Rachel Zegler has launched the press tour for the long-awaited—and highly controversial—Snow White, but she’s doing it solo.
The actress, who plays Snow White, walked the red carpet without her co-star, Gal Gadot, Wednesday in Segovia, Spain as part of the promotional tour for the live-action film due in theaters March 21.
Zegler performed “Waiting on a Wish” for an invite-only crowd in front of Segovia’s castle, a local landmark that inspired the one in the original 1937 film.
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It’s unclear why Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, was not in attendance.
Zegler, Gadot, and Disney did not immediately respond to request for comment.
The scaled-down event follows reports that Disney has dialed back its promotional efforts for the film, which has been mired in controversy since production began.
The controversy started when Disney cast Zegler as the fairytale princess, prompting backlash from toxic fans who questioned the choice over her Colombian descent.
Disney also got hate from all sides when it replaced the film’s seven dwarfs with CGI, a move the multi-billion dollar company claimed was to “avoid reinforcing stereotypes.” Some accused Disney of being too “woke,” while others said it was offensive to even make the movie in the first place.
Actor Peter Dinklage was among those who bashed the move. “You’re still making that f***ing backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together,” he said on March Maron’s podcast in 2022. “What the f*** are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough.”
Zegler has also courted her own controversies. She ignited outrage when she suggested that she didn’t like the original movie and called it “extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power.” She also referenced how Snow White’s prince “literally stalks her” and said that the movie needed to be more “PC.”
MAGA supporters piled onto Zegler last year when she spoke out about the 2024 election, posting on Instagram: “may Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.”
Meanwhile, Gadot, who is Israeli, has faced criticism for her outspoken support of the country since the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023 that killed 1,200 people.
Zegler didn’t address any controversies when she performed Wednesday at the medieval castle, and she’s not expected to face any questions at the world premiere Saturday in Los Angeles.
Disney is expected to restrict the traditional press from being on the red carpet to prevent the actresses from being asked questions.
Zelger did, however, address the firestorm surrounding the film in an interview with Vogue Mexico in February. “I interpret people’s feelings about this film as passion for it, and what an honor to be able to be part of something that people are so passionate,” she said. “We’re not always going to have the same feelings as everyone around us and all we can do is give our best.”
