Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old star who captivated audiences as Maria in West Side Story and Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake, has once again sparked excitement with a dramatic hair transformation ahead of her next film role. On September 12, 2025, Zegler debuted a sleek, chin-length bob with blunt curtain bangs via Instagram, signaling a fresh look tailored for a project set to begin filming in October 2025. The chic, modern cut has drawn comparisons to fellow actress Jenna Ortega, igniting fervent discussion among fans and hinting at the tone of her upcoming role. While details about the project remain under wraps, Zegler’s bold hairstyle and her history of immersive performances suggest she’s gearing up for a character that demands both emotional depth and a striking new aesthetic. As Hollywood watches, Zegler’s latest move underscores her versatility and commitment to her craft, even as she navigates the aftermath of Snow White’s controversial reception.

A Transformative Haircut

Zegler’s new haircut, shared in a sunlit Instagram selfie, marks a significant departure from her signature long, wavy brunette locks. The bob, cut just above the shoulders with neatly trimmed curtain bangs framing her face, exudes a polished yet edgy vibe. Styled with a bouncy blowout and paired with soft glam makeup—rosy cheeks, glossy lips, and brown oval sunglasses—the look has been praised for its versatility, blending retro charm with contemporary flair. Fans on social media platforms like X and Reddit have gone wild, with comments like “Rachel Zegler with bangs is my new obsession” and “This haircut is giving major character energy.” Some have compared her to Jenna Ortega’s iconic Wednesday Addams style, while others see echoes of Reneé Rapp or Isabela Merced, noting the transformative power of the cut.

The timing of the haircut, just weeks before filming begins in October 2025, suggests it was a deliberate choice for her next role. Zegler has a history of adapting her appearance to suit her characters, from the voluminous curls of Maria in West Side Story to the sleek, raven-haired Snow White. Her willingness to embrace such a bold change indicates that the upcoming project may require a distinct visual identity, possibly signaling a departure from the fairy-tale aesthetic of her recent Disney role. Industry insiders speculate that the bob and bangs could suit a modern, urban character or a period piece with a mid-20th-century setting, given the hairstyle’s vintage undertones.

A New Role Shrouded in Mystery

While Zegler has kept details of her upcoming project tightly under wraps, reports suggest she will star in a comedy-drama titled She Gets It from Me, alongside Marisa Tomei, who plays her mother. Directed by German filmmaker Julia von Heinz and based on a script by Jay Reiss, the film follows Nicky (Zegler), a young woman whose engagement celebration spirals into a chaotic search for her ex-punk rocker mother, Charlotte (Tomei). The story, described as a raw and authentic exploration of mother-daughter dynamics, promises a mix of humor and heart, with Zegler’s character navigating a journey of reconnection. The film’s realistic tone and contemporary setting align with the modern edge of Zegler’s new haircut, suggesting that the bob may reflect Nicky’s bold, independent personality.

Filming for She Gets It from Me is set to begin in October 2025, with production taking place in New York and Los Angeles. The project marks Zegler’s first major film role since Snow White, which faced significant backlash and underperformed at the box office, grossing just $200 million against a $270 million budget. The comedy-drama offers Zegler a chance to pivot to a smaller, character-driven story, showcasing her versatility after a string of high-profile musical roles in West Side Story, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Spellbound, and Snow White. Producer Jen Dana has praised Zegler’s ability to bring “brilliant depth and humanity” to her roles, hinting that her performance as Nicky will highlight her comedic timing and emotional range.

Zegler’s Career Trajectory

Zegler burst onto the scene in 2021 with her Golden Globe-winning performance as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, a role that showcased her vocal prowess and dramatic intensity. She followed this with a supporting role as Anthea in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), the lead as Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), and voice work in the animated musical Spellbound (2024). Her portrayal of Snow White in Disney’s 2025 live-action remake, while critically praised for her performance, was marred by controversy over her comments about the original 1937 film and her vocal political activism, including posts about Palestine and criticism of Donald Trump. These incidents, coupled with the film’s financial failure, have placed Zegler at a crossroads in her young career.

Despite the Snow White backlash, Zegler’s talent remains undeniable. Her ability to embody complex characters, from the rebellious Lucy Gray to the reimagined Snow White, has earned her consistent praise, even in films with mixed reviews. Her stage work, including her Broadway debut as Juliet in a 2024 musical adaptation of Romeo + Juliet and her West End debut as Eva Perón in Evita in summer 2025, has further solidified her reputation as a versatile performer. Her Evita performance, which concluded on September 6, 2025, received widespread acclaim, with critics lauding her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence. The sold-out concerts at the London Palladium in October 2025, where she performed selections from her musical roles, underscored her growing fanbase and star power.

The Significance of the Haircut

Zegler’s decision to debut a new haircut ahead of filming reflects her commitment to fully inhabiting her characters. In the past, she has used physical transformations to enhance her performances, such as adopting a blonde wig for Evita or maintaining long, dark hair for Snow White. The bob and curtain bangs, with their modern yet timeless appeal, suggest a character who is both relatable and distinctive. The hairstyle’s clean lines and structured shape could indicate a role that requires a polished exterior masking inner turmoil, aligning with the chaotic yet profound narrative of She Gets It from Me. Fans have speculated that the cut may also be a practical choice for the film’s urban settings, allowing Zegler to move seamlessly between comedic and dramatic scenes.

The haircut has also reignited comparisons to Jenna Ortega, whose similar bob and bangs for Wednesday became a cultural phenomenon. While some fans initially mistook Zegler for Ortega in her Instagram post, others celebrated her ability to make the style her own. The resemblance has sparked playful debates online, with comments like “Rachel’s giving Wednesday vibes, but make it sunny” and “This is her era, and she’s owning it.” The haircut’s versatility—able to evoke both modern coolness and classic elegance—positions Zegler as a chameleon, capable of adapting to diverse roles.

Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

Zegler’s career has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. Her rapid rise from a New Jersey theater kid to a Hollywood leading lady is a testament to her talent, but her outspoken nature has drawn scrutiny. Her comments about the original Snow White film, where she called the prince a “stalker” and the story “dated,” alienated some fans, while her political posts, including a call for a ceasefire in Palestine and criticism of Trump supporters, led to tensions with Disney. The studio reportedly hired a social media consultant to manage her online presence, and producer Marc Platt’s son publicly criticized her, highlighting the fallout from her actions. Despite these controversies, Zegler’s performances have consistently been a highlight, with critics praising her ability to elevate even flawed projects.

She Gets It from Me offers Zegler a chance to move beyond the Snow White controversy and showcase her range in a new genre. The film’s focus on family dynamics and its blend of humor and drama play to her strengths, allowing her to balance lighthearted moments with emotional depth. Pairing with Marisa Tomei, an Oscar-winning actress known for her vibrant performances, promises to create a dynamic on-screen chemistry. The project’s smaller scale, compared to Disney’s blockbuster remakes, may allow Zegler to take creative risks and connect with audiences on a more intimate level.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Zegler prepares to film She Gets It from Me in October 2025, her new haircut symbolizes a fresh chapter in her career. The bob and bangs, with their bold yet approachable style, reflect her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her artistic roots. With no other confirmed film projects on the horizon, this role is a critical opportunity to reestablish her as a bankable star. Her upcoming West End concerts and potential future musical adaptations, such as Gypsy or Spring Awakening, suggest that she will continue to prioritize projects that showcase her singing and acting talents.

Zegler’s journey from West Side Story to Snow White has been a whirlwind of acclaim and controversy, but her resilience and talent remain her defining traits. The new haircut, debuted just weeks before her next project, is more than a style choice—it’s a statement of her readiness to embrace new challenges and redefine her place in Hollywood. As fans eagerly await her performance in She Gets It from Me, Zegler’s transformation signals that she’s poised to shine, proving that her star power transcends any single role or controversy.