Rachel Zegler Opens Up About Criticism Over Her ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Snow White’ Roles

Rachel Zegler has faced intense scrutiny for some of her most high-profile roles, and the 24-year-old actress isn’t holding back when it comes to sharing her experiences. In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, Zegler opened up about the criticism she received for being cast as Maria in West Side Story and later as Disney’s Snow White, explaining how she has stayed true to herself despite the pressure.

The New Jersey-born actress, who first gained fame at 17 when she was selected by Steven Spielberg to play Maria from more than 30,000 auditionees, recalled how difficult it was to navigate fame at such a young age. “I was cast in 2019, but nobody would see the film until late 2021, so it felt like everyone was holding their breath in anticipation, while telling me to my face how I’d better not f*** this up,” Zegler said. Despite the challenges, she won critical acclaim and a Best Actress award at the 2022 Golden Globes.

Years later, Zegler’s casting as Snow White in Disney’s 2025 live-action remake sparked a media storm. Some critics attacked her because of her Colombian heritage, claiming she wasn’t the “right” fit for the role and calling it a diversity hire.

She faced similar accusations with West Side Story, where detractors said she wasn’t “enough” of her character’s ethnicity. “I was told I wasn’t enough of one thing for West Side Story and too much of another for Snow White,” Zegler recalled. “It was a really confusing time to be in my early twenties and hearing that. I grew up proud of being Colombian…but I do think there’s an argument to be made that, 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.”

The backlash over Snow White was particularly difficult because it intersected with larger conversations about race, identity, and public opinion. Zegler also faced criticism for speaking out on social issues, including Palestinian human rights, which some fans interpreted as controversial due to her co-star Gal Gadot’s background.

“I’ve said what I feel, and that will always be a testament to my core beliefs as a human. That’s where I stand,” she told Harper’s Bazaar UK. She added that the experience taught her about the balance between speaking out and considering the impact of her words. “You live and you learn, and there’s a caution that comes with that. There’s an understanding that the temptation to speak doesn’t always mean that it must be done.”

Despite the criticism, Zegler says she has been supported by colleagues and friends in the industry. Her castmates on Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu, offered advice and encouragement during the turbulent period. “They taught me to show up for other women, particularly young actresses,” she explained. “And the next time a woman of colour is cast as a Disney princess, I’ll be there with bells on to support them, to lift them up, to advise and to tell them what not to do.”

Zegler has since returned to the stage, starring in the West End production of Evita, where she received rave reviews for her performances. She credits the theater experience with helping her regain confidence and reclaim her narrative. “I was like, ‘Let me go show people what I can do, eight times a week,’” she said. “I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna dance, I’m gonna act… but I’m gonna do it in front of your face.”

For Zegler, the Snow White controversy and the criticism over West Side Story have only strengthened her commitment to authenticity. She refuses to change who she is to fit others’ expectations and emphasizes the importance of embracing her heritage and identity. “I refuse to assimilate for anybody else’s comfort,” she repeated.

Zegler’s story shows how challenging it can be for young actors in the spotlight, especially when facing public judgment on race and ethnicity. Yet she continues to focus on her craft, building a career that balances major films with theater and independent projects.

What do you think about Rachel Zegler standing her ground and embracing her identity despite the backlash? Share your thoughts in the comments.