MOVIE NEWS – Rachel Zegler rose to stardom with her breakout role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s stunning reimagining of the beloved Broadway musical and the 1961 classic film, West Side Story. Though the movie struggled financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, critics and audiences alike applauded its emotional depth and praised Zegler’s heartfelt portrayal of the central heroine.

Behind the scenes, however, Zegler encountered unexpected resistance during casting. Several white studio executives reportedly questioned whether she was truly of Latin descent—despite the fact that her maternal grandmother immigrated to the U.S. from Colombia in the 1960s. In an interview with Allure, the actress shared her experience:

“People are confused because my name doesn’t sound Latin at all. While I was auditioning for María in West Side Story, I kept getting calls asking if I was really Latina. I remember thinking, ‘Should I just bring my abuelita to prove it?’ I seriously considered bringing her to the studio. Having to justify your identity to white executives is… a strange experience, especially in today’s world. But I take pride in being Colombian.”

Spielberg’s Commitment to Representation in West Side Story

Spielberg’s version of West Side Story marked the second film adaptation of the 1957 musical. With authenticity in mind, the director ensured that all characters from the film’s Puerto Rican community—like Maria, her brother Bernardo (David Alvarez), and Anita (Ariana DeBose)—were portrayed by actors with appropriate backgrounds.

Zegler’s performances throughout the movie were widely praised, with her powerful singing voice making a lasting impression. Her role earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Both her talent and her cultural background were undeniable. However, as she continues her rise in Hollywood, Zegler is focusing on what lies ahead. She hopes her version of Snow White in the upcoming live-action remake will show that “kindness is a strength that can still create change.”

Snow White’s Message Is About Changing the World with Grace

Following the acclaim she received for West Side Story, Rachel Zegler became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about rising stars. Yet controversy surrounding the new live-action Snow White remake has made headlines, particularly regarding her comments about the original 1937 film’s love story, which she described as “weird.” Nevertheless, Zegler stands by the project and is proud of the work behind the 2025 adaptation.

For Zegler, the new version of Snow White represents a heroine who inspires change not through force, but through compassion. Speaking again to Allure, she said:

“That’s why these stories matter to the next generation. It’s important for kids to see that doing the right thing doesn’t require anger or aggression. Anger is valid, but it won’t always shape the brightest future. Snow White leads with kindness and still sparks transformation. Power isn’t just about dominance—it comes in many forms. I hope the next few years bring more kindness and understanding, and less hatred that fuels division.”

The live-action version of Snow White is set to premiere in theaters on March 21, 2025. While early reactions have been mixed, and ticket sales are reportedly sluggish, time will tell if Zegler and Gal Gadot’s reimagining can win over audiences. Industry forecasts predict that while the film may cross the $100 million mark globally, it could still fall short of $50 million at the U.S. box office.

Source: Allure