Actress Rachel Zegler has been cast as the title Disney princess in the upcoming live-action adaption of the studio’s first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The news of the performer’s casting comes before she’s set to make her onscreen acting debut in the upcoming remake of West Side Story, which will be released in theaters on December 10.
Marc Webb, who has garnered fame for directing 500 Days of Summer and The Amazing Spider-Man, is set to helm Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. While discussing Zegler’s casting, the filmmaker praised her vocal talents, and noted how he feels that she will be the perfect Snow White, during an interview with Deadline.
“Rachel’s extraordinary vocal abilities are just the beginning of her gifts. Her strength, intelligence, and optimism will become an integral part of rediscovering the joy in this classic Disney fairy tale,” Webb stated during the interview.
The actress’ vocal abilities will be showcased to their fullest potential, as acclaimed songwriting duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, are set to compose new songs for the remake. They previously won an Oscar together for Best Original Song for La La Land.
After the news of her casting as Snow White in the upcoming remake broke earlier today, the actress shared on her Twitter account that she been a Disney fan for a long time. She also shared pictures of herself dressed as the beloved princess at Disney World.
In response to Zegler’s tweets, fans of Snow White shared their support. “OH MY GOD RACHEEEEEEEEEL, a Disney PRINCESS???? YES, it checks out” wrote a fan. “I was not prepared to see this incredible news on a simple little Tuesday…” said another follower.
“For someone who is just starting out her career in Hollywood she’s doing better than 90% of actors. She’s going to debut in a Steven Spielberg film…and is now Snow White!” added another user.
The upcoming version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which is expect to begin production next year, is being described as a new take on the classic 1937 movie. The original film’s story follows the title princess who’s given a poisoned apple by her stepmother, the queen. The title princess then falls into a deep sleep that can be broken only by a kiss from the prince.
Besides having only starred in one movie so far, Zegler’s casting is also noteworthy because she will be the first Latina to play Snow White in a live-action adaptation of the musical fairytale. The character was previously portrayed by Kristen Stewart in Snow White and the Huntsman and Lily Collins in Mirror Mirror.
Before signing on to star in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Zegler was cast as Maria in the remake of West Side Story, which was directed by Steven Spielberg, after she entered a nationwide search. She was only 17-years-old when she started the audition process, alongside 30,000 other actresses for the protagonist in the anticipated romantic drama.
The second screen adaptation of the Tony Award-winning 1957 Broadway musical of the same name co-stars Baby Driver star Ansel Elgort. Rita Moreno, who played Anita in the original film, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, also appears in the upcoming remake.