Rachel Zegler’s Snow White reboot trailer is out, but her controversial comments on the original film and the woke changes have fans divided.

When classic fairy tales collide with modern sensibilities, the result can be either magical or as turbulent as a spell gone wrong. Perhaps, the latter is what Rachel Zegler’s Snow White reboot is currently facing. Poised to charm a new generation while simultaneously stirring the pot of nostalgia, Zegler’s upcoming Snow White movie is seemingly igniting a whirlwind of debate.

Following the release of the first trailer for Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, a wave of controversy began surrounding Rachel Zegler’s project. Although the trailer hinted at a visually stunning reimagination of the original movie, it’s Zegler’s bold methods of promotion that seemingly turned the magic into a controversial conundrum.

In the Wake of Snow White Trailer Rachel Zegler’s Interviews Spark Controversies 

The first trailer for the highly anticipated Snow White reboot featuring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot dropped in August 2024—but not everyone is enchanted. While the trailer itself has garnered some positive buzz, it seems that the real magic—or rather, the lack of it, might be found in the promotional interviews.

Apparently, following the trailer drop, people were immediately taken back to Rachel Zegler’s promotional interviews, which stirred the cauldron of controversy with her candid remarks on the original movie. According to The Guardian, Zegler made headlines for all the wrong reasons by openly criticizing the beloved fairy tale—the original 1937 Disney classic.

Rachel Zegler in West Side Story | image:  20th Century Studios, Walt Disney Pictures

In an attempt to push her upcoming film, Rachel Zegler seemingly criticized the original Snow White movie calling it “weird” and claiming to have “hated” the storyline. Boldly criticizing the idea of a Prince Charming who’s essentially a stalker, kissing a comatose heroine without consent, Zegler raised eyebrows.

Well, the plot thickened more, when Rachel Zegler went on to dismantle the classic narratives of the movie that’s been a part of Disney’s crown jewels for decades. The actress further stirred the pot with her comments about the seven dwarves, questioning their inclusion and leaving many to wonder if Disney’s portrayal of these iconic characters might face a modern-day makeover.

Fans are Pissed Off With the Woke Changes Made in the Snow White Reboot 

While most fans got fixated over Rachel Zegler’s promotional interviews, following the release of her upcoming film’s trailer, a few fans, who are traditionally loyal to princess tales and their enchanted realms, found themselves torn between nostalgia and modern sensibilities. This led fans to slam the new changes, labeling it as ‘woke’.

Previously, as per EW, Rachel Zegler had promised that the ‘fairest one of all’ would take on a new meaning in her Snow White reboot. Claiming that the cartoon was made decades ago, the actress mentioned that it’s important to bring a fresh, possibly more progressive take on the story. Therefore, the actress mentioned that her reboot will reimagine the actual role of Snow White.

Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen in Snow White reboot | image: Walt Disney Pictures

The reality is that the cartoon was made 85 years ago and therefore it’s extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power and what a woman is fit for in the world. And so when we came to reimagining the actual role of Snow White it became about the “fairest of them all” meaning who is the most just and who can become a fantastic leader. Zegler noted.

She’s not going to be saved by the Prince and she’s the proactive one, and she’s the one who set the terms, is what makes it so relevant to where we are today. She’s not going to be dreaming about true love. Gal Gadot added.

These comments from Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, alongside the changes made to the storyline and the characters (that are already visible via the trailer), led people to feel a bit disillusioned. After all, it’s one thing to revamp a classic; it’s another to imply that the old tales are outdated relics.

Fans, therefore, took a great sense of disrespect in Rachel Zegler’s comments and even expressed their grievances over how Snow White, unlike other Disney Princesses, had hairsprayed and 3D animated-looking hair in the trailer. Highlighting how these minute changes could spoil the whole tone of the film, netizens expressed their disappointment.

Rachel Zegler as Snow White | image: Walt Disney Pictures

However, despite the mixed feelings about Rachel Zegler’s promotional approach and the changes to the storyline, netizens believe there’s still hope for the reboot. As one of Disney’s high-profile projects, fans noted that the Snow White remake is expected to do well at the box office, due to the studio’s brand.

Snow White is slated to release on March 21, 2025.