In a delightful turn of events for Disney fans, Rachel Zegler, the talented actress known for her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, has landed the lead role in the upcoming live-action remake of Snow White. While Spielberg won’t be directing this adaptation, he certainly played a pivotal role in Zegler securing the part. Displaying his customary flair, the five-time Academy Award winner provided a glowing recommendation to director Marc Webb, thus putting Zegler in prime position to take on the iconic role.
During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Zegler recounted how she received a cryptic yet thrilling message from Spielberg after wishing him a Happy Father’s Day. Instead of a straightforward congratulation, Spielberg sent her a string of apple emojis, perfectly alluding to her new role as Snow White. Kimmel described Spielberg’s response as “very clever” and “very Steven Spielberg,” highlighting the filmmaker’s knack for creating special moments.
“I actually got a really glowing recommendation from Steven Spielberg to [director] Marc Webb… And I also got a text from Steven kind of alluding to the fact that I had gotten the part before I found out,” Zegler shared, excitedly recalling the interaction. “Yeah, he was giving Taylor Swift Easter eggs about my casting.” It’s easy to see why Zegler admires Spielberg; his support undoubtedly adds to her confidence as she steps into this beloved character.
The journey to securing this role wasn’t straightforward. The audition process for the highly anticipated remake was cloaked in secrecy, a common practice for Disney projects. “With all of these Disney things, you have no idea what you’re reading. It’ll say ‘untitled Disney live-action film’ and the sides will have different names,” Zegler explained. “It’ll say Amber and Jeff. He [Marc Webb] had let it slip that I was actually conversing with Dopey. And in the back of my head, I went, ‘Okay.’” The mystery surrounding her audition added to the excitement and allure of the role, showcasing the intense yet thrilling nature of working on a high-profile Disney project.
As the release date approaches, anticipation is mounting for Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White. The film is set to premiere in theaters on March 21, 2025. Fans of the franchise are eager to see how Zegler brings the character to life, especially after the strong reactions to her performance in West Side Story. Many are hopeful that her interpretation will mark one of Disney’s best live-action films to date. The buzz surrounding the film is palpable, especially given the recent controversies regarding the casting and updates about the iconic princess.
Apart from Zegler’s rise in stardom, Disney is also offering a limited-time deal for its streaming service. Customers can subscribe to a Disney Plus and Hulu bundle for only $2.99 a month for four months, marking a 72% savings. However, this deal expires on March 30, 2025, allowing fans to enjoy Zegler’s previous works, such as her mesmerizing performance in West Side Story, before the new film's release. Making the most of this opportunity can allow viewers to appreciate Zegler’s talent even more.
Overall, with Spielberg’s backing and Zegler’s remarkable talent, the upcoming live-action Snow White adaptation is set to be remarkable. Industry insiders and fans alike see it as an exciting exploration of a classic tale that continues to resonate across generations. As the launch date draws near, it’s clear that both Zegler and the film are poised for success.
