Netflix's animated film live-action remake of Snow White, starring alongside Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.
Spellbound and Snow White exhibit many similarities, as they are both musical fantasy films geared toward younger audiences. However, as Snow White faced multiple controversies, many have expressed doubts that Zegler was the right choice to play the titular character in the film. Zegler's recent performance in Spellbound as Ellian proves all the naysayers wrong, establishing herself as worthy of being granted the title of a Disney Princess.
Rachel Zegler's Role As A Princess In Netflix's Spellbound Is A Great Sign For Snow White
Zegler's Role In Spellbound Is Very Much Netflix's Version Of A Disney Princess
Although Spellbound and Snow White are two different films, Zegler's character in the former is essentially a precursor to her leading role in Disney's remake. Ellian and Snow White are both musical princesses who share a strong connection with animals and nature. These two characters also embark on grand adventures during which they become affected by powerful curses.
Spellbound Ending Explained: The Real Meaning Of The Curse & How It Was Broken
Netflix's fantasy adventure Spellbound follows Princess Ellian as she tries to break her family's curse - all the while exploring a meaningful lesson.
It's unknown how Zegler's live-action version of Snow White will undo her curse, as Zegler expressed to The Hollywood Reporter her desire to present a more progressive story than the original animated film:
"It's an 85-year-old cartoon, and our version is a refreshing story about a young woman who has a function beyond "Someday My Prince Will Come.""
However, if 2025's Snow White is anything like Spellbound, Zegler can carry this live-action remake without relying too much on a prince to free her from her curse. Zegler's character in Spellbound is an adventurous young woman who learns to overcome her inner demons and save her family, making Ellian an unconventional but inspiring new princess for young audiences to ire.
How Spellbound Proves That Rachel Zegler's Casting Was The Right Choice
If Zegler Can Be A Netflix Princess, She Can Be A Disney Princess
Skydance Animation's decision to cast Zegler in Spellbound shows that her winning the role of Snow White wasn't a one-time fluke. Given Spellbound's similarities to the musical movies by Disney, the fact that Zegler was able to win the lead role as Ellian with her talents in both acting and singing, portraying a quirky and optimistic young woman, is a sign that she can effectively play a princess in one of Disney's big-budget blockbusters.
Spellbound Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play
The animated adventure movie Spellbound includes numerous original songs that entertain viewers and help explain characters' feelings throughout.
Ellian's character goes against the tropes of a traditional Disney Princess. However, Zegler's subversive character reflects Disney's plan to reinvent Snow White for modern audiences, signifying that the studio's live-action remake could succeed with this casting choice in 2025. Furthermore, Zegler actually proved she was worthy of leading a Disney musical long before Spellbound.
Specifically, Zegler broke out into Hollywood with her acclaimed performance in Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story. Though West Side Story isn't exactly a fairy tale, Zegler showed the world that she has the talent to helm a big-screen musical, leading to her roles in both Spellbound and Snow White. Despite the controversies that Snow White has received, Zegler demonstrates that she was born to play a Disney Princess in Spellbound.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Spellbound
- Release Date
- November 22, 2024
- Runtime
- 109 Minutes
- Director
- Vicky Jenson
Cast
Rachel ZeglerPrincess Ellian
Miguel BernardeauChilo
WHERE TO WATCH
Spellbound, directed by Vicky Jenson, follows Princess Ellian on her adventurous quest to rescue her family and kingdom. As a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters, Ellian must navigate this perilous journey to restore the King and Queen of Lumbria.
- Writers
- Vicky Jenson, Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin
- Studio(s)
- Skydance Animation
Your comment has not been saved