In the wake of Disney’s Snow White live-action remake’s disappointing box office performance and the surrounding controversies, Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress who shot to fame with her Golden Globe-winning role in West Side Story, finds herself at a critical juncture in her career. Once hailed as Hollywood’s rising star, Zegler’s outspoken comments about the original 1937 Snow White film, her political activism, and the backlash that followed have led to speculation that she may now need to audition for roles—a stark contrast to the open-call casting that launched her career. This article examines the trajectory of Zegler’s career, the fallout from the Snow White controversy, and the challenges she faces as she navigates an uncertain future in Hollywood.

From Breakout Star to Controversy Magnet

Rachel Zegler’s ascent in Hollywood was meteoric. Discovered through an open casting call for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), she captivated audiences with her luminous performance as Maria, earning a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. Her soprano voice and natural charisma positioned her as a perfect fit for Disney’s Snow White remake, announced in June 2021. However, her casting as the iconic princess, traditionally depicted with “skin as white as snow,” sparked immediate backlash from conservative Disney fans who criticized the choice of a Latina actress of Colombian and Polish descent. Zegler faced racist harassment, including death threats, but responded with grace, emphasizing the cultural significance of Snow White (or Blanca Nieves) in Spanish-speaking countries.

The controversy escalated in 2022 when Zegler, in interviews with Extra and Entertainment Weekly, described the original Snow White as “extremely dated” in its portrayal of women and criticized the prince’s “stalker-like” behavior. She highlighted that the remake would focus on Snow White’s leadership and agency, stating, “She’s not going to be saved by the prince, and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love.” These comments were perceived by some fans as dismissive of the beloved 1937 classic, fueling accusations that Zegler was pushing a “woke” agenda. Social media platforms like TikTok amplified the backlash, with users like @CosyWithAngie arguing that Zegler’s critique failed to respect women who value love over leadership.

Zegler’s political activism further complicated her public image. Her vocal support for Palestine, including a tweet stating “Free Palestine” after promoting the Snow White trailer, reportedly strained her relationship with Disney and co-star Gal Gadot, an advocate for Israel. According to Variety, producer Marc Platt flew to New York to address Zegler’s social media activity, but she refused to remove the post. Her post-election Instagram comments in 2024, criticizing Donald Trump and his supporters, drew additional scrutiny, though she later apologized. These incidents led to perceptions that Zegler was a “liability” for Disney, with sources telling the Daily Mail that she had been “essentially blacklisted” from major film roles.

The Snow White Debacle: A Box Office and PR Disaster

Disney’s Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, was a commercial failure, grossing just $43 million domestically and $87 million globally in its opening weekend against a $270 million production budget. The film’s 42% Rotten Tomatoes score and a million dislikes on its trailer reflected widespread audience dissatisfaction, exacerbated by controversies over the CGI portrayal of the dwarfs and changes to the original story. Critics praised Zegler’s performance, with some calling her a “shining supernova,” but the film’s overall reception was marred by negative press and an online “review-bombing” campaign.

Disney insiders, as reported by Vanity Fair, pointed to Zegler’s political comments and criticism of the original film as factors in the film’s poor performance, with some blaming her for alienating audiences. Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, publicly accused Zegler of “immature” behavior that “clearly hurt the film’s box office,” though he later deleted the post after backlash from Zegler’s fans. The Daily Mail reported that Disney executives viewed Zegler as “out of control,” with sources claiming the studio considered removing her from the role during production but was unable to due to her central role.

The fallout has led to speculation that Zegler’s career is in jeopardy. A Daily Mail article from March 2025 suggested that her future in Hollywood hinges on Snow White’s success, with insiders noting that she has “no upcoming film roles” and faces the prospect of auditioning for parts—a humbling shift for an actress who was once handpicked for major projects. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users like @DC_Draino claiming that Zegler is now “kryptonite” to major studios, unlikely to lead another big-budget film.

A Pivot to Stage and Smaller Projects

Despite the challenges, Zegler has not been idle. Following Snow White’s release, she has leaned into her musical theater roots, a strength highlighted by her performances in West Side Story, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and Spellbound. In March 2025, Variety reported that Zegler will star as Eva Perón in a West End revival of Evita at the London Palladium, running from June to September 2025. The role, previously played by Madonna in the 1996 film, has already stirred controversy, with sources telling the Daily Mail that Madonna felt “slighted” by Zegler’s failure to acknowledge her influence. Nevertheless, the casting is a significant opportunity for Zegler to showcase her vocal and dramatic talents on a prestigious stage.

Zegler also released a cover of “Who I’d Be” from Shrek the Musical for MCC Theater’s Studio Sessions album, signaling a return to smaller, music-driven projects. Her recent Broadway run as Juliet in Romeo + Juliet opposite Kit Connor was a critical and commercial success, recouping its $7 million investment and attracting young audiences. These stage roles suggest that Zegler is pivoting to safer, less scrutinized creative spaces where her musical abilities can shine.

The Broader Context: Hollywood’s Fickle Nature

Zegler’s situation reflects the precarious nature of Hollywood, particularly for young actresses from underrepresented backgrounds. Film critic Kelechi Ehenulo, quoted by the BBC, described Zegler as a victim of “culture wars,” noting that actors like her often become targets for backlash over their race, politics, or perceived defiance of tradition. The scrutiny Zegler faces parallels that of Halle Bailey, who endured racist criticism for her role as Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Both actresses have supported each other, with Bailey calling Zegler “the perfect princess” on X.

The Snow White controversy also raises questions about Disney’s handling of its live-action remakes. The studio’s decision to modernize the story, coupled with its failure to address early backlash, left Zegler exposed to criticism. CBR argued that the film’s failure reflects broader audience fatigue with remakes that deviate too far from beloved originals, rather than Zegler’s actions alone. Meanwhile, Israel Hayom noted that Hollywood’s short memory may work in Zegler’s favor, as the industry often overlooks controversies if talent and demand persist.

Can Zegler Recover?

Despite the alarmist headlines, Zegler’s career is far from over. At 23, she has already achieved more than many actors her age, with a Golden Globe, a Broadway hit, and a West End starring role. Her talent is undeniable, as evidenced by critics’ praise for her Snow White performance and her ability to carry musical roles. Supporters, including film critic David Ehrlich and actress Melissa Barrera, have rallied behind her, with Barrera calling her “cool as hell” for standing by her beliefs.

However, Zegler faces significant hurdles. The perception that she is a “brand risk,” as suggested by an X post from @vinhlegacy, could deter studios from casting her in high-budget films. Her lack of confirmed film roles, as noted by Forbes, means she may need to audition for parts, a process she largely bypassed early in her career. To rebuild her reputation, Zegler could benefit from strategic media training and a focus on projects that align with her strengths, such as musicals like Gypsy or Spring Awakening, as suggested by ScreenRant.

Zegler’s resilience will be key. In a Variety interview, she expressed gratitude for the backlash, stating it made her “solid Teflon.” Her refusal to back down from her political views, despite pressure from Disney, reflects a commitment to authenticity that resonates with younger audiences. As she prepares for Evita, Zegler has an opportunity to redefine her narrative, proving that her talent can outshine the controversies.

Conclusion: A Career at a Crossroads

Rachel Zegler’s career is at a pivotal moment. The Snow White controversy has cast a shadow over her once-promising trajectory, with industry insiders and social media speculating that she may need to audition for roles to regain her footing. The backlash over her comments, political activism, and the film’s failure has painted her as a polarizing figure, yet her talent and tenacity suggest she is far from finished. By leaning into stage work and smaller projects, Zegler is carving a path forward, but her ability to secure major film roles will depend on navigating Hollywood’s fickle landscape and rebuilding trust with studios and audiences. As she steps onto the West End stage, Zegler’s story is one of resilience, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, a true star can find a way to shine.