as those of his co-star, Peter Dinklage. As a reminder, Dinklage has faced controversy over his peers after criticizing the original film’s depiction of dwarves, leading Disney to remake the characters into “magical creatures.” However, the reveal of the CGI characters in the 2024 trailer left many feeling like they had crossed the uncanny valley. Additionally, complaints have also pointed to the film’s muted color palette and overreliance on CGI, which some see as an insult to the vibrant animation that made the 1937 film a success. snow White Cinema, a cultural reference.

Off-screen remarks by Rachel Zegler attached Snow White The teaser didn’t help matters. Despite his professionalism in thanking fans for the trailer’s impressive number of views, a sequel comment Rachel Zegler’s comments, which expressed controversial political views, have reignited the controversy. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, as Gina Carano and Mark Hamill before her did, Zegler’s political stance alienated some audiences, especially since it clashed with her co-star Gal Gadot’s Israeli background. While there has never been any doubt that there is a time and place for politics, Zegler’s remarks only made it clear when it is appropriate to address politically sensitive issues or whether the public should be able to separate the artist from their art.

What Snow White Has to Teach the World

In today’s world, it has become clear that issues are often more complex than people are willing to believe. While some actions and words are inexcusable, strong emotions can make it difficult to respectfully approach differing viewpoints. As viewers battle it out on opposing sides of a far-from-magical realm, they should reflect on the visionary views that Walt Disney himself represented: acknowledging the past, embracing progress, and always striving to build a happier, more inclusive world.

You don’t need a magic mirror to reveal who a person really is; it’s often how they treat others and present themselves that says the most. Despite the criticism, Disney’s Snow White has always embodied compassion, charity, and romance—qualities the world could always use more of. Thanks to modern technology and the internet, the world really is a small place after all, and everyone needs to share it. It’s essential to stand up against injustice and fight for what’s right, but it’s equally essential to find common ground and learn to communicate. After all, one of the greatest lessons Disney has to teach audiences is that the magic they’ve been taught to believe in isn’t just a fantasy; it’s a belief in a better future, one that people can only create together.