Disney’s elaborate new adaptation of Snow White will be released in theaters next year. Leading actress Rachel Zegler reveals how the live-action remake changes the origin story of the fairy tale character.
Rachel Zegler has taken Hollywood by storm. Since her breakthrough on the big screen three years ago in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, she has landed several notable projects. Zegler has already appeared in the DC universe and competed in The Hunger Games as a tribute.
Next year will see her take on her biggest role yet: she is leading the live-action adaptation of the 1937 Disney classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This is not a remake that sticks closely to the original. The new Snow White film reinvents the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.
Disney remake with Rachel Zegler: The new Snow White has a different backstory
The title itself brings a breath of fresh air to the matter: In contrast to the animated film, the focus is on the young princess, while the role of the dwarves is to be redefined in the course of the film. In addition, Snow White is no longer interested in a prince who stalks her, as Zegler revealed at the D23 Expo.
You can watch the trailer for Snow White here:
Another change was revealed by the actress in an interview with Variety. The magazine published a cover story with Zegler, which, among other things, is about her casting in the Disney movie. Some people were outraged that the cast was not suitable because of Zegler’s Colombian roots.
The familiar quote “skin as white as snow” was used as an argument, which in the traditional version describes Snow White’s appearance. In the new film, however, the character’s background story is changed so that there is no conflict at all and everyone can identify with Snow White.
Zegler explains:
[The new movie] goes back to a different version of Snow White that was told in the story where she survived a blizzard when she was a baby. The king and queen then decided to call her Snow White to remind them of her resilience. One of the most important messages of our movie for any young woman and young person is to remember how strong you actually are.
