Rachel Zegler, cast as the lead in Disney’s live-action Snow White
remake, faced intense scrutiny following the announcement. Critics argued her Colombian heritage clashed with the original animated character’s appearance, igniting debates about representation in Hollywood adaptations. Zegler addressed the backlash by sharing childhood photos of herself dressed as a princess, emphasizing inclusivity by stating that every child knows they can be a princess, framing the conversation around modern identity and belonging.
Rachel Zegler’s heritage sparked debates, but her journey reveals deeper struggles with identity in Hollywood.
Rachel Zegler’s identity and the pressure to prove her roots
Rachel Zegler is white and Latina refers to ethnicity, not race, allowing individuals to identify as Latino while belonging to any racial group. Born in New Jersey to a mother of Colombian descent and a father of Polish ancestry, Zegler’s mixed background became a focal point during her rise to fame. In an interview with Allure, Zegler opened up about her experiences
as a Latina actress navigating Hollywood’s rigid expectations. While auditioning for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story
, she recalled facing skepticism from white executives about her legitimacy as a Latina.
extremely appreciative of the love i feel from those defending me online, but please don’t tag me in the nonsensical discourse about my casting.
i really, truly do not want to see it.
so i leave you w these photos! i hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what pic.twitter.com/AU5PjJutK5
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) July 15, 2023
The absence of a Spanish-sounding surname led to repeated questioning, leaving her frustrated. Internally, she wondered if bringing her Colombian grandmother to meetings would satisfy their doubts. Zegler’s reflections highlighted broader stereotypes in the industry, where Latina actresses are often boxed into narrow definitions of identity. Despite the challenges, she embraced her Colombian roots, calling her heritage a source of pride in an era of heightened cultural awareness.
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Zegler’s fight for authenticity mirrored Disney’s Snow White
remake backlash, but her candidness added fuel to the fire.
The Snow White controversy and Disney’s polarizing choices
Rachel Zegler’s criticism of the original Snow White
film’s outdated themes and her remarks about President Donald Trump intensified scrutiny. Combined with rumors of tension with co-star Gal Gadot and Disney’s scaled-back promotion, the drama reportedly overshadowed the film’s production. Critics labeled the casting as forced wokeness, arguing for European authenticity, while supporters praised the inclusive approach.
Rachel Zegler responded to backlash over her Snow White comments, attributing it to fan passion for the classic film
She called it an “honor” to be part of something so beloved pic.twitter.com/pDobPW7GrK
— The Director’s Cut (@The_Epic_Scenes) February 25, 2025
Disney’s reimagining of the seven dwarfs as gender-diverse magical creatures further divided audiences. Advocacy groups condemned the studio for sidelining actors with dwarfism, calling it a missed opportunity for representation. Zegler framed the backlash as a passion for the original story
, emphasizing growth through adversity. Despite polarizing decisions, the film underscored Hollywood’s fraught relationship with diversity. The controversy cemented the remake’s role in broader debates about identity and modernization in classic storytelling.
Read More: Millie Bobby Brown Echoes Rachel Zegler’s Thoughts From Her Controversial ‘Snow White’ Comments
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