Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress known for her breakout role as María in Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story," is once again in the limelight as she portrays the titular character in Disney's live-action adaptation of "Snow White," released on March 21, 2025. In recent interviews, Zegler has opened up about her Colombian heritage, the obstacles she has faced in the entertainment industry, and her approach to reimagining the iconic Disney princess.

Navigating Identity in Hollywood

Born in New Jersey to a Colombian mother and a father of Polish descent, Zegler's multicultural background has been both a source of pride and a point of contention in her career. During the casting process for "West Side Story," she encountered skepticism from industry executives regarding her Latina identity. "There's confusion because I don't have a single ounce of Latin in my name," Zegler explained in an interview with Allure. "When I was in the running for María in 'West Side Story,' they kept calling to ask if I was legit. I remember thinking, 'Do you want me to bring my abuelita in? I will. I'll bring her into the studio if you want to meet her.'"  This experience highlighted a broader issue within Hollywood: the challenge actors from diverse backgrounds face in proving their authenticity. Zegler expressed frustration over "having a bunch of white executives have you prove your identity to them," underscoring the industry's often narrow perceptions of ethnicity and heritage.  

Redefining Snow White

Zegler's casting as Snow White marked a significant departure from traditional portrayals of the character, who has historically been depicted as having "skin as white as snow." Addressing the casting backlash, Zegler emphasized the importance of representation and modernizing classic narratives. "Never in a million years did I imagine that this would be a possibility for me," she told Variety. "You don't normally see Snow Whites that are of Latin descent... When it was announced, it was a huge thing that was trending on Twitter for days, because all of the people were angry."In reimagining Snow White, Zegler aimed to infuse the character with depth and agency. She critiqued aspects of the original 1937 film, noting that the storyline needed refreshing to resonate with contemporary audiences. "It's no longer 1937... She's not going to be saved by the prince, and she's not going to be dreaming about true love," Zegler stated during the D23 Expo. "She's dreaming about becoming the leader her late father told her that she could be."  

Facing Criticism and Embracing Dialogue

Zegler's candid remarks about the original "Snow White" film and her vision for the remake sparked mixed reactions.Some fans appreciated the modern take, while others felt it deviated too far from the beloved classic. Addressing the backlash, Zegler expressed understanding of the audience's passion. "I think it's important to remember that the reason people are so passionate is because they care so deeply about these stories," she told People. "What an honor to be a part of something that people feel so passionately about.”

 A Vision for Inclusive Storytelling

Beyond her roles on screen, Zegler is an advocate for diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry. She envisions a future where stories reflect the rich tapestry of human experiences. "My only prayer for the future of diversity and inclusion is that we invest in and nurture talent no matter what they look like," Zegler shared. "That's why it's so important for the next generation to see movies like 'Snow White.' To realize there's nothing wrong with choosing to do what's right and that it doesn't have to be with anger or a clenched fist." As "Snow White" graces theaters, Zegler's portrayal invites audiences to embrace a fresh perspective on a timeless tale, one that honors tradition while championing progress and inclusivity.