Next March, Walt Disney Pictures will release a live-action version of the most beloved fairytale ever made, Snow White. The story was originally penned by The Brothers Grimm, a famed sibling duo from Germany, during the early 1810s but was popularized globally when Disney reimagined it with a 2D cartoon in 1937 called Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Although the story has been revised throughout history, the damsel in distress has always been presented as a fair-skinned young woman. However, when Disney published the movie trailer for the latest rendition of Snow White in June, some fans reacted unfavorably to seeing Colombian American actress Rachel Zegler donning the blue bodice, white collar, yellow skirt, and puffed sleeves that the classic protagonist made famous several generations ago. In the past month, Zelger has received backlash that is somewhat remindful of the criticism Halle Bailey garnered immediately after the movie trailer for Disney's remake of Little Mermaid hit the internet.
In addition to casting a Latina as Snow White, Disney's executive producers also replaced the lead character's best friends, the "Seven Drawfts," in favor of a multicultural group of "magical creatures" featuring men and women--with the objective of being less offensive to people of "short stature." The makeover has caused a divide amongst Disney fans. Nevertheless, Zegler has remained positive. The 22-year-old recently acknowledged the backlash with a tweet while also thanking her advocates for their continued support.
“Extremely appreciative of the love I feel from those defending me online, but please don’t tag me in the nonsensical discourse about my casting,” Zegler wrote. “I really, truly do not want to see it...I hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what.”
Halle Bailey also chimed in on Twitter to address the controversial topic with support for Zegler and the upcoming Snow White film, writing, “We love you so much truly the perfect princess.”
Snow White will hit theaters on March 24, 2024. The big-budget production marks the second time that Rachel Zegler was cast in the lead role of a feature film. Her first lead role as Maria in West Side Story earned her a Golden Globe Award.
You can watch the movie trailer for Snow White here.
Source: Twitter