Rachel Zegler, star of Disney’s live-action Snow White reboot, has responded to backlash over comments she made about the original 1937 film. In a recent interview, Zegler explained that her remarks, in which she criticized the portrayal of romance between Snow White and the prince, were taken “out of context.” She expressed disappointment over the reactions, saying, “It made me sad that it was taken in such a way.” Zegler had previously described parts of the original film as “weird” and mentioned that Snow White would no longer be saved by a prince in the upcoming remake.
The controversy began after Zegler shared that the new version of Snow White would focus more on the character’s ambition to become a leader, rather than her desire for true love. Fans of the original film and cultural commentators criticized these changes, viewing them as unnecessary modern updates to a classic. Zegler emphasized that her intention wasn’t to undermine the romantic themes but to show that Snow White can have goals beyond love, a sentiment she believes aligns with contemporary views on women’s roles.
Zegler also clarified that the love story will still be a key element in the upcoming film, contrary to rumors that it had been removed. She explained that her comments were misinterpreted and that she never intended to suggest that love and ambition are mutually exclusive. She noted that women can have both and that it’s important to avoid limiting narratives.
Despite the backlash, Zegler stood by her remarks, adding that the public reaction is part of a broader trend of tearing down outspoken women in the public eye. She pointed to other instances in her career where she has witnessed women face similar scrutiny and criticism, suggesting that these reactions are often rooted in a desire to diminish women’s voices.
