Where Is the Criticism Toward Rachel Zegler’ & ‘Snow White’ Coming From?

Disney’s live-action Snow White arrived in theaters a few months ago, not with a triumphant celebration, but under a cloud of controversy that had been building for more than a year. Now that its theatrical run is over, the film has left behind a legacy of intense debate and mixed financial results.

The discussions surrounding the movie were never just about its quality. Instead, they focused on its star, its reimagined story, and whether classic tales should be changed for modern times. The film’s journey from announcement to release became a case study in the clash between nostalgia and progress.

Long before the film’s premiere, the conversation was dominated by its lead actress, Rachel Zegler. In a series of interviews, Zegler offered a frank critique of the original 1937 animated classic. She described the original Snow White’s story as one focused on a prince who “literally stalks her.”

She also stated that the original film was “extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power.” Zegler promised that the new version would not be a love story. Instead, it would depict Snow White’s journey to becoming a strong and effective leader.

These comments ignited a firestorm online. Many viewers felt her words were disrespectful to a beloved piece of cinema history. Critics of her stance argued that she seemed to hold contempt for the very character she was chosen to play. This created a persistent narrative that Zegler was a poor fit for the role, not because of her talent, but because of her perceived attitude toward the source material.

When the movie was finally released, this sentiment lingered. Some reviews noted that her performance, while capable, seemed at odds with the fairy tale’s inherent innocence. The pre-release backlash appeared to have colored the perception of her portrayal, making it difficult for some audiences to separate the actress from the controversy.

The final film delivered on Zegler’s promise of a different narrative. The plot was fundamentally altered. This Snow White was not dreaming of a prince to save her. Her ambition was to reclaim her late father’s kingdom and rule it justly.

The famous love story was almost entirely removed. The prince was replaced by a new character named Jonathan, a roguish figure who acted more as an ally than a romantic interest. The iconic “true love’s kiss” was rewritten, shifting its meaning away from romantic salvation.

This drastic change was central to the film’s mixed reception. On one hand, some praised the movie for offering a more active and empowered female protagonist. They saw it as a necessary update that gave Snow White agency beyond waiting for a man.

On the other hand, a significant portion of the audience felt the changes stripped the story of its fairy tale charm. They argued that the focus on leadership felt generic and that the timeless theme of love was needlessly discarded. For these viewers, the film felt less like a magical fantasy and more like a corporate-approved lesson in modern empowerment, lacking the emotional core that made the original a classic.

Another major point of contention was the handling of the seven dwarfs. The conversation began when actor Peter Dinklage publicly criticized the idea of remaking Snow White, calling the story “backwards” for its depiction of seven dwarfs living in a cave.

In response, Disney announced it would take a “different approach” to avoid reinforcing stereotypes. Leaked photos from the set confirmed that the dwarfs had been replaced by a group of diverse “magical creatures” of varying sizes and genders.

This decision created backlash from multiple directions. Some viewers accused Disney of being overly sensitive and sacrificing a core part of the story for political correctness. At the same time, some actors within the dwarfism community expressed disappointment, arguing that the change had cost them a rare and significant acting opportunity.

In the finished film, these seven companions were brought to life through computer-generated imagery. Their role in the story was reduced, and they lacked the distinct personalities of the original characters. Critics and audiences largely found them unmemorable, and their inclusion felt like an awkward compromise that failed to please anyone.

The combination of these controversies ultimately impacted the film’s success. From the moment Rachel Zegler, an actress of Latina heritage, was cast, the project was a target for racist attacks online. The film attempted to navigate this by explaining Snow White’s name was inspired by her surviving a winter storm, not the color of her skin. But this, like the other changes, felt like a justification for a decision that had already proven divisive.

At the box office, Snow White performed below expectations. It was not a complete failure, but it failed to become the massive blockbuster Disney clearly wanted. Its earnings were modest compared to other successful live-action remakes like The Lion King or Aladdin.

It seems the endless online debates and the perception that the film disdained its own source material kept many potential viewers away. The film stands as a stark example of the challenges facing Hollywood when remaking a classic. It shows that while intentions to modernize may be good, they risk alienating the very audience that holds the original dear.

What did you think of the new Snow White? Did the changes work for you, or do you prefer the original? Share your thoughts in the comments below.