In a recent interview, Rachel Zegler, the actress from Disney’s live-action version of Snow White, seemed to be retracting her controversial statements about the 1937 animated film, but it came across as if it was written by a public relations team instead of a genuine apology or change of heart.
In a conversation with Vogue Mexico, Zegler reframed the criticism towards the movie and her previous statements as a demonstration of “fan enthusiasm” instead.
In simpler terms, Zegler expressed that the reactions towards this movie are intense enthusiasm. It’s truly a privilege to contribute to something that stirs such strong emotions in people. While we might not always see eye-to-eye with everyone around us, all we can do is give our best. (Quotes translated from Spanish to English by Variety)
Previously, when the controversy around the “Snow White” remake started, Zegler had a different tone compared to now. Back then, she criticized the original, labeling it as outdated and describing the prince as an overzealous pursuer of Snow White. She also expressed disdain for the storyline by stating that it’s no longer 1937 and clearly indicated her disagreement with the film’s central themes. She seemed to dislike the idea that Snow White’s main goal was finding true love, implying that aspiring for love and happiness is somehow outdated.
Currently, Zegler is trying to shift the discussion towards a more optimistic perspective by describing fan dissatisfaction as “passion”. This is a common strategy employed by corporations in public relations. Instead of acknowledging or apologizing for her past statements, she’s choosing to view the criticism as stemming from a deep-seated love for the original movie rather than disapproval of her casting.
With this method, she manages to come off as dignified, all the while avoiding taking accountability for the uproar she instigated.
The Shift in Tone: From Defiant to Diplomatic
Initially, when Zegler was chosen as Snow White, her comments were strong, rebellious, and unyielding. She grabbed attention by saying, “Indeed, I am playing Snow White. Absolutely not, I am not lightening my skin tone for the role,” a statement that ignited discussions widely, even though there was no substantial public pressure for her to do so.
Initially, her remarks appeared designed to portray herself as one ready to defy established norms. However, these statements seemed more off-putting to numerous fans, who perceived them as an affront to a cherished tradition.
Moving on to the present, her tone towards the subject has become more tender. Now, she expresses gratitude, saying “It’s an honor to be involved in something that stirs such strong emotions in people,” a significant shift from her past criticisms of the initial movie.
The change seems more like a carefully planned effort to improve public opinion rather than a personal epiphany.
Invoking Identity to Shift the Narrative
During her interview with Vogue Mexico, Rachel Zegler steered the discussion towards her roots and the difficulties she encounters when portraying varied communities within Hollywood.
I recognize that our dialogue stems from the community’s desire to avoid being stereotyped as a single entity, but working within this industry while being Latino means we strive to embody and represent the entire Latin diaspora. My personal journey is woven into my story, and I carry it with me every day, making it an integral part of who I am. No one can ever deny or diminish that.
The timing of her statement is significant. By bringing up her identity, Zegler cleverly steers the discussion away from the initial criticisms about the film’s content and her remarks, instead making the conversation revolve around diversity and inclusion. This is a common PR tactic: changing the subject to a broader issue can help divert individual criticism.
Why This Feels Disingenuous
A primary cause for the perceived emptiness in Zegler’s recent comments is that we’ve witnessed her genuine behavior during unplanned situations. This latest Rachel Zegler interview seems more like a well-crafted PR statement than the candid personality audiences are accustomed to—particularly when contrasted with her public displays of emotion.
An illustrative instance is her response after the recent U.S. presidential election. Zegler encountered significant criticism following an emotional outburst on social media in which she harshly criticized President-elect Donald Trump and his supporters, urging them not to experience peace. The backlash from this post was so severe that she was compelled to offer a formal apology.
The way Rachel Zegler’s apology was structured was quite similar to her recent interview with Vogue Mexico; it seemed more like an attempt at corporate damage control, characterized by its cautious language, lack of concrete details, and focus on soothing the situation rather than showing sincere regret.
Her recent remarks concerning Snow White seem strikingly familiar, as she’s now employing the same refined, tactful language that characterized her apology. This contrasts sharply with the assertive, defiant Zegler we’ve witnessed in interviews and on social media, which leaves many viewers struggling to reconcile this softer tone with her earlier demeanor.
Is Disney Behind the Curtain?
It seems quite plausible that Disney’s public relations team may have had a role in shaping these statements. With Snow White forecasting poor box office returns and receiving a wave of unfavorable reviews – from trailers garnering dislike ratings in the millions to debates over the film’s depiction of the Seven Dwarfs – there is undeniably a need for a change in the storyline. Zegler’s remarks no longer come across as personal insights but rather as an attempt to control the situation and improve the public image of the company.
This adjustment is consistent with Disney’s current marketing tactics, as discussed in earlier articles. Notably, the studio has been gradually decreasing the visibility of Zegler in promotional content, emphasizing instead Gadot’s portrayal of the Wicked Queen. Trailers have significantly reduced Zegler’s appearance by about 50%, and more recent advertisements on TV heavily lean on the nostalgia from the 1937 film, aiming to stir memories of the original enchantment while subtly playing down the major alterations in the remake.
Will This Snow White PR Strategy Work?
Zegler’s latest remarks could help lessen the criticism, but for numerous fans, it might not do much to make amends as they feel it comes too late and appears insincere. The internet has a long memory, and the shift from her previously bold stance to her current conciliatory approach seems inauthentic. Given that Snow White is projected to earn only around $63-$70 million domestically against a production cost of $300 million, this PR effort might not be sufficient to restore the film’s tarnished image.
Reflecting on my experience, I’ve come to realize that Zegler’s backtracking underscores a larger concern: viewers can sniff out insincerity from afar. Moreover, today’s digital landscape, populated by bloggers, YouTube stars, and independent news outlets operating beyond the confines of Hollywood, is less likely to be swayed by spin as traditional media often has been.
As Disney and its celebrities strive to shape public opinion, skeptical fans persist, and the upcoming release of Snow White becomes increasingly challenging.
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2025-02-25 20:55