Rachel Zegler is the latest actress to bring a Disney princess to life, and her parents are thrilled about her new role!
The 23-year-old star plays the titular character in Disney’s live-action Snow White, which premieres in theaters on March 21. During a March 20 appearance on Good Morning America, Zegler revealed that she grew up in a household of Disney fans, starting with her parents Gina and Craig Zegler.
“I’m a product of two really amazing Disney fans whose wedding song was ‘A Whole New World’ from Aladdin,” Zegler said, adding that playing Snow White has been both “a homecoming to my inner childhood” for her and “so special” for her parents.
Rachel went on to note that her parents would be seeing Snow White for the first time on Thursday, March 21, and she was “just really excited to share it” with them, adding that she was “honored” when Disney offered her the role.
“She’s the first Disney princess that Disney ever created in the 1937 film. To get to bring her to life in such a unique way and such a special way, it’s just a beautiful opportunity,” she gushed.
The new movie is “all about bridging a classic to a modern age to bring it to these beautiful young people,” Zegler explained. “[Snow White’s] superpower remains her heart. That’s always been at the core of this story. It’s the core of the Disney company, and it’s not supernatural. It’s truly just her kindness,” she said.
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Seeing how a new generation of fans has reacted to Snow White has been particularly exciting for Zegler. And that came to life for her when a group of young girls dressed up in the princess’ iconic blue and yellow costume on the set of Good Morning America.
“It makes me really weepy and emotional,” she said of all of the young girls, adding that the movie is “for the inner child in all of us but also for this actual next generation that sits in front of us.”
Zegler also touched upon the true meaning of the word “fair” in the movie, explaining that it is about kindness.
“It’s not about the way you look. It’s not about the color of your skin. It’s really just about being kind and using the voice that’s hidden in your heart,” she concluded.
Snow White premieres in theaters on March 21.
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