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Credit: DisneyJust a few days ago, Disney released its latest live-action remake in theaters nationwide: Snow White. The Film stars Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and takes a new, modern look at the princess who started it all. It is based on Disney’s 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which changed animation history as it was the first feature-length animated film to ever be made.
Disney’s live-action remakes have been controversial for quite some time, with some fans loving seeing their favorite animated films come to life in a whole new way. However, others want Disney to stop remaking films and focus more on creating new, original content.
Related: Live-Action ‘Snow White’ Updated, Disney Drops History-Making Scene 10 Days Before Release
Snow White did not escape the live-action controversy, and might just be one of Disney’s most controversial live-action remakes to date. A lot of the contention revolves around Rachel Zegler.
From the beginning, some people had an issue with Zegler’s casting, as she is half Colombian, and they didn’t feel like she had the right look to be Snow White.
Ms. Zegler didn’t make things better as she spoke about the film in various interviews. She was critical of the original story and said that her Snow White was going to take more of an active role in her story instead of just letting things happen to her. Ms. Zegler even went so far as to say that the film didn’t even need a prince, and went so far as to call him a stalker.
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Snow White was released in theaters nationwide on March 21 and has not had a very successful box office run. So far, the film has made just under $90 million, while it had an estimated budget of more than $200 million. Between the film’s budget and what Disney spent on marketing and distribution, the film’s cost skyrockets to $500 million.
That means that if Disney wants to at least break even, Snow White will need to earn more than $500 million. Is that possible? It definitely is. Unfortunately, films typically slow down at the box office in their second week. However, Disney might be able to recoup some of its money when the movie is eventually released on Disney+.
Fans are not the only people who have had problems with Rachel Zegler.
Ms. Zegler has always been very vocal about the fact that she supports the Palestinian people in their fight against Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This stance put her at odds with her costar Gal Gadot, who plays the Wicked Queen in the film. Ms. Gadot is Israeli.
According to previous reports, Snow White producer Marc Platt actually flew to New York to speak with Zegler about what she was saying, but Ms. Zegler stood by her beliefs and did not back down.
Related: Rachel Zegler Blamed for ‘Snow White’ Backlash and Death Threats Against Co-Star
Marc Platt is not the only member of the Platt family who is reportedly upset with Rachel Zegler and the damage they believe that she did to Snow White and its performance at the box office.
In a since-deleted Instagram comment, Mr. Platt’s son, Jonah Platt, accused Zegler of “hijacking” the movie. His comment came after another Instagram user called Marc Platt “creepy” for flying out to New York to confront the actress.
“Your dad flew to NYC to reprimand a young actress? Any words on this? Cuz that’s creepy as hell and uncalled for,” she wrote, apparently under a post featuring a promotion of of Jonah and his “Being Jewish” podcast guest Tiffany Haddish that has since disabled comments. “People have the right to free speech, no? Shame on your father.”
Mr. Platt responded to the comment, and he did not hold back.
“You really want to do this? Yeah, my dad, the producer of [an] enormous piece of Disney IP with hundreds of millions of dollars on the line, had to leave his family to fly across the country to reprimand his 20-year-old employee for dragging her personal politics into the middle of promoting the movie for which she signed a multi-million dollar contract to get paid and do publicity for. This is called adult responsibility and accountability. And her actions clearly hurt the film’s box office. Free speech does not mean you’re allowed to say whatever you want in your private employment without repercussions. Tens of thousands of people worked on that film, and she hijacked the conversation for her own immature desires at the risk of all the colleagues and crew and blue collar workers who depend on that movie to be successful. Narcissism is not something to be coddled or encouraged.”
A screenshot was taken before Mr. Platt deleted the comment.
In addition to her support of the Palestinian people, Ms. Zegler has also been outspoken in her disgust of President Donald Trump. At one point, she simply said “F**k Donald Trump,” and said that she hoped his supporters didn’t know a moment of peace. She did end up apologizing for the comments made about Trump supporters.
Ms. Zegler was also aware that fans were disappointed in her comments about the original Snow White film and story. At one point, the actress went on her Instagram and posted a video expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to bring the iconic princess to life.
Snow White is currently in theaters. We do not know when the film will come to Disney+.
Do you think Rachel Zegler should shoulder most of the blame for Snow White’s poor performance at the box office? Have you seen the film? What did you think of it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!