As if snagging a lead role in Steven Spielberg's new version of West Side Story wasn't enough, Rachel Zegler has landed another plum gig: she'll play the live-action Snow White for Disney's adaptation of its original classic 'toon movie.
Marc Webb is in the director's chair for the film, which will channel the original Brothers Grimm fairytale while – we'd expect – making some updates. And though the music from the 1938 animated film has long since passed into iconic status, La La Land Oscar winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have been busy writing new songs for this film.
"Rachel’s extraordinary vocal abilities are just the beginning of her gifts. Her strength, intelligence and optimism will become an integral part of rediscovering the joy in this classic Disney fairytale," Webb says in a statement carried by Deadline. According to the trade site, the director and Disney conducted the usual extensive search for their lead, landing on Zegler before footage from Spielberg's musical really convinced them she was the right choice. Who knew working with Steven Spielberg would help land you other great parts? We'll let Leon's Gary Oldman answer that one.
The new Snow White should be filming next year. As for Zegler, in addition to West Side Story (due 10 December), she'll also be seen in Shazam! Fury Of The Gods, which is expected on 2 June 2023.