Disney’s Snow White live-action remake is shaping up to be the most cursed fairytale adaptation in modern history—and not because of any evil queen.
At the center of the storm is Rachel Zegler, a 23-year-old actress who’s managed to stir up more controversy than any Disney princess before her.
From dragging the 1937 classic as “weird” and “scary” to rebranding Snow White as a girlboss-in-waiting who doesn’t need a man, Zegler’s version is raising eyebrows everywhere—except maybe in Disney HQ, where execs are reportedly panicking over her unfiltered opinions.
A Princess Without a Prince (or Public Relations Filter)
Instead of singing “Someday My Prince Will Come,” Zegler’s Snow White belts out a brand-new anthem called “Waiting on a Wish,” because apparently fairy tales are now career-building seminars.
She made it clear she’s not here for true love or charming men:
“She’s not going to be saved by the prince. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.”
Critics say the empowerment feels less like evolution and more like forced revisionism. Even David Hale Hand, son of the original Snow White director, said Disney has strayed so far off the original story that his dad and Walt Disney would be “rolling in their graves.”
And what happened to the dwarfs? Well, they were replaced with CGI creations after backlash over earlier shots showing a gender-diverse line of “dwarfs” that had Peter Dinklage and Wee Man slamming the studio for hypocrisy. So now it’s Snow White and the Seven Renderings. Magical.
Political Princess Energy
It’s not just the movie plot that’s controversial. Zegler has made headlines for publicly backing pro-Palestinian causes, even tweeting “Free Palestine” alongside her trailer promo. She also posted a now-deleted rant about Trump and his voters “never knowing peace,” which didn’t help the film’s image.
Even Disney insiders admit the studio has tried calling Zegler and her management to tone it down, but she reportedly isn’t listening. One source said, “It’s been this way the entire filming. Disney doesn’t know what to do with her.”
In a move that smells like damage control, Disney is skipping red carpet interviews and instead handing Zegler over to “influencers” for press. No awkward journalist questions, no uncomfortable answers—just curated content and vibes.
The Gal Gadot Contrast
Oddly enough, playing Snow White’s Evil Queen is Gal Gadot, who’s been hit with backlash from the opposite side of the internet for supporting Israel.
Gadot and Zegler recently shared the Oscar stage to present Best Visual Effects, while some filmmakers were reportedly trying to get Gadot banned from attending.
Still, Gadot managed to avoid any viral explosions. Zegler? Not so much.
Will the Magic Mirror Survive This One?
Now that Snow White has officially hit theaters as of March 21, Disney appears to be crossing its fingers and hoping a CGI forest can cover up this PR wildfire.
Woke or not, the real fairytale may be whether this film ever finds its happily ever after.