Rachel Zegler has once again found herself at the center of controversy, this time for openly mocking the beloved 1937 Snow White film. As the live-action Snow White remake, reportedly costing a staggering $270 million, prepares for its debut, the drama surrounding the project continues to escalate.
From the moment Disney announced the remake, the film has been embroiled in backlash, largely fueled by Zegler’s outspoken criticism of the original story. The young actress, cast in the titular role, has made no secret of her disdain for the animated classic, condemning its 'outdated' themes and particularly taking aim at the romance between Snow White and Prince Charming.
She labeled the film’s love story as “sexist” and insisted that her version of Snow White would not be centered around a prince “saving” her. Instead, the remake has been positioned as a more independent, modernized take on the tale.
Yet, the controversy didn't stop there. The decision to replace the iconic Seven Dwarfs with a diverse lineup of “magical creatures” of varying races, genders, and heights only further fueled the outrage.
Many Disney purists saw this as unnecessary tampering with a classic, arguing that the original dwarfs were a fundamental part of the Snow White lore. Detractors accused Disney of prioritizing “woke” inclusivity over storytelling, and Zegler’s dismissive attitude toward the original only added fuel to the fire.
However, in a surprising twist, Zegler recently took to Instagram with a seemingly contradictory message. In a new post, she posed for a glamorous photoshoot, wearing a large bow in her hair and channeling the signature look of Adriana Caselotti, the original voice actress of Snow White. Alongside the photos, she wrote: “Just had to pay homage to the original Snow White, Miss Adriana Caselotti, to whom I owe everything.”
The sudden shift in tone did not go unnoticed. Given Zegler’s past comments scorning the original film, fans were quick to call her out for what they perceived as hypocrisy. Social media erupted with criticism, with many accusing the actress of being disingenuous.
One user bluntly pointed out: “HOMAGE!!??? She literally hates the OG Snow White storyline.” Another commented: “So first she trashes the film, then she suddenly ‘pays homage’ when the release date is near? This is damage control, plain and simple.”
Critics argue that this apparent U-turn is a strategic move rather than a genuine tribute. With the film’s release imminent, some suspect that Disney and Zegler are scrambling to regain favor with audiences who have become increasingly skeptical of the remake.
After months of backlash over her dismissive remarks, Zegler’s sudden praise for the original film seems like an attempt to soften the narrative.
For many, however, the damage is already done. The actress’s earlier statements left a bitter taste, particularly for longtime Disney fans who see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as a landmark piece of animation history. While modern reinterpretations are common, the open disdain she expressed for the film alienated audiences who hold the classic dear.
The controversy over Snow White is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a growing trend of backlash toward Disney’s recent remakes. Many fans feel that the company has been prioritizing politically correct messaging over the heart and soul of storytelling.
With underwhelming box office results for previous reimaginings such as The Little Mermaid (2023) and Peter Pan & Wendy (2023), skepticism over Snow White remains high.
Rachel Zegler’s involvement has only compounded these doubts. Despite her talent, her repeated controversial takes on the project—ranging from dismissing the classic love story to openly ridiculing the film’s themes—have alienated a significant portion of the fanbase.
Now, with her Instagram tribute to Adriana Caselotti, she seems to be attempting to undo some of the damage.
But for many Disney loyalists, this sudden shift is too little, too late. The internet remains unforgiving, and audiences are unlikely to forget Zegler’s past remarks, no matter how many bows she wears in her hair.
Whether this will impact the film’s performance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Snow White (2025) has already secured its place as one of Disney’s most divisive remakes yet.
With the release looming, all eyes are on the box office results. Will the controversy surrounding Rachel Zegler and her comments affect the film’s success? Or will audiences still flock to see this new vision of Snow White despite the backlash?
One thing is clear: regardless of how well the film performs, Rachel Zegler’s legacy in this role will forever be tied to the storm of debate she ignited.
