Disney’s Snow White live-action controversy explained: A movie canceled before its release?

Disney has its next live-action remake lined up in the shape of Snow White, but the movie has been the subject of scrutiny of late due to its lead star Rachel Zegler. So, here’s what you need to know about the controversy.

According to some theories on the internet, Disney has run out of ideas. That’s how numerous online users are interpreting the company’s recent pattern of producing live-action adaptations of all the beloved classics.

Cinderella, Aladdin, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid have all had their turn, casting real-life actresses to take on the Disney princess legacy. Now Snow White is next, but the movie might be canceled before it even hit theatres.

Leading actress Rachel Zegler has caused a stir amongst fans over some resurfaced clips in which she speaks poorly of the original movie. Snow White had been announced to be one of the movies delayed until 2024, and by the looks of it, users could care less.

Disney’s Snow White live-action controversy explained

In various interviews, lead actress Zegler has spoken up about changing Snow White’s story to focus less on finding “true love”.

“She’s not going to be saved by the prince and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love,” the actress said. “She’s going to be dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be and that her late father told her that she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave, and true.”

Zegler even suggested the prince’s scenes — portrayed by Andrew Burnap — could be cut from the final film, calling him “a guy who literally stalks [Snow White].”

“It’s really not about the love story at all, which is really, really wonderful,” Zegler said, discussing changes made in the remake. But fans of the original movie disagree and have slammed the actress for her “anti-feminist” take.

Zegler’s stance against Snow White’s romantic storyline can be seen as countering feminist values as it shames women who are content in a more traditional setting. Fans have pointed out that women can still dream of true love without this diminishing their power.

“Like Snow White is still independent but that doesn’t mean she can’t have a love interest [or] be saved by true love’s kiss,” one person commented.

Another said; “ I don’t understand why finding love is considered a weak or dependency issue. A woman can have both.”

To read more about the Snow White controversy, check out the coverage below: 

• Snow White live-action gets disappointing update
• Is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in Snow White?
• Major company apologizes to Rachel Zegler
• Snow White director’s son calls remake “disgrace”
• Rachel Zegler “out of context” video
• Has Rachel Zegler’s Snow White been cancelled?
• Fans “boycotting” another major Zegler movie
• Fans say the same thing about Snow White 4K restoration
• Rachel Zegler shows support to Halle Bailey
• Did Rachel Zegler get Gina Carano fired?