Rachel Zegler has discussed the negative reaction she received after being chosen to play Snow White in Disney’s 2025 film, which unfortunately didn’t perform well at the box office.
The 24-year-old actress described the situation as very confusing, explaining that she had always been proud of her Colombian and Polish background. However, she faced hurtful criticism because of her skin color, with some suggesting she wasn’t suitable to portray the fairytale princess.
While shooting a beautiful spring floral spread for Harper’s Bazaar UK, Rachel declared she would ‘never change who she is to make others feel more comfortable’.
After being cast as María in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, she received both online harassment and threats because some people felt she wasn’t Latina enough for the role. Ironically, she then faced criticism for being too Latina when considered for the part of Snow White.
I didn’t fit the mold for either West Side Story – I was told I lacked one quality they were looking for – or Snow White, where I supposedly had too much of another. It was a confusing experience, especially being in my early twenties and hearing those things.
I’ve always been proud of my Colombian heritage – from the food and traditional dresses to the coffee and customs that shaped my childhood and still define who I am today. However, I think it’s worth considering that…
It seems like when you belong to two different worlds, people often don’t see you as fully belonging to either. But I won’t change who I am just to make others feel more comfortable.
She continued, saying that if she’d known everything that was going to happen – all the danger she would face – she would have simply gotten rid of her phone. She believes anyone in their right mind would have done the same.
Rachel also shared that therapy has been essential for her mental well-being ever since she became famous.
I hope we reach a point where it’s completely normal and easy for everyone to talk about their feelings and understand what they’re experiencing internally. Everyone deserves that kind of self-awareness.
The new Snow White movie, directed by Marc Webb, faced a lot of problems, and rumors spread during the publicity events about disagreements between Rachel Zegler and her co-star, Gal Gadot.
The disagreement seemed to stem from differing opinions on the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Gal’s Israeli background likely played a role.
Adding fuel to the fire, days ago fans noticed that Rachel unfollowed Gal on Instagram.
The film also faced controversy because the studio updated it with more politically correct elements, moving away from the original 1937 cartoon.
In 2022, Rachel expressed her approval of the modern adaptation of the story, telling Vanity Fair it was a necessary update.
Okay, so Peter Dinklage totally gets it! He just came out and said what everyone’s thinking – Disney’s whole remake idea is just…wrong. He didn’t hold back, calling the original story, and I quote, a ‘seriously messed up tale about seven guys chilling in a cave.’ And honestly? He’s so right! It is a bit weird when you think about it, and Disney just doesn’t seem to get that. I’m just so glad someone with his platform is speaking up!
Due to the negative reaction, the planned large premiere in London’s Leicester Square was called off.
According to a source who spoke with People magazine, Disney is preparing for criticism related to the new Snow White film and has significantly limited the amount of publicity surrounding it, opting for only a few carefully managed press appearances.
This explains why the film won’t have a London premiere, and they’re limiting how many questions Rachel Zegler answers from the press.
Gal attributed the disappointing box office performance of Disney’s live-action remake to anti-Israel feelings.
She later backpedalled on her statement.
Rachel also shared that therapy has been crucial for her mental well-being ever since becoming famous.
Following the spread of a video clip from her interview on the Israeli TV show ‘The A Talks’ – where she talked about the film’s poor attendance – she took to Instagram to explain her statements further.
Gal Gadot, known for her role as Wonder Woman, shared that she recently participated in a truly special interview with thoughtful and insightful interviewers. She said their questions were very direct and meaningful.
We don’t always answer questions logically; sometimes our emotions take over. After the film was released, I felt that critics of Israel reacted to me with intense, personal attacks.
Gal explained that people primarily recognized her as Israeli, rather than an actress, and that shaped her response to the question.
She explained on Instagram that the movie’s difficulties weren’t just due to outside factors.
‘There are many factors that determine why a film succeeds or fails. Success is never guaranteed.’
Read Rachel’s full interview in Harpers Bazaar UK out now
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2026-03-10 04:08