Will Rachel Zegler's Latin Snow White Alleviate Concerns Over a Black Ariel? 'Everything is Perfect' Says the Actress

At the 'Disney Showcase' held in Singapore, Hollywood actress Rachel Zegler shared her thoughts on portraying a Latin Snow White in the live-action adaptation of the beloved animated classic.

On November 20, 2024, the Walt Disney Company hosted the 'Disney Content Showcase - APAC 2024' at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center. The event featured key figures from Disney, 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel, who introduced upcoming theatrical releases and streaming projects for 2025 and beyond.

Among the highlights was the live-action film 'Snow White,' which is generating significant anticipation as it reimagines Disney's timeless animated classic. Disney has been consistently adapting its own intellectual properties into live-action hits, and the diverse casting choices have sparked considerable interest. Halle Bailey's role as the first Black Ariel in the live-action 'The Little Mermaid' also drew attention, and now Zegler, whose mother is Colombian, is making headlines as Disney's first Latin princess.

However, some critics have expressed discontent over a Latin actress playing a character originally known as 'Snow White,' reflecting ongoing resistance to what they perceive as Disney's political correctness, similar to the backlash against Bailey's casting.

Despite this, the atmosphere at the 'Disney Showcase' was filled with excitement rather than apprehension. In a video presentation, Zegler expressed her joy about sharing this story, stating, "I am so happy to be part of the upcoming film 'Snow White' set to release in 2025." She emphasized, "The story and music are all perfect. I can't wait to invite you all on Snow White's adventure."

In line with the positive reception, Disney showcased its confidence in the Latin 'Snow White' by revealing clips from the film. The iconic song 'Whistle While You Work' from the original animated 'Snow White' has been beautifully reimagined with Zegler's enchanting vocals and whistling, further heightening anticipation.

The 'Disney Showcase,' taking place over two days at Marina Bay Sands, allows attendees to preview upcoming Disney projects. Approximately 500 journalists, influencers, and Disney partners from 12 Asia-Pacific countries, including South Korea, Singapore, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia, attended the event. Among them, over 110 media representatives from South Korea and around 60 from Japan were present, contributing to a total of around 400 media attendees.