The debut of Disney's live-action remake of Snow White, featuring Rachel Zegler as the iconic character, has been overshadowed by intense scrutiny and criticism, drawing attention both to the film's direction and to Zegler herself. Opening on March 23, 2025, the film raked in a disappointing $43 million domestically and $87.3 million globally, significantly below initial projections, which estimated a $100 million global opening. With a staggering production budget of $250 million, questions abound regarding the viability of Disney's strategy of reviving its animated classics in live-action form.
Initially, the excitement over Zegler's casting was marred by controversy, primarily stemming from her Colombian heritage and comments she made regarding the original 1937 Snow White film, which she referred to as "dated". Critics contended that her remarks about the portrayal of the prince's character, who she noted "literally stalks her," would lead to a neutering of the beloved classic's core story. However, Zegler's artistic vision was not as simplistic — she aimed to reframe Snow White as a proactive heroine rather than merely a damsel in distress.
Despite the film opening weakly, critics have praised Zegler's singing abilities, with her integration of musical theater experience shining through in songs like "Waiting on a Wish." Zegler's technique has been commended, as she manages to blend her vocal performance with an emotional delivery that resonates deeply with both audiences and critics alike. Many reviewers agree that she is the heart of the film, elevating an otherwise flawed narrative with her talent.
Adding complexity to her performance, Zegler's interpretation of Snow White mirrors her own beliefs in kindness and optimism, virtues she feels are necessary in today's world. In her own words, the character’s "superpower is her heart," a testament to her belief in the goodness of humanity. Zegler expressed, “Her superpower is her heart. There is no supernatural power that Snow White possesses beyond her love for humanity, for all living creatures, and her fundamental belief that there is goodness in everything.”
Even in the wake of significant criticism, Zegler maintains a positive outlook. In an interview, she reflected on the importance of modernizing the tale for younger audiences, stating, “It’s so important for the next generation to see movies like Snow White – to realize there’s nothing wrong with choosing to do what’s right and that it doesn’t have to be with anger or a clenched fist.”
The negative momentum surrounding Snow White was compounded by social media discourse and allegations regarding Zegler's and Gadot's differing political stances, particularly their perspectives on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite weathering criticisms of her casting and breaking new ground with her interpretation of Snow White, Zegler has faced relentless backlashes, including accusations of disrespect towards the original film. For many, the debate over her casting seemed unwarranted, especially since Zegler's performance has proven to resonate with critics who herald her work as transformative.
One particularly poignant note is that Zegler's journey to taking on such a significant role was deeply heartfelt. As she shared on her Instagram, she had long been a fan of Disney films, celebrating a moment in which she went from dressing as Snow White in childhood to embodying the character; “2004 to NOW - dreams really do come true,” she noted, exemplifying her connection to the role.
Despite the film’s mixed reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 43%, Zegler's performance continues to draw accolades, proving that she quite fittingly embodies a modern Snow White who champions inner strength over traditional narratives. In embracing a more active and multifaceted role, Zegler offers a fresh representation that showcases a vital shift in gender representation in Hollywood.
Beyond her role in Snow White, Zegler has built an undeniable reputation since her breakout in Spielberg's 2021 film, West Side Story, where she won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Following this, she took roles in the Hunger Games prequel and has plans for more musical endeavors on stage, suggesting a promising future ahead, possibly avoiding the pitfalls other stars face.
As we stand at a crossroads in Disney's live-action projects, Snow White's complications pose questions about the road ahead for adaptations, amid ongoing cultural dialogues. Despite opening to disappointing numbers, there's potential for a revered comeback as Disney continues to forge ahead with adaptations like Moana and Lilo & Stitch. Whether Rachel Zegler’s Snow White will endure as an emblem of progress or a misstep will ultimately hinge on audience reception in the weeks and months to come.
Through her resilience and ability to convey heartfelt sincerity in her performances, Zegler exemplifies a new wave of forward-thinking representation on screen. In the midst of rivalry within Hollywood narratives and social dialogues surrounding race and gender, Zegler’s journey illustrates the multidimensional landscapes within which modern storytellers navigate their careers.
