In the ever-evolving world of Hollywood remakes, few projects have stirred as much controversy as Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White. Recently, a YouTube video titled with the sensational claim “Rachel Zegler FIRED Brett Cooper Takes Over Snow White!” has sparked widespread discussion among fans and critics alike. The video, uploaded on an unspecified date, appears to have fueled speculation about the casting of the iconic princess, suggesting that Rachel Zegler, originally cast as Snow White in Disney’s version, was removed from the project and replaced by Brett Cooper, an actress previously associated with a rival Snow White production by The Daily Wire. But how much truth is there to this dramatic headline? Let’s dive into the details and separate fact from fiction.

The Initial Casting: Rachel Zegler as Snow White

Rachel Zegler, a rising star known for her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), was announced as Disney’s Snow White in June 2021. Her casting was met with both excitement and scrutiny. Zegler, a Latina actress of Colombian and Polish descent, brought a fresh perspective to the traditionally fair-skinned character, aligning with Disney’s ongoing efforts to diversify its classic tales. However, her casting also drew criticism from some quarters, with detractors arguing that the character’s iconic “snow white” complexion was being disregarded. Zegler addressed these concerns head-on, emphasizing the importance of representation and the need to reimagine classic stories for modern audiences.

Disney’s Snow White project, directed by Marc Webb and featuring new music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, was poised to be a major release. The film also starred Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, adding star power to the production. Despite the buzz, the project faced challenges, including delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later backlash over Zegler’s comments about the original 1937 animated film. In interviews, Zegler described the classic Snow White as outdated, particularly criticizing the character’s lack of agency and her reliance on Prince Charming. These remarks, while intended to highlight the updated narrative of the live-action remake, alienated some fans who felt she was disrespecting the original story.

The Daily Wire’s Competing Snow White Project

While Disney’s Snow White was in production, a surprising competitor emerged from The Daily Wire, a conservative media company known for its political commentary. In 2023, The Daily Wire announced its own live-action Snow White adaptation, titled Snow White and the Evil Queen, as part of its Bentkey streaming platform aimed at family-friendly content. The project was positioned as a direct response to Disney’s remake, with The Daily Wire criticizing Disney for what it called “woke” changes to the classic tale. Brett Cooper, a 23-year-old actress and host of The Daily Wire’s The Comments Section podcast, was cast as Snow White.

Cooper’s casting was a bold move by The Daily Wire to appeal to audiences who felt alienated by Disney’s progressive approach. The company leaned heavily into traditional storytelling, promising a Snow White that stayed true to the original fairy tale’s themes and aesthetics. Early promotional materials showcased Cooper in a classic Snow White costume, complete with the iconic red, blue, and yellow dress, and emphasized a narrative that celebrated traditional values. However, the project was not without its own controversies. Critics accused The Daily Wire of using the film as a political statement rather than a genuine artistic endeavor, and some questioned whether the company had the resources to compete with Disney’s production quality.

The YouTube Video and the “Firing” Rumor

The YouTube video claiming “Rachel Zegler FIRED Brett Cooper Takes Over Snow White!” appears to have originated from a wave of online speculation and misinformation. While the video’s exact content cannot be verified without direct access, its title suggests a dramatic shake-up in Disney’s casting. However, this claim is not supported by credible sources. In fact, Disney’s Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler, was released on March 21, 2025, despite facing significant challenges. The film grossed only $90 million worldwide against a $200 million budget, marking it as a financial disappointment. Additionally, it received mixed reviews, with critics and audiences divided over its modernized take on the classic story.

On the other hand, The Daily Wire’s Snow White project, starring Brett Cooper, never made it to release. According to a post on X from January 2, 2025, by the account @ZeglerDaily, the direct-to-streaming project was canceled, and Brett Cooper had parted ways with The Daily Wire. The reasons for the cancellation remain unclear, but it’s evident that Cooper did not “take over” Zegler’s role in Disney’s production. The rumor likely stemmed from fan speculation or deliberate misinformation, possibly fueled by the competitive narrative between the two projects. Posts on X around this time also mentioned Zegler’s alleged “panic” over Cooper’s involvement, but these claims lack substantiation and appear to be part of a broader online feud between supporters of the two actresses.

The Aftermath and Public Reaction

Disney’s Snow White may not have been the box-office success the studio hoped for, but Rachel Zegler remained its star. Despite the film’s struggles, Zegler’s performance was praised by some critics for bringing depth to the character, though others felt the script’s heavy focus on empowerment came at the expense of the story’s charm. The backlash over her earlier comments about the original film persisted, with some fans on social media accusing her of being ungrateful for the opportunity to play such an iconic role. Nevertheless, Zegler has continued to build her career, with upcoming projects that showcase her versatility as an actress.

Brett Cooper, meanwhile, has moved on from The Daily Wire and the canceled Snow White project. Her departure from the company suggests a shift in her professional trajectory, possibly toward more mainstream acting roles or independent projects. While her Snow White never came to fruition, Cooper’s involvement in the project highlighted her potential as a leading lady, and her fanbase remains supportive of her future endeavors.

The Bigger Picture: Competing Visions in Hollywood

The saga of the dueling Snow White projects underscores broader tensions in Hollywood over how to reinterpret classic stories. Disney’s approach, with its focus on diversity and modern values, reflects the studio’s ongoing efforts to appeal to a global, progressive audience. However, this strategy has not been without pushback, as seen in the criticism of Zegler’s casting and the film’s narrative choices. The Daily Wire’s project, though ultimately unsuccessful, tapped into a growing demand for traditional storytelling among audiences who feel Hollywood has strayed too far from its roots.

The YouTube video’s false claim about Zegler being fired and replaced by Cooper highlights the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. While it may have garnered clicks and views, it also contributed to confusion among fans and detracted from the real challenges both projects faced. As Hollywood continues to navigate the balance between innovation and tradition, the Snow White controversy serves as a reminder of the passionate debates that surround these beloved tales.

Conclusion

Despite the sensational headline, Rachel Zegler was not fired from Disney’s Snow White, nor did Brett Cooper take over her role. Disney’s film, starring Zegler, was released in March 2025, while The Daily Wire’s competing project with Cooper was canceled earlier that year. The rumor, likely sparked by a YouTube video and amplified by social media, reflects the intense scrutiny and speculation that often accompany high-profile remakes. Both actresses have moved forward in their careers, leaving behind a chapter that, while tumultuous, underscores the enduring power of Snow White as a cultural touchstone.