Snow White Behind the Scenes: Rachel Zegler Accused of Disrespecting Gal Gadot, Calling the Queen an ‘Outdated’ Role

Disney’s live-action Snow White remake has been at the center of controversy since its announcement, with debates over casting choices, modernized storytelling, and the removal of traditional elements. However, the latest drama surrounding the film doesn’t come from the script or the creative team—it comes from behind the scenes, where lead actress Rachel Zegler has been accused of disrespecting her co-star, Gal Gadot, and making bold comments about the Evil Queen’s role being ‘outdated.’

A Tense Dynamic Behind the Cameras?

While Snow White promises to deliver a fresh, progressive take on the classic 1937 animated film, reports from inside sources suggest that the off-screen chemistry between Rachel Zegler (Snow White) and Gal Gadot (the Evil Queen) may not be as smooth as their on-screen rivalry. The two actresses represent vastly different generations of Hollywood stardom:

Gal Gadot, best known for her role as Wonder Woman, has been a symbol of female empowerment but still respects classic storytelling and legacy characters.

Rachel Zegler, an outspoken young star from West Side Story, has been vocal about her belief in reshaping Disney princess narratives, ensuring they reflect modern feminist ideals.

According to sources, tensions allegedly began to build when Zegler repeatedly criticized the role of the Evil Queen, calling it “outdated and unnecessary.” This reportedly did not sit well with Gadot, who had embraced the opportunity to portray one of Disney’s most iconic villains.

The Controversial Statement That Started It All

During an interview promoting the film, Rachel Zegler reportedly made a remark that shocked both the audience and her co-star:

“Snow White is a leader in her own right. She doesn’t need saving, she doesn’t need a prince, and honestly, she doesn’t even need a villain. The Evil Queen is such an outdated concept—it’s time we stop telling stories where women are just jealous of each other.”

This statement quickly spread across social media, with fans divided over her words. Many praised Zegler for standing up against harmful female stereotypes, arguing that women should not be portrayed as enemies driven by vanity and jealousy. Others, however, believed she was disrespecting the legacy of Disney’s first-ever villain and undermining Gal Gadot’s role in the film.

Gal Gadot’s Alleged Reaction: Silent But Unhappy?

While Gal Gadot has remained professional in public appearances, fans couldn’t help but notice a shift in her interactions with Zegler following these comments. Several interviews show awkward body language, with Gadot appearing less engaged or enthusiastic when sitting next to her co-star.

One particular moment that caught fans’ attention was when a journalist asked Gadot what she thought about Zegler’s remarks. The actress reportedly paused for a moment, smiled tightly, and simply responded,

“Everyone has their own perspectives on these stories. I think the Evil Queen is a fascinating, complex character who deserves to be explored.”

While she did not directly address the controversy, many saw this as a subtle response to Zegler’s remarks, suggesting that she did not share her co-star’s views.

Disney’s Modern Approach: Is the Evil Queen No Longer Relevant?

Rachel Zegler’s comments raise an interesting debate: Is the concept of an ‘Evil Queen’ still relevant in modern storytelling?

Traditionally, fairy tales like Snow White have portrayed female villains as bitter, envious, and consumed by vanity. The Evil Queen is a prime example—her entire motivation revolves around being the fairest of them all and eliminating anyone who threatens her position.

In today’s world, where feminism and female empowerment are at the forefront of media discussions, many believe such narratives are problematic. The idea that women must compete for beauty, power, or male attention reinforces outdated stereotypes that no longer reflect reality.

However, others argue that removing villains entirely is not the solution. Instead of erasing female antagonists, why not rewrite them to be more complex, layered, and reflective of deeper psychological struggles? This is something Disney has successfully done in past remakes, such as:

Maleficent (2014): Transformed from a simple evil fairy into a misunderstood woman who was betrayed and sought revenge.

Cruella (2021): Gave depth to the villain, showing her tragic past and explaining her eccentric personality.

Would the Snow White remake benefit from a similar reimagining of the Queen, rather than dismissing her as an ‘outdated character’?

Audience Reactions: Mixed Opinions on Zegler’s Comments

The online reaction to Zegler’s remarks has been highly polarized. While some fans agree that fairy tales need to evolve, others feel that she went too far in undermining an iconic character.

Supporters of Zegler argue:

Classic fairy tales should reflect modern values rather than reinforcing outdated gender roles.

Women should be portrayed as allies rather than rivals, moving away from harmful female competition tropes.

Snow White’s story deserves a fresh, empowering retelling that puts her in control of her own destiny.

Critics argue:

Villains are essential to storytelling—without conflict, there is no drama or character growth.

The Evil Queen represents deep-seated human fears about aging, power, and control, making her a fascinating character to explore rather than erase.

Zegler’s comments were unprofessional, as they dismissed both Gal Gadot’s role and the Queen’s importance in the story.

The Future of Snow White: What Can Fans Expect?

Despite the controversy, Disney has not made any official changes to the film’s direction. However, there are rumors that the Evil Queen’s role may be significantly different in this version:

Instead of being purely jealous of Snow White’s beauty, the Queen may fear Snow White as a political rival, making their conflict more about power than vanity.

There may be less emphasis on the “Mirror, Mirror” trope, with the Queen’s motivations being more strategic and manipulative rather than shallow jealousy.

Snow White’s romantic arc has been completely rewritten—there is no prince in this version, and she is fully independent.

Disney has yet to confirm whether these changes were planned from the start or influenced by the ongoing backlash.

Final Thoughts: A Necessary Conversation or Unnecessary Drama?

Rachel Zegler’s comments about the Evil Queen being ‘outdated’ have sparked a debate that extends beyond Snow White—it’s about the evolution of female characters in storytelling.

While some agree that modern princesses should not be helpless damsels, others argue that villains are just as important as heroes in crafting compelling stories. Furthermore, Zegler’s alleged disregard for Gal Gadot’s role has left many questioning the behind-the-scenes relationships on set.

The biggest question remains: Will audiences embrace this new version of Snow White, or will the radical changes prove to be too divisive?

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: This is not the Snow White we grew up with, and the conversation surrounding the film is far from over.