In recent weeks, Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old lead in Disney's live-action remake of Snow White, has found herself at the eye of a storm brewing over her performance and personal views. With the film receiving a mixed reception—topping the North American box office but falling short of financial expectations—the buzz around Zegler has intensified. Critics have either lambasted her for the film's perceived shortcomings or come to her defense against what they view as unfair attacks.
The debate isn't limited to the film's commercial performance; critics have long questioned Zegler's critiques of the original Snow White. Her comments labeling the classic tale as "extremely dated" and the love story as "stalking" have ignited a furor, with traditionalists branding her views as "woke tirades." This backlash has only heightened since her outspoken political views surfaced, including a controversial social media post thanking supporters while advocating for a free Palestine.
Despite the controversies, Zegler's supporters argue she is merely a victim of the culture wars, facing hostility because of her Latina background and progressive stance. Many industry members call for greater protection for actors from underrepresented groups who frequently become public targets.
In addition to the backlash, Zegler continues to secure roles, with upcoming projects already in the pipeline. As she navigates this challenging moment, her message to young viewers on CBeebies promotes self-empowerment: "To be a powerful princess, you just need to be wonderful, brilliant you!" Whether she will remain linked with Disney projects remains uncertain, but Zegler's career trajectory suggests her talents have only just begun to shine.
The debate isn't limited to the film's commercial performance; critics have long questioned Zegler's critiques of the original Snow White. Her comments labeling the classic tale as "extremely dated" and the love story as "stalking" have ignited a furor, with traditionalists branding her views as "woke tirades." This backlash has only heightened since her outspoken political views surfaced, including a controversial social media post thanking supporters while advocating for a free Palestine.
Despite the controversies, Zegler's supporters argue she is merely a victim of the culture wars, facing hostility because of her Latina background and progressive stance. Many industry members call for greater protection for actors from underrepresented groups who frequently become public targets.
In addition to the backlash, Zegler continues to secure roles, with upcoming projects already in the pipeline. As she navigates this challenging moment, her message to young viewers on CBeebies promotes self-empowerment: "To be a powerful princess, you just need to be wonderful, brilliant you!" Whether she will remain linked with Disney projects remains uncertain, but Zegler's career trajectory suggests her talents have only just begun to shine.
