Rachel Zegler has revealed that Hollywood executives questioned her Latina identity before she was cast as María in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story. Zegler, who won a Golden Globe for her performance as María, has since starred in blockbuster films such as The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and Disney's upcoming Snow White live-action remake. Spielberg's 2021 adaptation of West Side Story sought to rectify past casting controversies by ensuring its Puerto Rican characters were portrayed by Latino actors. Zegler's casting was celebrated as a win for representation, but behind the scenes, she faced skepticism about her heritage.
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