Rachel Zegler has responded to the criticisms surrounding her role in Disney’s live-action “Snow White,” asserting that she is actively choosing a mindset rooted in positivity. In a recent interview with i-D Magazine, Zegler discussed her experience as the focal point of the movie’s negative press and addressed what it means for her to face such intense public scrutiny, making
“Rachel Zegler overcoming Snow White backlash”
a prominent topic in Hollywood.
Zegler made it clear that she refuses to see herself as a victim despite being persistently linked to the film’s disappointing box office performance. She emphasized the importance of mental health support while dealing with the fallout.
“My f***ing psychiatrist has seen me through all of it,”
she said, crediting professional help with validating the toll it took on her. She also shared,
“That sentence did such wonders for me in multiple situations in my life,”
adding that it became a turning point for her.
“Which was truly a game changer, because I just wasn’t functioning. And I wanted to function in a way that made me feel confident in the way I was moving through the world.”
Political Comments Spark Further Controversy
Before “Snow White” premiered, Zegler posted “and always remember, free palestine” on X during heightened conflict in Gaza after the October 7 terrorist attacks. According to a producer’s son, this post quickly escalated matters, prompting the film’s producer to travel from Los Angeles to New York and ask Zegler to delete it due to its political nature. The incident drew even more attention to her ahead of the movie’s release.
Speaking to i-D, Zegler reflected on her worldview, stating,
“My compassion has no boundaries, is really what it is, and my support for one cause does not denounce any others. That’s always been at the core of who I am as a person,”
highlighting how her upbringing shaped her beliefs.
“It’s the way I was raised.”
Rather than retreat from the spotlight, Zegler has continued to engage publicly, reinforcing her commitment to her personal convictions despite criticism.
Rejecting Negativity and Choosing Optimism
Despite the setbacks and harsh commentary online, Zegler has openly described how she copes with adversity.
“I think a victim mindset is a choice, and I don’t choose it,”
she explained. Zegler continued,
“I also don’t choose nastiness in the face of it. I don’t choose negativity in the face of it. I choose positivity and light and happiness. And I do believe at times, happiness is absolutely a choice, and every day I wake up and I think I’m very lucky to live the life I live.”
Her outlook underlines a conscious effort to find hope and stability even as public conversations around her remain controversial.
The tension surrounding the film did not stop Zegler or her co-star, Gal Gadot, from appearing at the “Snow White” premiere. Gadot, who has an Israeli background and military experience, also attended the event without issue, while the premiere was mostly attended by photographers and event staff, with media presence restricted.
Criticisms Beyond Politics: Casting and Creative Opinions
Alongside the political backlash, Zegler’s casting as Snow White also became a major topic, with some objecting to a Latina actress taking on the iconic role. Outcry intensified after she referred to the original 1937 animated film as “dated” during an interview with Variety, even expressing concerns over the prince’s actions in the story by saying he “literally stalks Snow White.” These remarks sparked more discussion about the choice to update classic Disney stories and the expectations attached to such roles.
Zegler and Gadot’s Working Relationship and Experiences on Set
Questions about Zegler’s relationship with co-star Gal Gadot arose after fans observed that Gadot wasn’t included in one of Zegler’s public tributes to the film. Reflecting on the journey, Zegler wrote,
“This movie was a life-changing experience that has held about four years of my career. The growing up you do from the age of twenty (when I was cast) to twenty-three (the age I am now) cannot be accurately described, yet they exist here on film forever.”
While neither actress has spoken publicly about their dynamic, sources familiar with the pair reported,
“Gal is annoyed by the movie drama. She enjoyed filming. She was fine with Rachel but they are not friends. They have nothing in common… They did a job together and that’s it.”
Both maintained professionalism throughout the project despite ongoing rumors and media attention.
The Broader Impact of Zegler’s Perspective
Rachel Zegler’s approach to overcoming criticism and adversity presents an example for others in the spotlight, emphasizing the value of mental health support, personal conviction, and optimism, even in challenging times. As discussions around diversity in casting and celebrity activism continue across the industry, Zegler’s refusal to adopt a victim mindset and her insistence on choosing positivity are likely to influence ongoing debates about representation and resilience in Hollywood. The experiences of photographers, house crew, and actors at “Snow White” events, along with intense media scrutiny in places like Los Angeles and New York, highlight the broader cultural significance of Zegler’s journey and the public’s complicated relationship with Disney’s evolving stories.
