Rachel Zegler has spoken out about the intense backlash she encountered after being cast as Snow White in Disney’s 2025 live-action remake, which failed to perform well at the box office. The 24-year-old actress described the experience as a profoundly confusing period, explaining how her heritage became a target of harsh online attacks, with critics questioning her skin tone for the role of the classic fairytale character.
Challenges Faced Over Heritage and Identity
Raised proudly with Colombian and Polish roots, Rachel detailed to Harper’s Bazaar UK how this cultural pride was undermined by trolls who claimed she was not the right color to portray Snow White. The criticism extended beyond just this role, as she recounted being labelled “not Latino enough” for playing María in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, only to be told she was “too Latino” for Snow White.
“I was told I wasn’t enough of one thing for West Side Story and too much of another for Snow White. It was a really confusing time to be in my early twenties and hearing that,”
she revealed.
Rachel also shared the difficulty of navigating public opinion that seemed to demand assimilation, saying,
“In the public eye at least, when you’re two things, you’re simultaneously nothing. But I refuse to assimilate for anybody else’s comfort.”
Emotional Toll and Safety Concerns From Online Harassment
The actress admitted that the personal attacks escalated to threats against her safety, and the experience took a serious toll. She confessed,
“If I’d been able to predict everything that would come my way, the threats to my safety, I would have just thrown my phone into the ocean. I think any sane person would have.”
Despite these pressures, Rachel has remained steadfast in preserving her identity and refusing to conform for public approval.
The Role of Therapy in Coping With Fame
Rachel emphasized the importance of mental health support since rising to superstardom, highlighting how therapy has been crucial for her well-being. She expressed a hope for greater openness around mental health, stating,
“I long for a time when it’s not taboo to talk about and explore in a way that is universal and accessible. Everybody deserves to understand what’s going on in their own mind and heart.”
This candid admission illustrates how she has sought strength amidst the relentless scrutiny.
On-Set Tensions and Behind-the-Scenes Conflicts
The Snow White remake, directed by Marc Webb, was surrounded by controversy beyond the backlash over casting and heritage. Reports emerged suggesting a clash between Rachel and co-star Gal Gadot during the film’s press tour, possibly due to their differing stances on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict—Gal being from Israel. Social media activity showed Rachel unfollowing Gal on Instagram, fueling speculation of discord between the leads.
Criticism of the Film’s Political Reboot and Public Reception
The remake sought to update the story with a more politically aware approach, which divided public opinion. Rachel supported these changes in a 2022 Vanity Fair interview, noting, “It needed that.” However, some critics, including actor Peter Dinklage, were harsh, with Dinklage calling Disney’s retelling a
“f***ing backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together.”
Due to fears of a backlash driven by anti-woke sentiment, Disney reportedly scaled back the film’s media exposure, opting not to hold the planned London premiere at Leicester Square. A source revealed to People magazine that the studio aimed to tightly control press events and limit Rachel’s interaction with the media because of anticipated hostility.
Gal Gadot’s Perspective on the Film’s Performance
Gal Gadot publicly attributed part of the movie’s failure to anti-Israel backlash but later softened her statements. She explained that her responses during interviews reflected her identity as an Israeli first and an actress second. Addressing the film’s commercial results, Gal acknowledged,
“Of course, the film didn’t fail solely because of external pressures. There are many factors that determine why a film succeeds or fails. Success is never guaranteed.”
Rachel’s Clarifications and Continuing Impact
Following a segment in which she discussed the film’s disappointing turnout on Israeli TV, Rachel used Instagram to address her remarks. She thanked her interviewers and highlighted how the criticism she faced often felt deeply personal and connected to broader geopolitical issues. She wrote to her 107 million followers,
“I was honored to join an extraordinary interview with inspiring interviewers, whose questions go straight to the heart. Sometimes we respond to questions from an emotional place. When the film came out, I felt that those who are against Israel criticized me in a very personal, almost visceral way.”
Significance and Future Implications
Rachel Zegler’s experience shines a light on the challenges faced by actors of diverse backgrounds in Hollywood today, especially when navigating roles laden with cultural history. The mix of public backlash rooted in identity, coupled with geopolitical tensions influencing media coverage and audience reception, illustrates the complex environment modern performers must manage. As the industry continues to evolve, Rachel’s refusal to compromise her identity and openness about mental health may encourage broader conversations about representation and resilience in entertainment.
Gal Gadot gave a big interview tonite on Israeli TV, on the pressure in Hollywood to speak out against Israel pic.twitter.com/fBNuLAmeFt
— Betar Worldwide (@Betar_USA) August 16, 2025
