Credit: DisneyThere’s no questioning the popularity that Rachel Zegler has garnered since arriving in Hollywood.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, emerging talents like Rachel Zegler are making waves, leaving early marks on the industry. As we explore Zegler’s burgeoning career, it’s essential to trace the roots of her latest endeavor, Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), and understand the seismic impact of the original animated classic.
Released in 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs stands as a pioneering masterpiece, marking Walt Disney’s inaugural foray into feature-length animated films. The enchanting tale of Snow White, the fairest of them all, captivated audiences worldwide, setting a precedent for animated storytelling. The film’s timeless charm, coupled with memorable characters and a melodic soundtrack, solidified its place in cinematic history.
For generations, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has been a cultural touchstone, shaping the collective imagination and influencing subsequent animated classics. The delicate balance of magic, romance, and moral lessons woven into the narrative has made it a perennial favorite, cherished by audiences of all ages.
Rachel Zegler’s ascent into the limelight commenced with her breakthrough role as Maria Vasquez in West Side Story (2021), directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg. Despite being a relative unknown, Zegler’s portrayal showcased a depth of talent that resonated with audiences and critics alike. Her powerful voice and compelling performance set the stage for what promised to be a remarkable career.
The turning point came when Zegler secured the coveted role of Snow White in Disney’s live-action adaptation, titled Disney’s Snow White (2025). However, this casting choice ignited a storm of controversy, with fans expressing concern over potential alterations to the beloved animated classic. Zegler’s comments on the adaptation’s creative choices, emphasizing the need for storytelling to reflect contemporary values, further fueled the debate.
As the controversy surrounding Disney’s Snow White continued to brew, the studio faced the delicate task of balancing tradition and innovation. The decision to delay the film by a year and release a first look featuring Zegler and the “magical creatures” that substitute the dwarfs stirred both excitement and apprehension. Fans questioned whether the adaptation would make major changes over the course of the next year or if Disney was just attempting to let backlash die down before its release.
Despite Zegler’s commitment to the role, alongside co-stars Gal Gadot and Andrew Burnap, lingering doubts persist, especially in the wake of her remarks about the storyline evolving beyond the 1937 narrative, challenging the conventional tropes associated with classic Disney princess tales.
While Zegler’s Disney project navigates its share of controversies, another film in her repertoire, The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023), has embarked on its own journey. Starring as Lucy Gray Baird alongside Tom Blyth’s young President Snow, Zegler’s performance has garnered mixed reviews. Despite critical acclaim for the cast and the narrative, some critics have been vocal in their critique of Zegler. Despite some criticism, the film had a nice opening weekend, almost eclipsing the $100 million mark. This success could prove pivotal for Zegler, especially as it unfolds in the shadow of Disney’s recent box office challenges.
As the fallout from the Hunger Games prequel remains one of the most popular discussions on social media, Rachel Zegler recently got in on the action. She has been interacting with fans about the movie, and one particular post on X (formerly Twitter) recently went viral, with more than 2 million views and 42,000 likes.
“she’s a freshman theatre kid who got the lead,” she said.
she’s a freshman theatre kid who got the lead https://t.co/wQDtFXp9yQ
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) November 19, 2023
Of course, the post was in response to a fan’s tweet, but many fans understood the reference, giving a little background to Zegler’s run into Hollywood and, potentially, even a look at the background of Lucy Gray Baird.
What do you think of Rachel Zegler as Snow White? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!