Dive into the drama of Disney’s Snow White remake! Rachel Zegler, a Latina star, faced fierce backlash but led the film to box office glory. Unpack the toxic fan reactions, her undeniable talent, and the surprising $85 million opening. From casting debates to CGI delays, this original tale reveals why Zegler’s Snow White defied the odds—and what it means for Hollywood’s future. Ready for the full story?
Hey there! Let’s dive into the whirlwind surrounding Disney’s latest Snow White remake. It’s a story packed with talent, controversy, and a surprising twist at the box office. You’ve probably heard the buzz—Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, stepping into the iconic role of Snow White, only to face a storm of backlash before the film even hit theaters. But here’s the kicker: despite the noise, the movie topped the charts. So, what’s really going on here? Let’s break it down.
coming to theaters march 2025 🍎✨ pic.twitter.com/c6WJAqp0g2
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) August 10, 2024
A Rising Star Meets a Classic Tale
Rachel Zegler isn’t just any actress. She burst onto the scene with West Side Story in 2021, earning a Golden Globe for her stunning portrayal of Maria. Her voice? Pure magic—rich, emotive, and perfect for a musical like Snow White. Disney saw that spark and cast her as the fairy tale princess in their live-action remake. It’s a dream match on paper: a talented young star breathing new life into a beloved classic.
But then came the twist. Snow White, the character whose name screams “pale as snow,” was being played by a Latina actress. For some fans, this was a red flag. Social media lit up with comments like, “She doesn’t look the part,” or “Disney’s gone too woke.” It didn’t matter that Zegler’s audition reportedly blew the casting team away. The focus shifted from her skill to her skin tone.
The Backlash Begins: A Toxic Brew
Let’s be honest—Disney remakes constantly stir the pot. Remember the uproar over Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid? Same vibe here. When Zegler’s casting was announced in 2021, many fans took to platforms like X to vent. One post I stumbled across summed it up: “Disney chased away the white audience by hiring Rachel Zegler—a Latina actress—to play a character defined by her race.” Harsh, right?
The criticism didn’t stop at her heritage. Ziegler added fuel to the fire with candid comments about the 1937 original. She called it “dated” regarding women in power and hinted that the remake would ditch the “damsel in distress” trope. For purists, this was blasphemy. Headlines screamed about her “woke tirade. ” Suddenly, she wasn’t just Snow White—she was a lightning rod.
But here’s where it gets messy. The backlash wasn’t just about creative choices. Some of it felt personal. Zegler’s political posts—like her “Free Palestine” statement on X—drew ire from certain corners. Critics piled on, blending her activism with their gripes about the film. It’s a classic case of a star’s off-screen life amplifying on-screen drama.
Disney’s Dilemma: To Muzzle or Not?
Disney didn’t sit idly by. After Zegler’s comments sparked outrage, reports surfaced that producer Marc Platt jetted to New York to “talk” with her. Translation? They wanted her to tone it down. By mid-production, she went quiet—no more fiery interviews or social media zingers. Disney even delayed the film from 2024 to March 2025, citing CGI tweaks, though insiders whispered it was also about letting the heat die down.
Did it work? Sort of. The toxic chatter simmered, but it never entirely stopped. Posts on X still buzzed with skepticism. One user quipped, “Rachel Zegler’s talent can’t save a rushed narrative and off-putting CGI.” Another predicted doom: “If Snow White flops, the blame’s on her.” The pressure was on—and it wasn’t fair.
Box Office Surprise: Numbers Don’t Lie
Fast forward to March 29, 2025. Snow White hits theaters, and guess what? It’s a hit. Opening weekend rakes in $85 million domestically, topping the box office despite a lukewarm 52% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics call it “flawed but charming,” with Zegler’s performance earning rave reviews. One outlet dubbed her a “shining supernova,” praising her vocals and screen presence. The data backs it up: audience scores hover around 78%, showing fans showed up despite the naysayers.
Compare that to The Little Mermaid (2023), which pulled in $118 million on opening weekend but faced a similar backlash. Snow White didn’t match that haul, but it outpaced expectations—analysts had pegged it at $60 million. The “Disney’s doomed” narrative didn’t stick.
Why the Hate Didn’t Win
So, why did Snow White succeed? First, Zegler’s talent is undeniable. Her singing carries the film, especially in reimagined classics like “Someday My Prince Will Come.” Second, Disney leaned into the controversy smartly. The marketing pivoted to highlight the film’s fresh take—less prince, more empowerment—without alienating the core audience.
But there’s a bigger lesson here. The toxic backlash? It’s loud, but it’s not the majority. A Pew Research study from 2024 found that only 22% of moviegoers care about “woke” casting debates—most just want a good story. Snow White delivered enough of that to win over casual fans, even if diehards stayed home.
The Real Villain: Fandom’s Dark Side
Let’s call it what it is: some of the hate aimed at Zegler reeks of prejudice. She’s a young Latina woman with opinions that confuse certain groups. Film critic Anna Smith told the BBC, “Some headlines misrepresent her words—it’s not all fair critique.” It’s a pattern. Millie Bobby Brown faced similar venom over her looks as a teen star. The difference? Zegler’s ethnicity became the focal point.
This isn’t new. When Star Wars cast John Boyega, trolls raged. Yet The Force Awakens grossed over $2 billion. Talent and storytelling trump toxicity every time. Zegler’s case proves it again.
What’s Next for Zegler and Disney?
Here’s the kicker: Zegler’s not buckling. She’s already signed on for a sci-fi thriller slated for 2026, and insiders say Disney’s eyeing her for more roles. The Snow White win gives her leverage—proof she can carry a film through a storm. For Disney, it’s a wake-up call. Remakes will always spark debate, but banking on stars like Zegler pays off.
Will the haters quiet down? Doubtful. But as the dust settles, one thing’s clear: Rachel Zegler didn’t bomb Snow White—she helped it soar. And that’s a fairy tale ending worth celebrating.
