Rachel Zegler Walks Back ‘Snow White’ Comments After Major Backlash

Rachel Zegler is singing a different tune about her highly anticipated role in Disney’s live-action "Snow White."

After facing backlash for calling the original 1937 animated film “weird” and “extremely dated,” Rachel Zegler is now praising the project as a dream come true.

Appearing on "Good Morning America" on Thursday, Zegler expressed her gratitude for landing the iconic role.

“It was the honor of a lifetime. I think every young person dreams about a phone call like that,” she said. “This one is certainly extra special as a huge Disney fan.”

Zegler continued to gush over the film, emphasizing the creative direction she and her co-stars took.

“To get to bring her to life in such a unique way and such a special way, it’s just a beautiful opportunity, and I’m very honored,” she said.

Despite her previous criticism of the original "Snow White," the "West Side Story" actress now says the remake serves as a bridge between “a classic and a modern age” to introduce the story to a new generation.

“Her superpower remains her heart, you know, that’s always been the core of this story. That’s always been the core of the Disney Company,” she explained, calling the film something for both children and the “inner child in all of us.”

Zegler’s glowing endorsement of "Snow White" follows months of controversy over her past remarks about the animated classic. In a 2022 interview with "Extra," she dismissed the original film’s storyline as problematic.

“There’s a big focus on her love story with the guy who literally stalks her. Weird, weird. So we didn’t do that this time,” she said at the time, adding that the remake takes a “different approach” by removing the love story altogether.

She also admitted in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that she was “scared of the original cartoon” as a child and had only “watched it once.”

Her remarks sparked backlash among Disney purists, with many questioning why the actress accepted the role if she had such a low opinion of the original.

Rachel Zegler is finding strength in the support of powerful women in Hollywood as she navigates the challenges of being in the public eye.

In a recent Allure cover story, the "Snow White" actress revealed how stars like Ariana Grande, Jameela Jamil, and her "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" co-stars Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu have stepped in to uplift her during difficult times.

One of the most touching gestures, according to Zegler, came from Grande, whom she described as "deeply kind." The "Wicked" star reached out unexpectedly, offering words of encouragement during a particularly tough period.

"She reached out to me, kind of apropos of nothing, and was like, 'If you need anything, I am here,'" Zegler shared. "She has gone through so much in the public eye, and I have always really, really admired her courage in the face of all of that."

Beyond her "Snow White" comments, Zegler has also faced criticism for her outspoken political views, including her vocal pro-Palestine activism.

According to Page Six, Disney executives have allegedly struggled to rein her in.

“She’s an outspoken 20-something, and Disney chiefs have called her directly and asked her to tone down her posts,” a source claimed. “They’ve called her management, but she won’t listen.”

Further fueling speculation is the rumored tension between Zegler and her "Snow White" co-star Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen. While Zegler has been vocal about her pro-Palestine stance, Gadot is a known advocate for Israel and the Jewish population. The two have reportedly done most of their press separately, leading to speculation about behind-the-scenes friction.

Disney’s upcoming "Snow White" live-action remake also found itself at the center of controversy over its depiction of the Seven Dwarfs. Actor Peter Dinklage, who has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, openly criticized Disney’s approach during a January 2024 appearance on the "WTF With Marc Maron" podcast.

"Literally no offense to anything, but I was sort of taken aback," Dinklage admitted. "They were very proud to cast a Latino actress as Snow White, but you’re still telling the story of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.’ Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there."

The "Game of Thrones" star didn’t hold back, calling Disney’s approach contradictory. "It makes no sense to me," he continued. "You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that f-cking backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together. What the f-ck are you doing, man?"

In response to the backlash, Disney revised its portrayal of the iconic characters, opting for “magical creatures” of diverse sizes and genders rather than the traditional dwarfs.

With "Snow White" set to hit theaters this weekend, it remains to be seen whether Disney’s live-action remake, and its leading lady, can win over audiences.