Rachel Zegler's Tearful Speech: Love for 'Everybody' Amid Snow White Drama

Rachel Zegler is showing gratitude for her Snow White role.

Ahead of a recent early screening of the live-action Snow White remake, Zegler surprised fans when she appeared and gave an emotional speech about what playing the Disney princess has meant to her.

"This is a movie that is so close to my heart. I auditioned for this movie when I was 19 years old and I am about to turn 24," Zegler said, in video shared by Disney. "So it's a really big chunk of my life, and about five of the seven years of my career, which is crazy. I love everybody in this movie so dearly."

Zegler reflected on her journey playing the titular character, who first appeared in 1937's animated Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, sharing that seeing the movie come to life has been "emotional" for her.

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"Coming to the end of this road of this release feels really crazy because when you spend so much time with something, it becomes such a big part of you and a big part of your heart. Snow White has really been that way for me and to see this is really emotional for me. So I'm going to try not do that," Zegler said, her voice cracking a little.

"I love her and I am so glad to see that so many of you love her as well," Zegler continued. "Her superpower is her heart. It's nothing supernatural. It's something that all of us have. Deep within us, there is an inherit good and belief in the kindness of humanity."

"I hope that you walk away from this film understanding what the true meaning of fair is. I really hope that for the world as well. Thank you so much for allowing me to be your Snow White. It means the world to me."

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Zegler's speech comes amid tensions plaguing Disney’s live-action remake ahead of its March 21 release, which has extended to both the West Side Story actress and her costar Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen.

A source told PEOPLE that Gadot and Zegler have "nothing in common" due to their age difference and “on top of that, their political views differ, adding to the tension."

Zegler and Gadot have appeared at multiple events in the past to promote their long-delayed film, including at Disney’s D23 Expo in 2022 and at the recent Academy Awards, where they presented the Best Visual Effects category together. They posed together at the film's Los Angeles premiere on Saturday, March 15.

After her casting announcement in 2021, Zegler faced racist backlash from social media users over her being of Latinx background and playing the Disney princess. (Zegler is of Colombian and Polish descent.) Zegler also made headlines when she said in interviews that the new movie would modernize Snow White and that the original was “dated.”

While speaking with Vogue Mexico, Zegler addressed negative reactions over her casting as well as past statements she's made about the original animation, saying audiences were being protective over the famous princess.

“I interpret people’s feelings about this film as their passion for her and what an honor to be a part of something that people are so passionate about,” Zegler said. “We are not always going to have the same feelings as everyone around us and all that we can do is do our best." (Zegler's interview was conducted in Spanish. Quotes were independently translated from Spanish to English by PEOPLE.)

Snow White is in theaters March 21.

Critics Adore Rachel Zegler: A 'Shining Supernova' in Snow White Remake

Initial audience reactions are in for Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot’s live-action remake of Disney’s Snow White.

The new version of the classic, which is officially in theaters on March 21, had its premiere in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 15, and the first reactions landed on social media afterward. (The embargo for full reviews from critics will be lifted on Wednesday, March 19, at 3 p.m. EST.)

“Rachel Zegler is a shining supernova in #SnowWhite, beautifully embodying the graceful, gentle nature of the OG Disney princess," wrote Variety‘s Katcy Stephan. "It’s a visual feast with show-stopping new musical numbers and, of course, dozens of enchanting animated animals. The screenplay wisely gives its heroine newfound depth through her fervent desire to become the leader her father believed she could be, and a love story that’s sweet as apple pie. 🍎."

Skyler Shuler, of The DisInsider, praised the film as "PURE DISNEY MAGIC," adding, "This will end up being a lot of people’s favorite live-action remake," while Crooked Media’s Matt DeGroot called Zegler "an absolute star," also noting that "(most of) the new songs are catchy and beautifully performed, and the visual palette is sumptuous and vibrant."

Screen Rant host Ash Crossan, meanwhile, called the project "quite charming," explaining, "The message lands well, the critters are adorable, and Rachel Zegler and her enchanting voice are stunning. It almost got a full tear out of me, and I’ve never cried in my entire life."

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Directed by Marc Webb, Snow White is an update of Disney's 1937 animated Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, itself based on the 19th-century Brothers Grimm fairy tale.

The film stars Zegler, 23, as the titular princess and Gadot, 39, as the Evil Queen. Andrew Burnap, meanwhile, plays a prince-like character named Jonathan, Ansu Kabia plays the menacing Huntsman and Patrick Page provides the voice for the Magic Mirror.

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Lending their voice to the iconic seven sidekicks are Jeremy Swift (Doc), Martin Klebba (Grumpy), George Salazar (Happy), Andy Grotelueschen (Sleepy), Tituss Burgess (Bashful), Jason Kravits (Sneezy) and Andrew Barth Feldman (Dopey).

The remake, which features new original songs by award-winning composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, also adds Hadley Fraser and Lorena Andrea as Snow White’s parents, the Good King and the Good Queen.

Snow White is in theaters on March 21.