Rachel Zegler is sharing her appreciation for her role as Snow White.
Ahead of a recent early screening of Disney’s live-action remake, Zegler surprised fans by making an appearance and delivering an emotional speech about what playing the iconic princess has meant to her.
“This is a movie that is so close to my heart. I auditioned for this movie when I was 19 years old and I am about to turn 24,” Zegler shared in a video released by Disney.
“So it’s a really big chunk of my life, and about five of the seven years of my career, which is crazy. I love everybody in this movie so dearly.”
Zegler Reflects on Her Snow White Journey
Zegler reflected on her time portraying the titular character, who first appeared in Disney’s classic 1937 animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She described seeing the movie come to life as an “emotional” experience.
“Coming to the end of this road of this release feels really crazy because when you spend so much time with something, it becomes such a big part of you and a big part of your heart,” she said.
“Snow White has really been that way for me and to see this is really emotional for me. So I’m going to try not do that,” she added, her voice cracking slightly.
“I love her and I am so glad to see that so many of you love her as well,” Zegler continued. “Her superpower is her heart. It’s nothing supernatural. It’s something that all of us have. Deep within us, there is an inherent good and belief in the kindness of humanity.”
Zegler also shared her hopes for the audience, saying, “I hope that you walk away from this film understanding what the true meaning of fair is. I really hope that for the world as well. Thank you so much for allowing me to be your Snow White. It means the world to me.”
Challenges Surrounding the Film’s Release
Zegler’s heartfelt speech comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding Disney’s live-action remake, set to premiere on March 21. The controversy has extended to both Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen.
Rachel ZeglerA source told PEOPLE that Gadot and Zegler have “nothing in common” due to their age difference and that “on top of that, their political views differ, adding to the tension.”
Despite this, the two actresses have participated in multiple promotional events for the film, including Disney’s D23 Expo in 2022 and the recent Academy Awards, where they presented the Best Visual Effects category together. The co-stars also posed together at the movie’s Los Angeles premiere on March 15.
Zegler Faces Backlash and Responds to Criticism
After Zegler’s casting was announced in 2021, she became the target of racist backlash on social media due to her Latinx heritage. (Zegler is of Colombian and Polish descent.)
She also stirred controversy when she stated in past interviews that the remake would modernize Snow White and that the original 1937 film was “dated.”
Addressing the backlash in an interview, Zegler acknowledged the strong feelings audiences have for the character.
“I interpret people’s feelings about this film as their passion for her and what an honor to be a part of something that people are so passionate about,” she said. “We are not always going to have the same feelings as everyone around us and all that we can do is do our best.”
Disney’s Snow White Hits Theaters Soon
Disney’s live-action Snow White is set to premiere in theaters on March 21.