In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood insiders have revealed that Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, the embattled stars of Disney’s ill-fated Snow White remake, are set to reunite in a high-profile Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) project slated for release later this year. The announcement, which surfaced through industry buzz and social media speculation, has ignited a firestorm of reactions among fans, many of whom are apprehensive that this new superhero film could follow in the footsteps of Snow White’s disastrous box office performance in March 2025. With the MCU already navigating a turbulent phase marked by mixed critical and commercial reception, the casting of Zegler and Gadot—whose previous collaboration was marred by controversy—has raised eyebrows and fueled debates about the franchise’s future direction.
The untitled Marvel project, reportedly a cosmic adventure directed by a yet-to-be-named filmmaker, is said to feature Zegler and Gadot in prominent roles, though specific details about their characters remain tightly under wraps. Industry whispers suggest the film could tie into the MCU’s expanding multiverse narrative, potentially introducing new heroes or villains in the lead-up to Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for 2027. Zegler, known for her breakout role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, and Gadot, the former face of DC’s Wonder Woman, bring undeniable star power to the table. Their prior collaboration in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) and Snow White showcased their ability to command the screen, but the latter’s failure has cast a long shadow over their reunion.
Disney’s Snow White, a live-action reimagining of the 1937 animated classic, was anticipated to be a cornerstone of the studio’s 2025 slate. Directed by Marc Webb and boasting a $250-270 million production budget, the film starred Zegler as the titular princess and Gadot as the menacing Evil Queen. Despite high expectations, it grossed a mere $43 million domestically during its opening weekend, ultimately amassing $205.7 million worldwide against a total investment, including marketing, estimated at nearly $500 million. The film’s dismal performance was attributed to a perfect storm of controversies: Zegler’s polarizing comments about the original fairy tale, backlash over the CGI-rendered dwarves, and the stark contrast between Zegler’s pro-Palestinian activism and Gadot’s vocal support for Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Social media campaigns, including hashtags like #BoycottSnowWhite, further amplified the negativity, with some audiences targeting Gadot’s Israeli background and others criticizing Zegler’s political outspokenness.
The fallout from Snow White has left both actresses under scrutiny. Zegler, at 24, has faced relentless online trolling for her remarks about the 1937 film, where she called the prince a “stalker” and described the original story as “dated” in its portrayal of gender roles. These comments, meant to highlight the remake’s feminist reimagining, alienated fans who cherished the classic, leading to accusations of “woke-washing.” Meanwhile, Gadot’s pro-Israel stance, including her organization of a Hollywood screening of footage from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, drew calls for boycotts in certain international markets. The rumored tension between the two stars, fueled by their opposing political views, became a lightning rod for media coverage, with outlets reporting that they avoided joint interviews during the Snow White press tour. Despite their public denials of any feud, the narrative of discord persisted, contributing to the film’s toxic reception.
Now, as Zegler and Gadot gear up for Marvel’s latest venture, fans are voicing concerns that the baggage from Snow White could haunt this new project. On platforms like X and Reddit, reactions range from cautious optimism to outright dread. “Zegler and Gadot in the MCU? Bold move, but after Snow White, I’m not holding my breath,” one user posted. Another commented, “Marvel’s already on shaky ground post-The Marvels. Casting two polarizing figures together feels like a recipe for disaster.” The MCU has faced its own challenges in recent years, with films like The Marvels (2023) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) underperforming compared to earlier juggernauts like Avengers: Endgame. Fans fear that the controversy surrounding Zegler and Gadot could overshadow the film’s narrative, turning it into another flashpoint for cultural and political debates.
The new Marvel project is rumored to be a high-stakes endeavor, with a budget reportedly exceeding $200 million. While Marvel has a history of rebounding from setbacks—Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) were critical and commercial successes—the studio is under pressure to maintain momentum. The casting of Zegler and Gadot appears to be a strategic move to capitalize on their existing fanbases and superhero credentials. Zegler, who played Anthea in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, has proven her ability to handle action-oriented roles, while Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman cemented her as a formidable presence in the genre. Speculation about their roles includes Zegler as a young mutant, possibly a reimagined Jean Grey or White Tiger, and Gadot as a cosmic entity or villain, with some fans suggesting a character like Hela or a new iteration of the Silver Surfer.
However, the fanbase’s apprehension stems not only from Snow White’s failure but also from broader trends in Hollywood. Disney’s live-action remakes have faced diminishing returns, with The Little Mermaid (2023) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) also struggling to replicate the billion-dollar success of The Lion King (2019) or Beauty and the Beast (2017). Similarly, the MCU has been criticized for creative stagnation, with audiences growing weary of formulaic storytelling and oversaturated multiverse arcs. The inclusion of Zegler and Gadot, both of whom carry significant public personas, risks amplifying these issues if their off-screen controversies overshadow the film’s narrative.
Critics and fans alike point to the actresses’ differing approaches to public discourse as a potential liability. Zegler, a vocal advocate for social justice, has continued to speak out on issues like Palestine and U.S. politics, drawing both praise and ire. Her post-election Instagram rant in November 2024, where she expressed frustration with Trump voters, sparked backlash from conservative audiences, with some, including producer Marc Platt’s son Jonah, blaming her comments for hurting Snow White’s box office. Gadot, meanwhile, has maintained a more reserved public image but faced intense criticism for her pro-Israel advocacy, including a speech at the Anti-Defamation League summit in March 2025, where she condemned pro-Palestinian protests. The polarized reactions to their views have led some to question whether Marvel can navigate the PR minefield surrounding their casting.
Despite these concerns, there are reasons for optimism. Zegler’s performances in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and West Side Story have earned her critical acclaim, with reviewers praising her emotional depth and vocal prowess. Gadot, too, remains a global draw, with her action-hero pedigree and commanding screen presence. Their chemistry in Snow White, while overshadowed by external noise, was noted by some critics as a highlight, with Zegler’s earnest Snow White complementing Gadot’s chilling Evil Queen. If Marvel can harness this dynamic and focus on a compelling story, the film could defy expectations.
Marvel’s track record of integrating controversial or polarizing figures also offers hope. Actors like Robert Downey Jr., who overcame personal scandals to become the MCU’s Iron Man, and Chris Hemsworth, whose early Thor films faced skepticism, prove that strong storytelling can overshadow off-screen drama. The studio’s decision to cast Zegler and Gadot suggests confidence in their ability to deliver, potentially signaling a bold new direction for the franchise. Rumors of a diverse ensemble cast, including rising stars like Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) and Julia Garner (Ozark), further indicate Marvel’s intent to refresh its roster.
As production ramps up, the industry is watching closely. The film’s success will hinge on Marvel’s ability to craft a narrative that resonates with audiences while mitigating the fallout from Zegler and Gadot’s public personas. Early reports suggest the studio is taking a cautious approach to promotion, possibly limiting press exposure to avoid reigniting Snow White-style controversies. Yet, the power of the MCU’s brand and the allure of a fresh superhero epic could still draw crowds, provided the film delivers on quality.
For Zegler and Gadot, this project represents a chance to redeem their collaboration and prove their mettle in Hollywood’s most dominant franchise. For fans, it’s a high-risk, high-reward gamble that could either reinvigorate the MCU or cement its recent struggles. As one X user put it, “Marvel’s playing with fire, but if they pull this off, it could be epic.” Only time will tell whether this superhero saga soars or stumbles, but for now, the spotlight is firmly on Zegler, Gadot, and the MCU’s next big bet.
