Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress who rose to fame with her Golden Globe-winning role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), is making headlines again with her next project following the tumultuous reception of Disney’s live-action Snow White. Announced on May 1, 2025, Zegler will star in She Gets It From Me, a comedy-drama directed by Julia von Heinz, marking her first film since the Snow White release on March 21, 2025, which fell short of box office expectations. As of 11:45 AM +07 on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, this new venture alongside Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei signals a potential pivot for Zegler, offering a chance to move beyond the controversy and financial disappointment that shadowed her latest Disney outing. This article explores her career trajectory, the Snow White fallout, details of her upcoming film, and the cultural context shaping her next chapter.

A Rising Star’s Journey

Rachel Zegler’s ascent began with her breakout role as Maria in West Side Story, a performance that earned her critical acclaim despite the film’s pandemic-hit box office of $76 million against a $100 million budget. Her follow-up, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), showcased her versatility as Lucy Gray Baird, grossing $349 million globally, though it trailed earlier franchise entries. These roles established her as a promising talent, blending musical prowess with dramatic depth. Born to a Colombian father and Polish-American mother in New Jersey, Zegler’s heritage and self-taught singing skills—honed through YouTube covers—set her apart, leading to her casting as Snow White after a “glowing recommendation” from Spielberg.

Her early success, however, has been tested by Snow White, a $270 million production that, with additional marketing costs pushing the total to $410 million, aimed to reimagine Disney’s 1937 classic. The film’s global haul of over $200 million fell far short of its break-even point, estimated at $500 million, resulting in a reported $115 million loss even with ancillary revenues. This financial stumble, coupled with pre-release controversies, has placed Zegler under intense scrutiny, making her next move a focal point of interest.

The ‘Snow White’ Controversy and Fallout

Snow White’s journey to screens was fraught with challenges. Announced in 2016 and filmed in 2022 with reshoots in 2024, the project faced backlash from its inception when Zegler, a Latina actress, was cast as the traditionally “white as snow” princess. Her 2022 comments calling the original’s prince a “stalker” and the story “weird” ignited debates, while her social media posts—supporting Palestine and criticizing Donald Trump—drew further ire. These statements, including a post after the Snow White trailer’s 120 million views in August 2024, prompted Disney producer Marc Platt to intervene, hiring a social media manager to monitor her online activity. Co-star Gal Gadot, playing the Evil Queen, also faced death threats over her pro-Israel stance, adding to the tension.

The film’s March 2025 release saw a muted $43 million domestic opening weekend, with a 66% second-week drop, finishing with $225 million worldwide. Critics gave it a 39% on Rotten Tomatoes, praising Zegler’s performance but panning the script and CGI dwarfs, while audiences rated it higher at 72%. The backlash fueled narratives blaming Zegler, with Platt’s son Jonah accusing her of hurting the box office with “personal politics” in a deleted Instagram post. Despite this, some defend her, arguing Disney’s remake fatigue and the film’s mixed execution—not Zegler’s talent—drove the flop, a view echoed by box office analysts citing broader trends in live-action remakes.

‘She Gets It From Me’: A New Beginning

Zegler’s next project, She Gets It From Me, offers a shift in tone and narrative. Set to star opposite Marisa Tomei, the film follows Nicky (Zegler), whose engagement party spirals into a quest to find her estranged, pill-popping, ex-punk rocker birth mother, Charlotte (Tomei). Directed by von Heinz, known for Treasure, this comedy-drama, based on a true story, promises an “anarchic mother-daughter journey” with the tagline, “YouTube is packed with tearful family reunions, but nobody films the messy aftermath.” Production details remain scarce, but the casting announcement has sparked excitement, with filming likely slated for late 2025.

Tomei, an Oscar winner for My Cousin Vinny (1992), brings seasoned charisma to the role, complementing Zegler’s youthful energy. The pairing draws comparisons to mother-daughter dynamics in films like Terms of Endearment, though with a punk-rock twist. Von Heinz’s direction suggests a blend of humor and emotional rawness, potentially leveraging Zegler’s musical roots—honed in her recent Evita stage role in London—for a standout performance. This project’s lighter, character-driven focus contrasts with Snow White’s epic scope, offering Zegler a chance to redefine her image.

Cultural Context and Public Reaction

The announcement comes amid a polarized Hollywood landscape, where “woke” casting and political stances fuel debates. Snow White’s struggles reflect audience fatigue with Disney remakes—The Little Mermaid (2023) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) also faced criticism—while Zegler’s outspokenness mirrors a trend of young stars navigating social media scrutiny. Posts found on X show mixed sentiments: some fans cheer her resilience, calling her “booked and busy,” while others question her casting, labeling her a “nepo brat” despite her grassroots rise. Critics like Daily Mail suggest an industry “anti-woke” shift, though Collider argues structural issues, not Zegler, sank Snow White.

Zegler’s Evita stint, where she belted “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from a London balcony, has bolstered her musical credibility, countering box office narratives. Her June 2025 i-D interview, discussing therapy for the Snow White backlash, reveals resilience, framing her activism as a moral stance. This context frames She Gets It From Me as a test of her draw, with Tomei’s star power potentially softening past controversies.

Production Insights and Viewing Prospects

While specific production details are pending, She Gets It From Me’s true-story basis hints at a grounded shoot, possibly in the U.S. or Europe, aligning with von Heinz’s style. Its comedy-drama genre suggests a 2026 release, likely via a streamer or limited theatrical run, given current trends. Zegler’s Snow White experience—filmed in the UK with a $270 million budget—contrasts with this project’s expected leaner scale, offering a creative reset.

For fans, the film promises a fresh Zegler showcase, ideal for a binge-worthy evening. Pairing it with West Side Story or Tomei’s Only You (1994) could enhance appreciation, though it stands alone. Viewer discretion is advised for mature themes—addiction, family dysfunction—likely to emerge in the mother-daughter arc.

Conclusion

Rachel Zegler’s announcement of She Gets It From Me marks a bold step after Snow White’s box office woes, pairing her with Marisa Tomei in a comedy-drama that promises redemption. Despite the Disney film’s $115 million loss and surrounding controversies, Zegler’s talent—honed in West Side Story and The Hunger Games—shines through. This new venture, blending her musical roots with a personal narrative, offers a chance to reclaim her narrative, captivating audiences eager for her next act.