Mirror, mirror, on the wall. Who’s the fairest of them all?
It seems like Snow White has joined the list of so many other Disney animated films being adapted into live-action! And who is crowned as this Disney Princess? It’s none other than West Side Story‘s Rachel Zegler! The actress also took to Twitter to confirm the news while presumably responding to evil online trolls who complained about her casting.
Zegler also promises…
we don’t mess around here at the wishing well
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) June 22, 2021
“[Zegler’s] extraordinary vocal abilities are just the beginning of her gifts,” said Marc Webb, who has been tapped to direct the upcoming adaptation, in a statement. “Her strength, intelligence and optimism will become an integral part of rediscovering the joy in this classic Disney fairytale.”
Zegler has also been expressive about her excitement about clinching the role.
I HAVE MANIFESTED MY ENTIRE LIFE I THINK I THINK
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) June 22, 2021
Proving her point, she also brought back old photos of her playing another Disney Princess, Ariel, with her manifested caption.
hahahahhahahahaha https://t.co/mJOOsp2SAB
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) June 22, 2021
Disney is also diversifying its iconic princesses by casting Halle Bailey, a black actress, as Ariel, the mermaid known for her fire-engine red hair and green fishtail. This casting was initially met with negative remarks, citing that Ariel is a Danish character and therefore has white skin.
Do you know how you’re raising your children right?
I showed them this picture and explained that Halley Bailey will be playing Ariel in the new movie.
Their initial response? “Awww she’s so pretty.” “We can’t wait to see it.”#Mermaidscanbeanycolor pic.twitter.com/e33rvkyaRc
— Chef Chris (@ChefJags) July 6, 2019
Casting preferences aside, let’s not forget the importance of cultural diversification and representation! With a mega-company as influential as Disney, hiring POCs to bring these dearly loved fairy tale characters to life will do wonders in raising racial awareness.
*Cover image via Instagram @rachelzegler/ Walt Disney Productions