Rachel Zegler: ‘West Side Story’ Execs Questioned My Latin Heritage

by

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at how Rachel Zegler, the shining star, made her grand entrance into Hollywood, all thanks to her captivating portrayal of Maria in Steven Spielberg’s breathtaking reinterpretation of the classic Broadway musical and 1961 film, West Side Story. Regrettably, the movie faced challenges at the 2021 box office due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, audiences and critics alike were captivated by the heartwarming tale, with special recognition going to Zegler’s moving performance as the compassionate ingénue.

However, there were whispers of controversy behind the scenes, as some decision-makers in the production seemed to question Zegler’s Latin heritage during the casting process. Yet, her grandmother on her mother’s side, a Colombian immigrant who arrived in the United States in the 1960s, is a testament to her Latina roots. In an interview with Allure, Zegler herself spoke openly about this issue.

I find it puzzling since my name doesn’t contain a hint of Latin origin. During my audition for María in West Side Story, they often questioned my authenticity. It made me wonder if I should invite my grandmother to join us. I would do that gladly, especially if you want to meet her. Dealing with white executives who question your identity can be challenging… It’s an intriguing journey being part of the Colombian diaspora in today’s society, but I take pride in my Colombian heritage.

Steven Spielberg made special efforts to ensure that the characters inhabiting the Puerto Rican neighborhood of West Side Story’s New York City, such as Maria (played by Rachel Zegler) and Anita (Ariana DeBose), were authentically cast for authenticity. Zegler captivates every scene she sings in due to her extraordinary voice, which earned her a well-deserved Golden Globe win (Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy). It’s undeniable that Zegler possesses talent and Latin heritage. However, with eyes on the future, not the past, Zegler wants everyone to understand that her title character in the upcoming live-action remake “selects kindness and drives change.

Rachel Zegler’s Version of Snow White Clearly “Chooses Kindness”

Rachel Zegler, who gained prominence with her role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents, even amidst the lingering controversy surrounding the Snow White film remake. While Zegler may have expressed reservations about certain aspects of the 1937 Snow White and Seven Dwarfs love story, she is incredibly proud of the effort being put into the upcoming live-action version, especially as her character serves to inspire change through kindness. During a recent interview, Zegler shared her enthusiasm for this project.

It’s crucial for the upcoming generation to witness films such as Snow White, so they can understand that making right choices doesn’t have to be fueled by anger or aggression. Instead, doing what’s good can stem from kindness and compassion. While anger may be potent, it isn’t the pathway to a bright future. Snow White exemplifies this by choosing kindness yet still bringing about change. Power can manifest in various ways; I hope we will soon experience an era marked by kindness and acceptance. It’s essential that people don’t resort to hate as a means to exacerbate division.

Viewers will soon discover if the optimistic initial responses towards Snow White hold true when the live-action remake of the 1937 original premieres on Mar. 21 in cinemas. However, the slow ticket sales suggest that audiences are not eager to witness Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot’s portrayal of these legendary characters. Despite projections indicating that the movie could surpass $100 million globally, it appears challenging for it to gross over $50 million within the U.S.

Read More

2025-03-19 15:34