Zegler, who is now starring as the titular princess in “ Snow White ,” told Allure that her breakout turn as María in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” had some “confusion” in the casting process. Spielberg wanted the role of María to be played by a Latina actress.

Rachel Zegler has opened up about the struggle to feel secure in her Latina identity when being cast in her breakout role as Maria in Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake of the 1961 musical film "West Side Story.

Rachel Zegler said an interview with Allure magazine that white studio executives repeatedly questioned her during the casting process for Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” which served as her acting breakthrough in Hollywood.