Snow White Latina: Once Upon a Time or Just Maybe?

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho! The live-action adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Disney's The Walking Dead is set for release on March 21, 2025. It's hard to ignore the intriguing numerical coincidence with the original animated classic, which hit theaters on March 12, 1938. These reversed dates aren't just a curious detail; they symbolize the film's transition from its traditional roots to a modern, inclusive reimagining.

It is worth remembering that March is internationally recognized as Women's History Month, a period dedicated to reflecting on the advances and challenges in the fight for gender equality. The original version of Snow White, from 1938, is full of patriarchal influences, with gender roles that limit women to the domestic sphere and reinforce stereotypes such as ageism and female rivalry—exemplified by the Evil Queen's envy of Snow White's youth and beauty. Furthermore, the film perpetuates the classic trope of damsel in distress, portraying women in dependent and passive roles, as rewards without consent. And needless to say, the impact this has on children's minds.

In 1938, the same year that Snow White was released, Disney began to include women in its hiring policies, allowing them to work in the colorization department. However, the company was still predominantly male, and pay inequalities were evident. Despite the first wave of feminism, which defended the right to vote and access to education, women remained invisible in the job market and, for the most part, seen as housewives.

Almost a century separates the original animated film from its new live-action version. It is worth remembering that the princess has already appeared in several adaptations, including those starring Kristen Stewart and Lily Collins, as well as other versions for cinema and TV. The 2025 production promises to bring new songs and modern twists, with contributions from Greta Gerwig (Barbie), Erin Cressida Wilson (The Girl on the Train) and songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The King of the Show).

Another notable point of this version is the casting of Rachel Zegler as Disney's first Latina princess. Although critics claim that Zegler embodied the character's graceful and gentle nature, her choice generated controversy on social media, including xenophobic reactions. This Snow White reflects feminist achievements such as intersectionality by casting a Latina actress in the lead role—a group often sexualized in the media or relegated to secondary roles. Despite the challenges, this new princess is portrayed as proactive and determined, aspiring to become the fearless leader her late father dreamed of—just, brave, and true, in contrast to the romantic emphasis of the 1938 film. This approach also alters the dynamic between Snow White and the Prince, moving away from the narrative centered on romantic love.

While breaking with the imposition of a European standard for the character, the decision to neutralize her accent generated debates about identity and representation. Unlike animations like Encanto e Viva – Life is a Party, who celebrate their cultural roots with specific music, costumes and traditions, Snow White it seems to just change the actress without changing the essence of the European tale. This reinforces a common pattern in Hollywood, where Latino characters are often molded to fit into universalized narratives, without their identity being truly represented. More a marketing strategy, behind the casting and a phenomenon of cultural tokenism, where the presence of Latino actors serves more to meet commercial demands than to promote authentic inclusion. Besides, this Europeanization blocks her Latino identity.

Being a good actress means delivering a convincing performance, conveying emotion, truth and nuances that make the audience believe in the character. Rachel Zegler has already demonstrated vocal and dramatic talent in West Side Story, which may justify his casting for the role of Snow White. However, the issue here is not just her technical competence, but how the character's identity is constructed within this new adaptation.

If the goal was to portray a Latina princess without any visible elements of Latin culture, the production risks losing that authentic connection. Good acting isn’t just about technique—it needs to establish a genuine connection with the audience. A performance can be technically flawless, but if it lacks emotional truth or a strong identity for the character, the result can feel generic and distant.

In the end, what is at stake is not Rachel Zegler's talent, but how meaningful this attempt at representation is. After all, being a good actress involves both the ability to transform into different characters and the authenticity needed to bring to life a story that truly represents those who see themselves in it.

Another standout in the cast is Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. The actress, known for her iconic role in Wonder Woman, brings with it a history of female representation. Interestingly, in the heroine's first film, her strength and motivation were also, in part, linked to romantic love.

The essence of the original animation is still present in the teaser, albeit with a slightly darker atmosphere.

Disney’s decision to use CGI for the dwarves has sparked debate, especially after Peter Dinklage’s 2022 interview. He criticized the casting of dwarves, claiming that it perpetuates stereotypes, which has sparked a discussion about inclusion and diversity in Hollywood. While Dinklage’s concerns are valid, the use of CGI can limit opportunities for dwarven actors who could have played these characters. This choice can also restrict the creation of new stories that address dwarven characters beyond their condition, contributing to demystification and representation.

CGI can end up transforming the condition of dwarves into something more abstract or even caricatured, removing the human dimension and nuance of real performances. Rather than expanding diversity, it can end up distancing audiences from authentic representation. It also reinforces the idea that certain physical characteristics are something “to be animated” rather than portrayed by real actors, which can have an impact on how the industry views inclusion.

The film is part of Disney’s effort to modernize its stories, but the company has also been criticized for trying to balance inclusion and nostalgia without truly innovating in its approach. Casting Rachel Zegler as the lead could have been a significant step forward in Latino representation, but the absence of cultural elements in the character’s construction raises questions about how authentic that inclusion really is. If the character’s identity doesn’t reflect the actress’s background and the narrative remains essentially European, to what extent is this Snow White can she be considered a Latin princess?

The decision to neutralize Zegler's accent is a reflection of this dilemma. While productions like Encanto e Viva – Life is a Party celebrate Latinity with a wealth of detail, Snow White seems to merely replace the actress without changing the essence of the story. This reinforces a common pattern in Hollywood, where racialized characters are inserted into universalized stories without their identity being truly represented. In the end, the question is not just about who plays the princess, but about what story is being told and to whom.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, in a world that has changed, is there still justice or not?

This text is also available on SOMOS blog: https://blog.somoslatinos.co/branca-de-neve-latina/