Is Disney Going Overboard with Changing the Classics? Controversy Continues
The anticipation surrounding Disney’s live-action remake of the classic 1937 animated film “Snow White” has taken an unexpected turn as lead actress Rachel Zegler finds herself at the center of a social media controversy.
While the movie is scheduled for release in March 2024, Zegler’s remarks from last year have resurfaced, triggering a heated debate over the direction of the iconic princess’s character and the potential impact on the film’s success. Let’s see the details of the controversy and the diverse range of opinions it has sparked.
In a series of interviews conducted in September, Rachel Zegler shared her thoughts on the character of Snow White, Prince Charming, and the overall narrative direction of the upcoming live-action adaptation.
In these interviews, Zegler discussed her version of Snow White as a proactive leader who does not require rescuing by a prince. She stated, “She’s not going to be saved by the prince, and she won’t be dreaming about true love.”
This departure from the traditional fairy-tale narrative raised questions about the film’s approach to feminism and character development.
These comments, which Zegler made several months ago, have resurfaced on social media platforms, igniting a wave of differing opinions and reactions.
Critics argue that her attempt to modernize Snow White’s character might inadvertently convey an anti-feminist message, suggesting that only women pursuing leadership roles are valid feminist representations.
Others contend that not every woman aspires to be a leader and that criticizing classic Disney princesses for not embodying a certain kind of feminism is “pseudo-feminism.”
The controversy has led to broader discussions about feminism, storytelling, and the role of Disney princesses in popular culture.
Some users on TikTok and other platforms have argued that Disney princesses don’t need to be transformed into “girl bosses” to be strong and empowering characters.
They highlight that diverse portrayals of women, with a range of aspirations and desires, are important for promoting inclusivity in media.
While the backlash against Zegler’s comments has been strong, some voices have come to her defense.
DISNEY CONTROVERSY CONTINUES: Disney's new live-action "Snow White" could ruin Disney, a branding expert warned after videos of the film's lead actress surfaced of her depicting the role in the remake as a symbol of feminist iconography. MORE: https://t.co/MBdUbbEMa3 pic.twitter.com/SlhMkejCbP
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) August 17, 2023
Brand strategist and TikToker Ashten Stein suggested that Zegler might not have received adequate media training for handling interviews related to such a high-profile project. Stein encouraged constructive criticism over hate and bullying.
Franchesca Ramsey, a writer, actor, and content creator, defended Zegler’s talent and emphasized that the young actress’s comments should not overshadow her achievements.
On the other hand, branding experts warn that Zegler’s comments could significantly impact the film’s reception and ticket sales when it releases in 2024.
The negative response to her remarks has led to speculations of ‘crisis talks’ among Disney executives to mitigate the controversy’s effects. Critics suggest that Disney must navigate the fine line between modernizing characters for contemporary audiences while preserving the essence of the original stories.
There is a consensus that Disney executives may need to carefully consider the situation to maintain the film’s success and audience engagement.
