The live-action remake of Disney’s Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, has become a focal point for online debates, particularly surrounding the casting choices and the film’s approach to the beloved fairytale. One of the most significant points of contention has been Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White, a character originally depicted as a traditional, fair-skinned princess. The film, however, has made changes to the character’s appearance and backstory to reflect a more diverse and inclusive interpretation.
However, Zegler’s casting has not been without controversy. Many viewers have expressed dissatisfaction with the choice, citing concerns over whether Snow White’s character should be reimagined in a way that moves away from the traditional version. Zegler herself sparked even further debate with her comments on the original 1937 animated film. She described it as a “backward story,” which many found dismissive of the cultural legacy and impact the classic film had on generations of viewers.
This has led to an online backlash that has continued to grow since the film’s release, with many expressing their dissatisfaction not only with the film’s direction but with Zegler’s comments and her portrayal of Snow White. Amidst the backlash, rumors began circulating that actress Jenna Ortega, widely known for her role in Wednesday and Scream, would be replacing Zegler in the role of Snow White.
The Rise of the Jenna Ortega Speculation
The rumors of Jenna Ortega replacing Zegler as Snow White started to spread across social media platforms, fueled by netizens who were critical of the casting choice. Given Ortega’s increasing popularity and the success of her recent roles, many fans began suggesting she would be a more suitable candidate to play the iconic character. Social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok saw an influx of posts from users who vocally supported Ortega as a better fit for the role, citing her ability to capture a more contemporary and relatable portrayal of Snow White. Fans even began to demand that Disney replace Zegler with Ortega, who has become a household name in recent years.
However, these claims have been firmly debunked. Reputable sources have come forward to dismiss the idea of Ortega replacing Zegler. According to Screenrant, the rumors that Ortega would take over as Snow White are completely false. They clarified that no such changes were being made to the film’s casting, and Ortega was not involved in any replacement efforts. Likewise, The DisInsider, a reliable industry news outlet, also addressed the false rumors, reiterating that there were no plans for Ortega to replace Zegler, and any suggestions to that effect were purely speculative.
Despite the official refutation, the rumors highlighted a growing frustration among some segments of the fanbase. There seems to be a split between those who feel that Snow White’s character should reflect a more diverse, modern interpretation, and those who long for a more traditional portrayal that stays true to the character’s origins.
The Ongoing Debate Over Representation in Film
At the heart of this controversy is the larger issue of representation in Hollywood and the evolving expectations from audiences. While some critics believe that Disney is pushing boundaries by diversifying iconic characters, others feel that such changes undermine the original narratives that have become cherished cultural touchstones. This tension between preserving tradition and embracing modernity is one that has come to a head with the release of Snow White.
Advocates for more diverse portrayals of classic characters argue that the world has changed and that films should reflect the society we live in today. This includes creating more inclusive, multi-dimensional characters that audiences can relate to and see themselves in, regardless of their background. On the other hand, there is a group of fans who express nostalgia for the traditional versions of these stories, viewing the modern re-imaginings as unnecessary or even disrespectful to the original material.
In the case of Snow White, the casting of Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, and the shift in the story to address issues of gender equality and empowerment, have become focal points for these contrasting views. Disney, in trying to balance the expectations of a new generation with the nostalgia of the past, has found itself walking a fine line.
Why These Rumors Matter
The debate over who should play Snow White isn’t just about the casting of one actress. It reflects broader questions about how we view the role of race, identity, and cultural heritage in media. The controversy also highlights how modern audiences are increasingly vocal about the films they support and the characters they see represented on screen. While the initial backlash to Zegler’s casting was primarily driven by her comments, the subsequent rumors about Ortega’s potential replacement speak to the larger discontent over how classic fairytales are being re-envisioned in today’s world.
Although Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White remains intact for now, the film’s reception underscores the challenges Disney faces in navigating these complex issues. It also reveals that while representation is a key concern for many, it is a topic that still divides audiences. Whether or not the film will see further changes in the future remains to be seen, but the discussion around Snow White’s casting is far from over.
As for Jenna Ortega, while she may be a fan-favorite for the role of Snow White, she remains focused on her current projects, with no official word from Disney on any involvement in future adaptations of classic fairytales. For now, fans will have to wait and see how Disney continues to evolve its approach to casting and storytelling in this new era of Hollywood.
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