Disney’s live-action Snow White has found itself in the spotlight once again after the release of a new international trailer and accompanying Snow White international poster. The promotional materials have raised eyebrows for seemingly adjusting Rachel Zegler’s appearance, particularly through lighting effects that noticeably lighten her skin tone. Zegler, who is of Colombian and White heritage, appears in the Snow White poster with a much lighter complexion, more closely resembling the fair-skinned animated version of the iconic character. This has led to speculation that Disney may be modifying Zegler’s appearance in marketing materials ahead of the film’s scheduled release on March 21, 2025.
A new International poster for ‘Snow White’ released! pic.twitter.com/k4JjRk5DVQ
— The DisInsider (@TheDisInsider) February 19, 2025
The situation carries a sense of irony. When Zegler was first cast as Snow White, she made headlines with a controversial statement insisting she wouldn’t bleach her skin for the role, even though there was no widespread call for such a change.
“Yes I am playing Snow White, no I am not bleaching my skin for the role,” she said.
Now, it seems Disney has taken steps to adjust her appearance in the Snow White poster, possibly in an effort to align more closely with the traditional depiction of the fairytale princess. This move has sparked conversation about whether the studio is attempting to downplay earlier criticism related to Zegler’s casting.
Rachel Zegler as Maria in 20th Century Studios’ WEST SIDE STORY. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2021 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved
The choice to cast Zegler as Snow White was divisive from the outset, but it has since become just one of many challenges the film has faced. Since the project’s announcement, Snow White has been entangled in a series of controversies that have steadily intensified. Zegler’s own comments about the original 1937 animated classic, which she referred to as outdated, alienated many fans. Her remarks characterizing the Prince as “a guy who literally stalks her” also drew criticism from those who felt she was dismissing the charm of the original story.
Further complicating matters, Zegler became a polarizing figure due to her strong public opinions on various social and global topics, which she frequently expressed during the film’s press tour. These remarks led to significant backlash and further fueled negative sentiment toward the film.
Disney’s handling of the Seven Dwarfs has also been a source of significant criticism. Initially, the studio planned to cast actors with dwarfism, but after Peter Dinklage voiced concerns about the portrayal, Disney changed course, opting to cast a diverse group of actors, only one of whom had dwarfism. When set photos of the new cast were leaked, they sparked widespread disapproval, ultimately prompting Disney to replace the live-action portrayals with fully CGI versions of the dwarfs—designs that have been broadly criticized for their lackluster quality.
Rachel Zegler singing the original song “Waiting on a Wish” from Disney’s Snow White live action remake – YouTube, Disney
The production has also faced its share of logistical issues. Multiple reshoots caused the film’s budget to balloon to an estimated $300 million. Despite this significant investment, early box office projections suggest a modest opening, with industry estimates placing the film’s domestic debut between $63-$70 million—far below the blockbuster openings of Disney’s previous live-action hits like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, both of which went on to earn over $1 billion.
Promotional efforts have done little to improve the film’s public reception. Each trailer has been met with widespread criticism, with millions of dislikes on YouTube. Even the Christmas Day sneak peek, featuring Zegler performing the film’s new song “Waiting on a Wish,” failed to gain traction, receiving more dislikes than likes and generating minimal audience excitement.
Rachel Zegler via Variety YouTube
The latest Snow White poster, intended to build anticipation ahead of the film’s release, has instead added another layer to the ongoing debate. With the noticeable alterations to Zegler’s appearance, Disney now faces additional scrutiny over its marketing choices. As the release date approaches, the future of Snow White appears increasingly uncertain, weighed down by ongoing controversies and concerning box office forecasts.
Do you think Disney purposely altered Rachel Zegler’s appearance in the Snow White international poster to make her look White? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!
That’ll kill the sales with the woke. Expect outrage that they’re trying to remove her privilege by making her white. Remember when artists did this by making Black Panther blonde?
Zegler: I won’t bleach my skin for the role.
Disney: But we will!
Absolutely hilarious. And it’s even funnier that it’s not going to help sales one bit.
I expect it to hurt sales when the woke decide to boycott.
Disney executives and creative staff should be sent to a mandatory elementary logic training. The existence and development of this movie are a living, breathing antithesis of the whole Occam’s razor concept.
Economics and understanding fiduciary responsibility would be good too.
Yo look like snow…hite?
Disney can change her skin for marketing purposes, but they can’t fix her awful personality.
Apparently liberals are chameleons with no domain. Not surprising.
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