Rachel Zegler reacts to 'nonsensical discourse' over her role in live-action 'Snow White'

Actress Rachel Zegler has broken her silence on criticisms about her role as Snow White in the upcoming live-action film.

While she couldn't be more enthusiastic to play the character, some social media users aren't so happy about her casting and questioned why a Latina actress would play someone who is known for having "skin as white as snow."

In a tweet on July 15, Zegler thanked everyone who has expressed their support for her and stressed that she doesn't want anything to do with all the negative remarks about the casting choice.

"Extremely appreciative of the love I feel from those defending me online, but please don’t tag me in the nonsensical discourse about my casting. I really, truly do not want to see it," she wrote.

She then took the time to compile some photos dressed in a Snow White costume and other princess attires, saying, "I hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what."

extremely appreciative of the love i feel from those defending me online, but please don’t tag me in the nonsensical discourse about my casting.

i really, truly do not want to see it.

so i leave you w these photos! i hope every child knows they can be a princess no matter what pic.twitter.com/AU5PjJutK5

— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) July 15, 2023

Earlier this year, Zegler addressed the negative feedback in Variety’s Actors on Actors series, where she shared that when her casting was announced in 2021, it was a "huge thing that was trending on Twitter for days, because all of the people were angry."

She, however, is choosing to carry on without trying to let the criticisms overwhelm her as having to play Snow White as a Latina was something she never thought was possible "in a million years."

"At one point you just have to shut it all off and think, 'If I’m not going to read the bad, I’m just not going to read the good either, and I’m just going to believe in what I believe in,'" Zegler said.

"Never in a million years did I imagine that this would be a possibility for me. You don’t normally see Snow Whites that are of Latin descent. Even though Snow White is really a big deal in Spanish-speaking countries... you don’t particularly see people who look like me or are me playing roles like that," she added.

Aside from criticisms against Zegler, harsh remarks were also directed at the story itself by Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage, who called the film a "backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together." He also said it should be updated.

This prompted Disney to release a statement asserting that they are "taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community" for the live-action adaptation. They also stressed that they want to "avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film."

Directed by Marc Webb, the Snow White retelling will also star Andrew Burnap as well as Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. It's set to premiere in 2024.