Disney struggles with Rachel Zegler controversy

Disney’s upcoming live-action Snow White, set for release on March 21, 2025, is facing turbulence as controversy swirls around both the film and its lead actress, Rachel Zegler.

From criticism of the original story to political tensions among the cast, the film’s journey has been anything but smooth.

Zegler, who plays Snow White, has not shied away from voicing her opinions on the classic 1937 animated film. She has openly criticized its themes, calling it outdated and emphasizing the need for a modern retelling.

According to her, this version of Snow White will be more independent, focused on leadership rather than romance.

While some fans have embraced this progressive take, others feel it undermines the legacy of the original.

David Hand, the son of the 1937 film’s co-director, even went as far as to call the remake “insulting,” suggesting that both his father and Walt Disney would have disapproved of the drastic changes.

Beyond the creative shift, the film has also faced backlash over its casting decisions. Some Disney fans have raised concerns about a Latina actress playing Snow White, a character based on a German fairy tale.

The controversy deepened with the studio’s handling of the seven dwarfs, choosing to replace traditional dwarf actors with CGI-generated characters to avoid reinforcing stereotypes.

This move, while intended to be progressive, was met with mixed reactions, with actor Peter Dinklage previously slamming the film for failing to rethink its depiction of little people.

Adding fuel to the fire, the political differences between Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, have intensified online discourse.

Zegler has been vocal about her pro-Palestinian stance, while Gadot, an Israeli actress, has publicly supported Israel.

These conflicting views have led to divided opinions on the film, with some even calling for boycotts.