Rachel Zegler has remained resilient despite the mixed reactions to the 2025 Disney live-action remake of Snow White. The film generated substantial controversy and poor reception, yet Zegler’s determination to stay true to her convictions has not wavered.
Zegler Faces Criticism Over Casting and Story Changes
Before its release, the Snow White remake sparked considerable backlash, including debates over Zegler’s casting as the titular princess and plot adjustments such as the removal of the Seven Dwarfs. These changes fueled online disputes that intensified following Zegler’s public criticisms of Disney’s original animated version. The film went on to earn only $206 million worldwide, falling short of its $270 million budget, and holds a 38% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Actress Maintains Poise in the Face of Backlash
Despite the boycott calls and negative reviews, Rachel Zegler has expressed that the criticism has not affected her emotionally. In an interview with Glamour, she remarked,
“Honestly, I’m a duck. It rolls right off my back these days.”
This outlook extends beyond the film’s reception to her outspoken views on issues like the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Zegler emphasized the importance of freedom of expression for performers, stating,
“We just need to normalise our hearts’ not having boundaries. I think that there’s this idea that we as public figures can’t have thoughts or feelings because we are like paper dolls to a majority of the public,”
highlighting the challenges faced by public figures when sharing personal opinions.
Finding Strength in Connections Despite Box Office Struggles
Though the Snow White remake is considered one of Disney’s least successful live-action adaptations, Zegler values the personal relationships she built during production. She shared,
“I made lifelong friends on that job. That kind of family doesn’t get dissipated by online discourse,”
underscoring the positive experiences that transcended the film’s commercial failure.
Viewers can watch Snow White on Disney+, alongside the original animated classic and the studio’s other live-action remakes, allowing audiences to form their own opinions about the film and Zegler’s performance.
