Rachel Zegler Says ‘White Executives’ Questioned Her Latina Background

For Rachel Zegler, getting a lead function in West Aspect Story was the chance of a lifetime — nevertheless it additionally required her to leap by means of hoops she would not keep in mind fondly.

In an interview for Attract‘s March cowl story, the Snow White star recalled how studio executives “saved calling to ask if I used to be legit” Latina in the course of the casting course of for her function as West Aspect Story‘s María, which ended up being her breakout efficiency.

“I keep in mind pondering, ‘Would you like me to convey my abuelita in? I’ll. I’ll convey her into the studio if you wish to meet her,’ ” stated Zegler, 23, who’s of Colombian and Polish descent.

After bearing on the sensation of “having a bunch of White executives have you ever show your identification to them,” the actress added, “It is an fascinating expertise being a part of that diaspora within the present local weather we stay in. However I really like being Colombian.”

PEOPLE is out to Amblin Leisure and twentieth Century Studios for remark.

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Zegler performs the title princess in Snow White, a live-action retelling of Disney’s first animated characteristic: 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Following information of her casting in 2021, the actress confronted racist backlash over her taking part in Snow White, as a result of her Latinx background.

She stated in a 2024 interview with Selection that Snow White’s title has a unique origin story within the new movie than the unique film — which, together with the nineteenth century Brother Grimms fairy story, describes the character with “pores and skin as white as snow.”

In her new interview with Attract, Zegler stated, “My solely prayer for the way forward for range and inclusion is that we spend money on and nurture expertise it doesn’t matter what they appear to be.”

West Aspect Story launched Zegler to the world, in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake of the 1961 movie. The flicks are tailored from the 1957 stage musical of the identical title, which was impressed by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. (By the way, Zegler simply completed a run of Romeo + Juliet on Broadway, taking part in Juliet to Package Connor’s Romeo.)

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Throughout an look on Jimmy Kimmel Stay! Monday, March 17, Zegler stated she was forged as Snow White earlier than the world noticed her in West Aspect Story.

“I truly obtained a very glowing advice from Steven Spielberg to Marc Webb, who directed Snow White,” the actress advised host Jimmy Kimmel.

“I additionally obtained a textual content from Steven type of alluding to the truth that I had gotten the half [of Snow White] earlier than I discovered,” she continued. “I wanted him a Glad Father’s Day … and he texted me a bunch of apple emojis as a response!”

Following the approaching launch of Snow White, Zegler will subsequent be seen onstage as Eva Perón in a revival of Evita on London’s West Finish.

Snow White is in theaters Friday, March 21.