Rachel Zegler revealed that Steven Spielberg recommended her to Marc Webb, who directed the live-action Disney’s Snow White movie. The upcoming Snow White film is Disney’s most recent live-action adaptation of one of its classic animated movies. 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs follows the тιтular Disney princess who is put into an enchanted sleep by a poisoned apple, and can only be awakened by true love’s kiss. Zegler was cast as the iconic Disney princess after starring in Spielberg’s 2021 West Side Story adaptation.
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live ahead of the release of the live-action Disney film, Zegler reveals how she found out she got cast as Snow White. The actress details that she knew Spielberg recommended her to Webb after they worked together on West Side Story. However, before she officially got offered the role of Snow White, Zegler texted Spielberg to wish him a Happy Father’s Day, to which he responded with apple emojis, hinting that she was going to be offered the leading role in Snow White. Read Zegler’s full comments below:
I actually got a really glowing recommendation from Steven Spielberg to Marc Webb, who directed Snow White.
And I also got a text from Steven kind of alluding to the fact that I had gotten the part [of Snow White] before I found out. I wished him a Happy Father’s Day, as one does, and he texted me a bunch of apple emojis as a response!
He was giving Taylor Swift Easter eggs!
What Spielberg’s Recommendation Means For Snow White
Zegler Has Faced Backlash For Her Role In Snow White
Since Snow White is such a well-known Disney princess and the 1937 animated movie is so beloved, there was likely a lot of pressure on Webb and Disney to find the perfect actress to star in the movie. It’s safe to say that Spielberg’s praise of the West Side Story actress and his recommendation to Webb helped Zegler’s land the role as he is one of the most respected directors and producers in the industry.
Since she is half-Columbian, some people have argued that she was not the right choice for Snow White due to the story’s European origins.
Even though the critically acclaimed director recommended her, Zegler’s casting in Snow White has led to criticism. Since she is half-Columbian, some people have argued that she was not the right choice for Snow White due to the story’s European origins. Additionally, some have already critisized the upcoming movie since it will make changes to the 1937 film. Reportedly, Snow White won’t rely so much on true love’s kiss from Prince Charming in the upcoming adaptation and will be more proactive.
Our Take On Spielberg’s Recommendation Of Zegler
Zegler Is Apparently Amazing In Snow White
Despite the online backlash, I think Zegler was a great pick for Snow White. In addition to Spielberg’s West Side Story, she was also a standout in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Y2K. It seems like Spielberg was right to recommend the actress for the role, as the first reactions to Zegler as Snow White have been extremely positive. However, despite Zegler’s reportedly outstanding performance, Snow White still has an upward battle since it is a movie that is riddled with controversy.
Source: Jimmy Kimmel Live
