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Rachel Zegler’s portrayal emphasizes a modern character who seeks independence and agency, aligning with the film’s broader narrative shift away from romantic love to self-empowerment. During Disney’s D23 Expo, she articulated her character’s goals as finding her voice and leadership, emphasizing themes of courage and self-discovery rather than traditional fairy-tale romance.
The Era of Politicized Reboots
Critics argue that these adaptations are less about retelling cherished stories and more about fitting modern ideological narratives. Both The Little Mermaid and Snow White are being reimagined through a lens of diversity and social activism, often at the expense of the core elements that made the originals beloved.