Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress set to play the iconic role of Snow White in Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation, has been navigating a storm of criticism ever since her casting was announced. Facing everything from backlash over her comments about the original 1937 animated film to racist remarks targeting her Latina heritage, Rachel Zegler has had her share of online hostility. But in a recent interaction on Twitter, she proved that she’s not one to back down quietly.
The latest incident involved a particularly vile death threat directed at Zegler, a comment that underscores the intense and often toxic scrutiny she’s been under. The now-deleted tweet, which violated Twitter’s community guidelines, chillingly read, “Someone should kill you.” Rather than let such a hateful message slide, Zegler decided to respond with the kind of sharp wit that has endeared her to fans.
Rachel Zegler, who is also preparing to take on the role of Juliet in a Broadway revival of Romeo and Juliet, cleverly turned the threat into an opportunity for both humor and promotion. She replied: “Fun fact I will be dying eight times a week on Broadway this fall!!!!!! Get your tickets, lee [the user’s handle]! Also @/FBI.” Her response not only referenced Juliet’s tragic fate in the Shakespearean classic but also highlighted her upcoming theatrical performance, effectively turning a negative situation into a promotional moment.
Fans quickly rallied around Zegler, applauding her for the way she handled the situation. One user dubbed her the “Promo queen,” while another expressed admiration for her resilience, writing, “God, you’re such a champ. I’m so sorry how you keep getting this kind of hateful garbage, but you’re handling it like a total queen.”
This isn’t the first time Rachel Zegler has responded directly to online trolls. Ever since she was cast as Snow White, she’s faced relentless scrutiny, much of it rooted in prejudice. Some critics have taken issue with her heritage, while others have been upset by her candid remarks about the original Snow White film, which she described as outdated in certain respects. Despite the negativity, Zegler has remained vocal, addressing the backlash head-on and refusing to let the hate silence her.
In the midst of these challenges, Zegler’s career continues to ascend. Alongside her role in Romeo and Juliet, she stars with Kit Connor from Heartstopper in the Broadway production, directed by Sam Gold with music by Jack Antonoff, a frequent collaborator of Taylor Swift. The show is already generating significant buzz, and Zegler’s portrayal of Juliet is eagerly anticipated.
Meanwhile, Disney recently unveiled the first official trailer for the live-action Snow White at their D23 Expo on August 9. The trailer features Zegler in the titular role, singing the beloved classic “Whistle While You Work” as she dances with the seven dwarves. The preview culminates in a tense moment as Snow White reaches for the iconic poisoned apple, a scene that has fans buzzing with anticipation.
As the release of Snow White draws nearer, Zegler’s sharp wit and determination continue to shine through, proving that she’s more than capable of handling the pressures that come with playing such a beloved character. Despite the ongoing challenges, Zegler’s grace under fire and her ability to turn even the darkest moments into opportunities for empowerment make her a formidable presence both on and off the screen.