Disney is taking significant steps to limit media exposure for the star of its upcoming Snow White live-action film, Rachel Zegler, as the studio prepares for the movie’s premiere.
In an unusual move, Disney has reduced the number of media outlets invited to the event, opting not to invite the usual extensive press coverage.
The decision appears to be an effort to shield Zegler from further scrutiny given her controversial public statements and the backlash surrounding the film.
Zegler, who plays the titular character, has been embroiled in several controversies since her casting in the film was announced. Most notably, her critical remarks about the original 1937 animated Snow White film caused a significant stir.
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In one interview, Zegler stated that the classic film’s portrayal of Snow White as a character who “dreams about true love” was outdated and in need of a progressive update. She further criticized the character’s relationship with the prince, calling it “stalking.”
These comments were met with widespread backlash from fans and critics who felt that the new interpretation was unnecessarily disrespectful to the beloved original. Zegler later attempted to walk back some of her remarks, but the damage had already been done.
Her comments continued to attract negative attention, especially from those who believed that the film was too focused on modern social agendas at the expense of the original story’s charm.
Zegler has also made headlines for her political views, which have sparked further controversy. After the 2020 presidential election, she posted a message on social media that appeared to wish ill on supporters of President Donald Trump, saying, “May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.” Like her previous comments, she later tried to retract her statement, but the negative reception persisted, as Breitbart News reported.
These incidents, combined with other production delays and issues, have complicated the release of Snow White. The film faced significant reshoots, which reportedly contributed to an increased budget of over $300 million.
The delays have pushed the movie’s release into 2025, and early box office projections suggest the film could open to a disappointing $53 million—a result that would be considered a failure by industry standards.
Disney’s move to limit media access at the premiere seems to be a strategic attempt to avoid focusing on Zegler’s controversies.
According to sources, the decision was made to prevent reporters from asking difficult questions about the multiple scandals that have surrounded the production.
It is believed that the studio hopes to keep the focus on the film itself and avoid further negative attention that could hinder its commercial success.
For Disney, the stakes are high. The company has struggled with recent box office disappointments, including the failure of Captain America: Brave New World, and the pressure is mounting for Snow White to succeed.
Despite the challenges, Disney is hoping that positive reviews and word of mouth can salvage the film’s reputation and financial performance.
