Viral TikToks Compare Rachel Zegler and Halle Bailey Amidst Disney Controversies.
Disney's journey of live-action remakes is far from over. As they continue to reimagine classic tales, they've cast stars to breathe life into iconic characters.
Recently, Halle Bailey graced the screens as Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Soon, Rachel Zegler will step into the shoes of the titular character in Snow White.
However, the casting of both actresses stirred some controversy. Currently, TikToks are going viral, juxtaposing the two using interview clips and more.
Why the Comparison Between Disney Stars Rachel Zegler and Halle Bailey?
Rachel Zegler has been candid about her role as Snow White, shedding light on how the upcoming film will deviate from the 1937 original.
Some fans, however, were not thrilled with Zegler's past remarks, especially her critiques of the classic film and its protagonist.
In contrast, many observed that Halle Bailey seemed more enthusiastic when discussing Ariel and her portrayal leading up to The Little Mermaid's release. This has led to TikToks, like one by a user named @bookishnadi, that splice together their interviews to highlight their differences.
The Controversies Surrounding Their Roles
Beyond Zegler's comments, some have expressed discontent with her casting. The primary concern is that Zegler, of Colombian and Polish heritage, doesn't entirely match the traditional image of Snow White.
This has unfortunately ignited a series of racist comments on social media. Additionally, there's criticism over changes to the story, like the omission of the seven dwarfs.
Halle Bailey faced similar challenges, not due to her statements, but because of the decision to reimagine Ariel as African American. This choice also sparked racist backlash. However, Bailey garnered immense support, even from Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel. In the end, Bailey's portrayal was lauded, and her character's doll became a top-seller.
Interestingly, amidst these controversies, Rachel Zegler and Halle Bailey have been pillars of support for each other. While some use Bailey's past comments to critique Zegler, many continue to spread positivity. Zegler, like Bailey, aims to focus on the positive and drown out the negativity as she awaits her film's release.
Snow White is slated for a March 24 release in 2024, while The Little Mermaid is available on Disney+ from September 6.