Credit: LionsgateActress Rachel Zegler continues to move up the ranks of Hollywood despite the fallout that she is facing from fans over the live-action Snow White movie.
While Zegler might be facing backlash from many fans, it’s clear that she still has a following. The actress, who played Lucy Gray Baird in Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023), was recently revealed as The People’s Choice Award recipient for the Action Movie Star of the Year.
In a contest that is determined by fan votes, Zegler beat out Brie Larson (The Marvels), Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Gal Gadot (Heart of Stone), Jason Momoa (Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom), and Keanu Reeves (John Wick: Chapter 4).
The People’s Choice Awards is an annual event that celebrates the best in popular culture, as voted by the public. Since its inception, the awards show has been a platform for fans to voice their preferences across various entertainment categories, including film, television, music, and digital content.
Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023) grossed $338.1 million at the box office. The movie starred Rachel Zegler (Lucy Gray Baird) and Tom Blyth (young President Snow). The official description of the film can be read below:
“With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girls tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony. Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.”
Rachel Zegler and Disney face an uphill battle with Snow White
When Disney revealed its plans for a live-action adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), it was met with skepticism from the start. This backlash only intensified after Rachel Zegler, cast as Snow White, remarked that the story’s traditional narrative, where the princess is rescued by a prince, was outdated and that it was “not 1937 anymore.”
Zegler’s remarks quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking widespread backlash and prompting numerous petitions calling for a boycott of the upcoming film. In response to the outcry, Disney opted to delay the movie’s release by a full year, pushing it from its originally scheduled date in March of this year to March 21, 2025. Since then, Zegler has shifted her perspective on the project, now expressing reverence for the original animated classic in several interviews.
“The animated film holds a special place in many hearts. It’s a groundbreaking piece of cinema, being the first feature-length animated movie and earning prestigious accolades, including honorary Oscars,” Zegler explained in an interview with Variety. “The legacy of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is immense, and it’s a testament to the enduring impact of Disney’s storytelling. As someone who grew up admiring Disney’s work, I feel a tremendous responsibility to honor that legacy while bringing my own interpretation to the role. Channeling the excitement and wonder I felt as a child, I strive to make my younger self proud with this opportunity, drawing inspiration from the imagery of me in a Snow White gown that’s etched in my memory.”
With the film a little more than a year from its release, it will be interesting to see if its reception is different by the time next spring rolls around.
For those who don’t know, Zegler got her start with her portrayal of Maria in West Side Story (2021), directed by Steven Spielberg.
What do you think of Rachel Zegler’s performance? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!