Films & EntertainmentSyndication

Rachel Zegler’s Change to Snow White’s Name Sparks Debate on Disney’s Classic Vision

Rachel Zegler, the lead actress in Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Snow White, has disclosed a new origin story for the character’s name.

Snow White Woke
Credit: Edited by Inside the Magic

In stark contrast to the classic 1937 animated film, where Snow White’s name derived from her “skin as white as snow,” the live-action version ties the name to a theme of resilience.

Zegler explained that in this version, Snow White survived a snowstorm as a baby, and the king and queen named her to remind her of her strength. This departure from Walt Disney’s original concept has garnered both interest and scrutiny within the fanbase.

“It fell back to another version of ‘Snow White’ that was told in history, where she survived a snowstorm that occurred when she was a baby. And so the king and queen decided to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience,” Zegler said.

An animated character, wearing a golden crown and a black cape with a white high collar, holds a red and green ornate box. The character appears stern and is standing in front of a backdrop displaying stars, crescent moons, and elements reminiscent of classic Disney rides.
Credit: Disney

Zegler emphasized that the new origin story is crafted to resonate with modern audiences. She articulated that “one of the core points in our film for any young woman or young person is remembering how strong you actually are.” This narrative shift aims to offer a new perspective on the character, moving beyond the traditional Disney portrayal.

Backlash and Controversy Surrounding Casting

Since Zegler’s casting was announced, it has sparked considerable backlash. Critics of the film have raised concerns regarding her Colombian heritage juxtaposed against the animated portrayal of Snow White, which is often described as having “skin as white as snow.”

Seven animated dwarfs with distinct, expressive faces and colorful hats, gather together in a wooden room. They appear to be engaged in conversation, with some looking surprised and others attentive. The background is dimly lit, highlighting the characters.
Credit: Disney

This has left some fans feeling disconnected from the interpretation of the classic character.

The backlash mirrors previous controversies surrounding representation in Disney films, notably when Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

Such casting decisions have ignited debates about race and identity in the context of beloved animated characters, leading to calls for boycotts from certain audience segments. Zegler has confronted these mixed reactions with grace, noting how she has often witnessed high-profile women facing harsh scrutiny in the industry.

Reflecting on the mixed feedback, Zegler stated, “It made me sad that it was taken in such a way because I believe that women can do anything. But I also believe that they can do everything.” Her comments highlight the broader societal discussions surrounding representation in media and its impact on audiences’ perceptions.

Evolution of Snow White’s Character

Snow White Live Action
Credit: Disney

The live-action adaptation of Snow White signifies a departure from the traditional narrative that has long defined Disney princesses.

Zegler confirmed that this version will not center around the typical romantic storyline; instead, it will focus on themes of empowerment and independence.

According to her, Snow White is not portrayed solely as a character who is rescued or saved by a prince. Instead, she is envisioned as a figure who seeks to become a leader, thereby elevating her journey beyond mere romantic interests.

Zegler has remarked that the film mirrors contemporary values, stating, “It’s no longer 1937,” indicating that the character’s motivations and aspirations reflect a modern context. The live-action adaptation aims to empower young viewers, showing that love should not be their sole ambition. This reimagining of Snow White’s character marks a significant evolution from the traditional fairy tale narrative that has been familiar to audiences for decades.

Anticipation for the Live-Action Film

Snow white waving
Credit: Disney

Set to premiere on March 21, 2025, Disney’s live-action Snow White is being directed by Marc Webb, who is known for his work on The Amazing Spider-Man. Webb has expressed his vision for the film, emphasizing a fresh take that honors the legacy of the original while also updating it for today’s audience.

The anticipation surrounding this adaptation is palpable, especially in light of the unique changes being made to the plot and character arcs.

With a focus on empowerment and resilience, there is an expectation that the film will attract a diverse audience, keen to see how these new themes play out on screen.

Disney executives are optimistic that Zegler’s portrayal, alongside Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, will breathe new life into the narrative.

The introduction of original songs by the award-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul further builds excitement for what promises to be a compelling reimagining of the beloved classic.

As the release date approaches, industry watchers and fans alike remain engaged in discussions that span the boundaries of race, representation, and the evolution of narrative in illuminated media. Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White is poised to become a significant milestone in Disney’s efforts to reflect contemporary values in its storytelling, marking a new chapter in the Disney legacy.

What do you think about this new Snow White origin story? 

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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