Pedro Pascal Defends Rachel Zegler Amid ‘Snow White’ Backlash
Actor’s Support Sparks Mixed Reactions Online
March 31, 2025 – Pedro Pascal has stepped into the ongoing controversy surrounding Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake. The Last of Us and Mandalorian star showed his support for Zegler by posting a photo of her on his Instagram Stories, tagging her with the word “icon.”
However, Pascal’s endorsement quickly sparked a divide on social media, with fans either applauding his show of support or criticizing him for backing an actress at the center of a heated debate.
Rachel Zegler’s Snow White Controversy
Rachel Zegler, best known for her role in West Side Story, has been a polarizing figure in the Snow White remake saga. The backlash began after a 2022 interview resurfaced, where Zegler critiqued the original 1937 animated classic. She called it “weird” and expressed disapproval of the prince’s character, saying, “He literally stalks her.” These comments sparked outrage among Disney purists who believed she was disrespecting the legacy of the beloved film.
The controversy continued to snowball, with fans criticizing Zegler for appearing disinterested in the role during interviews and for making politically charged statements. As a result, the live-action adaptation has struggled to generate positive buzz.
The Live-Action ‘Snow White’ Struggles
Despite high expectations, Disney’s Snow White has faced multiple hurdles. The film’s initial trailers and promotional material were met with skepticism, and early box office projections suggested a disappointing performance. Reports indicate that the film has grossed only $143 million globally within its first two weeks—significantly lower than Disney’s other live-action successes.
Critics have suggested that the film’s underperformance could be attributed to Zegler’s controversial remarks, which alienated a portion of Disney’s core audience.
Pascal’s Support and Social Media Reactions
Pedro Pascal’s public support for Zegler added fuel to the ongoing discourse. While some fans praised his gesture, others condemned him for backing Zegler despite the backlash. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment, arguing that Pascal was siding with an actress who “disrespected a Disney classic.”
However, supporters of Zegler and Pascal have defended their stance, emphasizing that the backlash has been blown out of proportion. They argue that Zegler’s modern take on Snow White reflects evolving cultural perspectives and that criticism of the film should not turn into personal attacks.
Zegler Responds to the Backlash
In response to the ongoing controversy, Zegler has attempted to diffuse tensions by acknowledging the strong emotions surrounding the original Snow White film. She recently stated, “I understand that people love this story, and I hope to do justice to it in my own way.”
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With Snow White continuing to spark debate, it remains to be seen how the film will fare in the coming weeks. Pascal’s involvement in the conversation has only reignited discussions, proving that this live-action remake is one of Disney’s most talked-about projects in recent years.
Published by HOLR Magazine