Rachel Zegler, the actress set to portray Snow White in Disney's upcoming live-action adaptation, has addressed the backlash surrounding her casting. She attributes the criticism to fans' "passion" for the original animated film. However, she also finds it "pathetic" that there is such a strong reaction to the casting decision. Zegler was confirmed for the role in 2021, sparking controversy among some fans due to her Colombian heritage.
Despite the uproar, Zegler remains positive about her participation in the project. As a Latina, she understands the complexities of representation and emphasizes her commitment to portraying Snow White with authenticity. She acknowledges that discussions around her casting stem from a desire within the community to avoid being seen as monolithic. Zegler has pledged to do her "best" in the role, which will be unveiled when the movie is released on March 21.
The remake has not only faced criticism regarding Zegler's casting but also for its reinterpretation of the classic narrative. David Hand, a designer who worked at Disney in the 1990s, has harshly criticized the company’s "woke" direction with the live-action remake. His father collaborated with Walt Disney on the original 1937 animated version. Hand describes the new take as "insulting" and a "whole different concept" that deviates significantly from the beloved original.
"I think it's pathetic that people feel that way… these are art forms in the world of film today."
- David Hand
Zegler herself has commented on the original film, describing it as "extremely dated." She hinted at significant changes to the plot in the live-action version, aligning with modern sensibilities and storytelling techniques.
Hand’s criticisms extend beyond casting decisions to broader concerns about Disney's approach to its classic films. He contends that by altering storylines and character development, Disney disrespects its own legacy.
"I'm afraid of what they're going to do with the early films… their thoughts are just so radical now."
- David Hand
"They change the stories, they change the thought processes of the characters, they just aren't the original stories anymore. They're making up new woke things and I'm just not into any of that."
- David Hand
"I find it quite frankly a bit insulting that they may have done with some of these classic films."
- David Hand
Hand’s remarks reflect a broader debate over how iconic stories should be updated for contemporary audiences. He firmly believes that both Walt Disney and his father would disapprove of these changes.
"There's no respect for what Disney did and what my dad did… I think Walt and he would be turning in their graves."
- David Hand
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