New details about star of Snow White amid Disney drama revealed.
Rachel Zegler, 23, is reportedly wreaking havoc on Disney’s Snow White project ahead of its release.
Intimate Snow White premiere explained.
Despite Zegler’s central role in the European premiere, she was shockingly cut off from speaking to global media, with only a select few invited to the secret event in Segovia, Spain.
The star jetted off to a remote castle in Segovia to perform for 100 VIPs, but in an odd twist, Gal Gadot, playing the Evil Queen, was notably absent, leaving Zegler to fly solo.
Rather than the usual glitzy red carpet events, the premiere was a small-scale affair with Spanish influencers and local families from Segovia—hardly the star-studded spectacle Disney would have hoped for.
The event, held at a castle resembling the one from the original animated Snow White film, appeared to be a carefully controlled occasion, intentionally avoiding the usual media circus.
At the Spanish event, a modest crowd of around 100 guests gathered behind a velvet rope, but there was no sign of the usual A-listers. Just Zegler and director Marc Webb, with no Gadot in sight.
Backlash for Snow White film clarified.
While Disney celebrates Zegler’s casting as Snow White, they’ve faced significant criticism, particularly from fans who believe the remake’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion is alienating longtime supporters.
David Hale Hand, son of the late supervising director of the 1937 animated film, has criticized the remake for straying too far from the original, calling it “ridiculous” and “off-base.”
Hand’s wife, Sandra, voiced her frustration, saying the remake’s political agenda was ruining the integrity of the original story, asking why Disney couldn’t just “leave it alone.”
Actor Jason Acuña, who played “Wee Man” in Jackass, voiced his anger over the decision to cast able-bodied actors as the dwarves, a move that further fuels controversy.
The decision to use CGI for the dwarfs, rather than casting actual little people, has also been met with backlash, with many feeling it undermines representation for people with dwarfism.
Peter Dinklage, who played Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones, also criticized the decision to include the dwarves at all, calling it a “step backwards” for Hollywood’s treatment of people with dwarfism.
Rachel Zegler’s controversial views highlighted.
Zegler’s take on Snow White has drawn attention for its radically feminist slant. She has gone on record saying her Snow White is “not going to be saved by the prince” and has more ambitious dreams of leadership.
Zegler stated that her version of Snow White is a “fearless, fair, brave, and true” character, rejecting the outdated notions of love and romance that dominated the 1937 film.
While discussing her character’s transformation, Zegler made it clear that Snow White in the new version isn’t concerned with romantic love.
The film introduces a male character, Jonathan, played by Andrew Burnap, but Zegler has hinted that his role might be cut, joking that Hollywood is unpredictable when it comes to final edits.
Instead, she’s “dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.”
Zegler’s comments about the 1937 movie were sharp, dismissing it as “extremely dated” and even criticizing the portrayal of romance, particularly Snow White’s relationship with the Prince, whom she described as a “stalker.”
In a further break from tradition, Zegler refused to sing “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” one of the film’s most iconic songs, saying it felt “weird” to focus on the romanticized love story.
Instead of the classic love ballad, Zegler performed “Waiting On A Wish,” a new feminist anthem from the movie, showcasing a very different tone for Disney’s $270 million remake.
Her support for Palestine, particularly during sensitive geopolitical moments, has added to the controversy surrounding her public persona ahead of the Snow White release.
Disney’s big problem with Rachel Zegler confirmed.
Insiders claim the star’s outspoken views have led to a major headache for the company.
An anonymous source revealed to Page Six that Disney “doesn’t know what to do” with Zegler due to her relentless public airing of progressive political views, particularly her disdain for the 1937 classic.
Her outspoken criticism of the original Snow White movie has rubbed Disney the wrong way.
She’s called the film’s romance plot “sexist” and its portrayal of women “dated.”
These opinions are reportedly causing major PR issues.
Zegler has continuously refused Disney’s calls to tone down her controversial social media posts.
According to sources, Disney executives have tried repeatedly to get her to dial back on the rhetoric.
Insiders believe Disney is trying to stave off an anti-woke backlash, fearing that Zegler’s political opinions could further alienate some audiences who may already be skeptical of the remake.
Disney is reportedly “leaning into” a strategy where influencers, rather than mainstream media, will cover Zegler’s next press appearances. A move many see as a way to sidestep controversy.
Disney fears publicity disaster.
Amidst all the controversy, Disney is reportedly terrified that the constant drumbeat of bad publicity could tank the movie’s box office success, with fans already skeptical about the film’s direction.
As Disney desperately attempts damage control, the big question remains: will Snow White’s new direction— and Zegler’s outspoken political stance— help or hurt the movie’s chances at the box office when it premieres on March 21?