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Rachel Zegler, who stars as Snow White in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake, is trying to smooth things over after some comments she made about the original 1937 animated film sparked backlash.
The controversy started when Zegler previously described the classic Disney movie as “weird,” particularly pointing out that Snow White’s love story felt off-putting by today’s standards. Her remarks didn’t sit well with many Disney fans, who felt she was disrespecting the beloved original.
Fast forward to Thursday, March 20—Zegler appeared on Good Morning America to promote the new film, and this time, she had nothing but love for Disney. She gushed about how playing Snow White was “the honor of a lifetime” and a dream come true for her as a lifelong Disney fan.
“This one is certainly extra special,” she shared, emphasizing how grateful she felt to bring the character to life. She also explained that while the new adaptation has a fresh, modern take, it still stays true to the heart of the original film. According to Zegler, Snow White’s innocence, kindness, and emotional depth are timeless qualities that remain at the core of both the new movie and Disney’s storytelling. She described it as a film that speaks to both children and the “inner child” in all of us.
However, not everyone is on board with this new version of Snow White. Some fans of the original are skeptical about the modern changes being made to the story. The film has already been a hot topic of debate, with controversy surrounding not only Zegler’s past comments but also rumors of tension between her and co-star Gal Gadot.
One of the biggest sources of backlash came from an old interview Zegler did with Extra, where she jokingly criticized the animated film’s love story. “There’s a big focus on her love story with the guy who literally stalks her. Weird, weird,” she remarked at the time. Many fans saw this as an unnecessary dig at a cherished Disney classic and didn’t hold back their anger. Her social media pages were soon flooded with criticism, with some calling her a “hypocrite” for accepting a role in a film she seemed to mock.
Beyond the online drama, all this controversy could spell trouble for Disney at the box office. With a massive budget of $250–270 million, the studio is hoping for a big hit, but negative buzz could hurt its chances.
Despite the backlash, Disney is moving full steam ahead. Snow White is set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025—and only time will tell if audiences embrace this reimagined fairy tale.