Rachel Zegler has recently stirred controversy with her comments about the story of ‘Snow White,’ and now Halle Bailey is also getting dragged into the debate. The upcoming Disney reimagining has faced backlash for months, whether it’s due to Zegler’s race or the lack of diversity in the casting. The live-action remake has been labeled as “woke” by some, sparking heated discussions. However, a new wave of anger has emerged this weekend surrounding Zegler’s resurfaced press remarks from almost a year ago.
During a Q&A with Entertainment Weekly, Zegler admitted that she had only seen the original ‘Snow White’ once as a child and disliked it because she found it scary. She confessed to never watching it again until she was cast in the remake. Upon revisiting the film, Zegler found it dated and regressive for women. Her strong opinions on the animated classic have turned off many people, not just conservatives. Even some normal women have voiced their disagreement, arguing that certain elements of the 1937 film still resonate with women today.
One TikTok user expressed their frustration, suggesting that the “girl boss” trend being promoted by Hollywood ignores those who still appreciate the idea of being saved by Prince Charming. This sentiment highlights the contrasting views on feminism and gender dynamics in storytelling.
The spotlight has now turned to Halle Bailey, who faced a similar situation when she was cast as Ariel in the live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Resurfaced interviews from last year show that Bailey loved the original film and saw Ariel as an influential Disney princess. Despite facing backlash from critics, Bailey remained grateful for the opportunity to portray the beloved character, and her performance has been praised by many.
The question is now being rhetorically asked of Zegler: why would she sign on for a role in a story she seemingly despises? Zegler has recently distanced herself from the controversy, but as the movie release date approaches, she will undoubtedly face more press and be asked to elaborate on her comments. The live-action reboot of ‘Snow White’ is scheduled to be released in the spring.
This debate highlights the tension between artistic reinterpretation and the love audiences have for the original material. Remakes often face criticism when they diverge from the source material, especially when it comes to beloved classics like ‘Snow White.’ The controversy surrounding Zegler’s remarks reflects the broader discussions happening in the entertainment industry around issues of representation, feminism, and the portrayal of iconic characters.
It’s important to note that artists have the right to interpret and reimagine stories in their own way, and their opinions about the original material should not necessarily impact their involvement in a project. However, when it comes to beloved stories like ‘Snow White,’ which hold a special place in many people’s hearts, it’s understandable that fans are protective and invested in preserving their nostalgic attachment to the source material.
In the end, the success or failure of the live-action remake of ‘Snow White’ will ultimately be determined by audience reception. While controversy can generate curiosity and attention, it is the film’s execution, storytelling, and performances that will truly captivate audiences. Whether Rachel Zegler’s comments will have a lasting impact on the film’s box office performance remains to be seen.