Yahoo Movies Rachel Zegler explains Snow White's new name origin in remake
Rachel Zegler has explained Snow White's new name origin in Disney's live-action remake.
The West Side Story star will play the princess in the new retelling of the 1812 German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, with Wonder Woman's Gal Gadot taking on the role of the Evil Queen.
The musical will also star The Front Room's Andrew Burnap as new character Jonathan, as well as Ansu Kabia, Dujonna Gift, Martin Klebba and Colin Michael Carmichael.
Related: Best movie box sets to buy
In a new interview with Variety, Zegler has revealed one change the remake is making to her character's origin story.
While the 1937 animated classic described the princess as having "skin as white as snow", the live-action film has a different inspiration for the iconic name.
"It fell back to another version of Snow White that was told in history, where she survived a snowstorm that occurred when she was a baby," Zegler explained. "So the king and queen decided to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience. One of the core points in our film for any young woman or young person is remembering how strong you actually are."
Related: Rachel Zegler offers huge update on Snow White live-action movie
The announcement of Zegler's casting led to some criticism by online trolls opposed to the studio's decision on account of her race. Zegler explained how "sad" the reaction made her and shared how much it means to bring a Latina princess to the screen.
She also revealed that she was inspired by Brandy Norwood, who became the first Black actor to play Cinderella in the 1997 live-action remake.
"I grew up in a house where that was Cinderella," Zegler said. "Obviously, we watched the cartoon. But a child's mind is the most amazing thing, where it's just like, 'Ok, that's Cinderella'."
Related: Netflix unveils first look at Rachel Zegler's new movie
The Snow White reimagining is directed by The Amazing Spider-Man filmmaker Marc Webb and co-written by Barbie director Greta Gerwig and The Girl on the Train scriptwriter Erin Cressida Wilson. It will be released in March 2025.
As for Zegler, the actor is currently making her Broadway debut as Juliet Capulet in an adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Heartstopper star Kit Connor is playing Romeo.
Since its first preview performance last week (September 26), the production has received wide acclaim from fans and critics, with many praising the leading duo for their "beautiful" performances.
The Snow White remake will be released in cinemas on March 21, 2025.
You Might Also Like
