'Snow White' Star Faces Backlash After Sharing a Controversial Opinion
Aug. 29 2023, Updated 8:41 p.m. ET
Disney has been working on live-action remakes of their core catalog since the late 1990s. Although they started with Glenn Close's marvelous 101 Dalmatians, more recent remakes include Mulan, Lady and the Tramp, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and now, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The film, which was announced in 2016, is finally starting to see its cast come together.
Read on for everything we know about Disney's live-action Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs cast.
Rachel Zegler has been cast in the titular role of Snow White.
On Oct. 31, 2016, The Hollywood Reporter announced that legendary songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (of La La Land, The Greatest Showman, and Dear Evan Hansen fame) would pen new songs for an upcoming live-action film, with screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson (who had just wrapped up The Girl on the Train's adaptation) to write the script.
Of course, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is nothing without its titular character. On June 22, 2021, it was announced that actor Rachel Zegler will play the part of Snow White. Director Marc Webb said of the casting choice, "Rachel’s extraordinary vocal abilities are just the beginning of her gifts. Her strength, intelligence, and optimism will become an integral part of rediscovering the joy in this classic Disney fairy tale."
Rachel won a Golden Globe Award for her work in West Side Story as Maria. Her talents have also scored her roles in other blockbusters such as Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Rachel has been posting videos of herself singing on YouTube since she was in high school and is known for her incredible abilities.
Who else is in the 'Snow White' cast?
According to Deadline, Wonder Woman's Gal Gadot has been cast as the Evil Queen in the live-action Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Gal told People at the premiere of Red Notice that she was "so excited" to step into the Evil Queen's crown and fabulous shoes.
In January 2022, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Tony Award-winning actor Andrew Burnap would join Rachel and Gal as the male lead of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It was also clarified that he will be playing an entirely new character after rumors spread that he would be playing Prince Ferdinand. He will reportedly not be the Prince nor will he be playing the Huntsman.
Rachel Zegler was slammed for admitting she didn't like her princess.
Rachel seemed to have her princess fairytale come true, but she admitted in an interview that she wasn't the biggest Snow White fan growing up. The old interview resurfaced and the internet wasn't happy about it.
She raised a red flag about the prince potentially being a sort of "stalker." Plus, she admitted to sort of shifting the narrative toward a more feminist and pro-women story, taking the focus off of love.
When will 'Snow White' be released?
Unfortunately, Disney had to let fans know that the new Snow White adaptation will need to be postponed. They didn't really give a reason for this decision, but it's likely that it is related to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
Originally, it was supposed to be released on March 22, 2024, but the Puck newsletter said a source suggested otherwise.
With the film in the middle of production when the strikes began, it likely isn't finished. It will still need some filming and production time which is difficult without the participation of the actors themselves.
Of course, this isn't the only Disney production to be delayed, but the news is definitely crushing the spirits of princesses everywhere.
