(Image: Allure, Disney)
After years of online backlash, criticism, and boycotts, Disney's live-action "Snow White" is finally set for its theatrical release. The film has been at the center of controversy, largely surrounding star Rachel Zegler—both for her comments criticizing the plot of the original animated classic and for her casting as a Latina actress in a role famously defined by the character's fair skin.
While many have assumed her casting was a decision driven by political correctness and a push for diversity, Zegler herself has offered a different story.
During a recent appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to promote the film, Zegler was asked how she landed the iconic role. Host Jimmy Kimmel inquired if her acclaimed performance in Steven Spielberg's 2021 "West Side Story" was the deciding factor. "‘West Side Story’ was still about six months from being released, no one had seen any of it," Zegler explained. "But Steven Spielberg gave a strong recommendation on my behalf to Marc Webb, the director of ‘Snow White.’"
(Image: Allure)
Zegler continued, "I got a text from Steven, and it seemed like he was hinting that I got the part, but I hadn't been told yet. I had just wished him a Happy Father's Day, and he texted me back a bunch of apple emojis! It was like Taylor Swift hiding Easter eggs in her songs, except his Easter egg was about my casting."
In a separate interview with Allure magazine, it was confirmed that Spielberg had indeed written a letter of recommendation for Zegler. However, Zegler pointed to another key factor in her selection: "I was given the opportunity because I can sing." Director Marc Webb added, "Snow White has this optimistic, youthful elegance, and even in her darkest, most depraved moments, she finds humanity and beauty in other people. I think Rachel has that spirit, and that spirit was definitely a plus in the audition. She moved us to tears with her stunning performance of the theme song, ‘Waiting on a Wish.’"
via： Allure