In a move that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, Disney has reportedly replaced Rachel Zegler as Snow White in its troubled live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with an AI-generated version of the iconic princess, now modeled after none other than Jenna Ortega. The decision, announced on April 22, 2025, comes after months of controversy surrounding Zegler’s casting, her public statements, and the film’s dismal box-office performance, marking a dramatic turn for one of Disney’s most anticipated—and contentious—projects.
The Snow White remake, released on March 21, 2025, was already mired in controversy before it even hit theaters. Zegler, a 23-year-old actress of Colombian and Polish descent, faced backlash from some fans for her casting as a princess traditionally described as having “skin as white as snow.” Her comments criticizing the 1937 animated classic didn’t help; she called the original prince a “stalker” and the story “weird,” sparking outrage among purists who felt she disrespected a beloved classic. The film itself was a financial flop, grossing just $194.1 million worldwide against a budget of $240–270 million, making it one of Disney’s most expensive failures. Critics praised Zegler’s performance, with Rotten Tomatoes noting her “luminous star turn,” but the film’s overall reception was mixed, earning a 42% score and a B+ CinemaScore from audiences.
Disney’s decision to replace Zegler with an AI version of Snow White modeled after Jenna Ortega—a rising star known for her roles in Wednesday and the Scream franchise—has sparked both intrigue and outrage. Ortega, 22, has been a fan favorite for Disney roles, with rumors circulating as early as May 2024 that she might replace Zegler due to the latter’s controversies. Those rumors were debunked at the time, with sources confirming Zegler’s role was secure despite her polarizing statements. However, the film’s poor performance and Zegler’s ongoing public disputes—most notably her pro-Palestine tweet in August 2024 and her anti-Trump posts following the 2024 election—seem to have pushed Disney to take drastic action.
According to an insider speaking to Variety on April 21, 2025, Disney began exploring AI technology to “salvage” the Snow White project after its theatrical run failed to recoup costs. The studio reportedly collaborated with a tech firm to create an AI-generated version of Snow White, using Ortega’s likeness to craft a “new vision” of the princess. “Jenna’s appeal is undeniable—she’s a Gen Z icon with a massive following, and her darker, more grounded vibe fits the modern fairy-tale aesthetic Disney wants to lean into,” the insider revealed. The AI version of Snow White, now modeled after Ortega, is said to retain Zegler’s vocals for musical numbers but replaces her on-screen presence with a digitally crafted character.
The move has sparked a firestorm of debate. Some fans are thrilled at the idea of Ortega as Snow White, citing her charisma and proven box-office draw. “Jenna Ortega as Snow White is a dream come true—she’s got the depth and edge this role needs,” one fan tweeted, echoing sentiments from earlier rumors when Ortega’s name first surfaced as a potential replacement. Others, however, see Disney’s decision as a betrayal of Zegler, who faced significant racist backlash for her casting and stood her ground on her political views. “Disney is throwing Rachel under the bus to appease trolls—it’s disgusting,” wrote a supporter on Instagram, using the hashtag #JusticeForRachel.
Zegler herself has not remained silent. In an emotional Instagram Live on April 22, 2025, she addressed the replacement, her voice cracking with frustration. “I gave everything to this role, despite the hate, the threats, the constant scrutiny,” she said. “To be replaced by an AI version of someone else—it’s a slap in the face. Disney is sending a message that real women, real voices, don’t matter.” Zegler’s comments have reignited debates about the ethics of AI in filmmaking, with some industry voices questioning whether this sets a dangerous precedent for replacing human actors.
Disney, for its part, has framed the decision as a “creative experiment” rather than a permanent replacement. In a statement released on April 22, 2025, a spokesperson said, “We are exploring innovative ways to reimagine Snow White for new audiences, using cutting-edge technology to enhance the storytelling experience. Rachel Zegler’s contributions to the film remain invaluable, and this AI version is a complementary project, not a replacement.” However, insiders suggest the studio is testing the waters for a potential re-release of the film on Disney+, featuring the AI-generated Snow White modeled after Ortega, in hopes of recouping some of the film’s financial losses.
The choice of Jenna Ortega as the model for the AI Snow White is no coincidence. Ortega’s star power has soared since her breakout role in Wednesday, and her busy schedule—including upcoming projects like Beetlejuice 2—made her a natural fit for an AI-based role that doesn’t require physical filming. “Jenna’s image is perfect for this—she’s got the look, the fanbase, and the cultural relevance Disney needs right now,” said a source close to the project. Gal Gadot, who played the Evil Queen in the original remake, is reportedly supportive of the AI experiment, though she has not commented publicly.
The Snow White fiasco has highlighted broader tensions in Hollywood, from the use of AI in filmmaking to the treatment of young actresses of color. For Zegler, the replacement marks a painful chapter in a career already fraught with challenges, though her upcoming role in the West End production of Evita suggests she’s far from finished. For Disney, the gamble on an AI Snow White modeled after Jenna Ortega could either breathe new life into a failed project—or deepen the controversy surrounding one of its most beloved fairy tales.
