Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old actress who skyrocketed to fame with her Golden Globe-winning performance as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), has become a polarizing yet undeniable talent in Hollywood. Known for her powerful vocals and emotive performances in films like The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) and Disney’s Snow White (2025), Zegler has primarily played heroic or sympathetic characters. However, recent industry buzz suggests that directors are eyeing her for villainous roles in upcoming projects, marking a potential pivot in her career. This shift comes as Zegler navigates a turbulent period following the Snow White backlash, with her next moves closely watched by fans and critics alike. This article explores why Zegler is being considered for antagonist roles, her potential to excel as a villain, and the projects that might showcase this new side of her talent.

A Career Built on Heroic Roles

Zegler’s rise to stardom has been meteoric. After beating out 30,000 applicants for the role of Maria in West Side Story, she earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, becoming the first actress of Colombian descent to win in that category. Her subsequent roles—Anthea in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games prequel, and Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake—cemented her as a go-to leading lady for characters who embody resilience, charm, and moral goodness. Her performances often blend vulnerability with strength, as seen in Lucy Gray’s captivating mix of Southern pluck and wide-eyed terror, which critics praised despite the film’s mixed reception.

However, the Snow White release in March 2025 was a turning point. The film, which grossed $205.6 million worldwide against a $270 million budget, faced significant backlash over Zegler’s casting as a Latina Snow White and her comments criticizing the 1937 original’s “dated” elements, such as the prince’s “stalker” behavior. Her outspoken political posts, including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and criticism of Donald Trump, further fueled controversy, with some blaming her for the film’s box office struggles. Despite this, Zegler’s star power remains intact, as evidenced by her No. 1 ranking on IMDb’s Starmeter in early 2025, reflecting high audience interest.

Why Directors Are Eyeing Zegler for Villain Roles

The idea of Zegler transitioning to villainous roles stems from her proven versatility and the industry’s desire to see her stretch her acting chops. Directors and casting agents recognize her ability to convey complex emotions, which could translate into a compelling antagonist. Her Snow White performance, while controversial, showcased her ability to command the screen with intensity and nuance, qualities essential for a memorable villain. On X, fans have speculated about her potential to play “deliciously evil” characters, with one user noting, “Rachel’s got that spark—she could be a villain you love to hate.”

Industry insiders suggest that Zegler’s vocal talent and stage presence make her ideal for roles requiring charisma and menace. Her theater background, including roles as Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Eva Perón in the upcoming West End revival of Evita (June–September 2025), demonstrates her ability to portray multifaceted characters. Eva Perón, a polarizing figure known for ambition and cunning, hints at Zegler’s capacity to embody morally ambiguous roles, a stepping stone to full-on villainy. A casting director quoted anonymously on a film blog remarked, “Rachel has this magnetic quality—she can be sweet but also fierce. That duality screams villain potential.”

The shift also aligns with Hollywood’s trend of casting young stars in darker roles to showcase range. Actors like Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch to Furiosa) and Florence Pugh (Midsommar to Black Widow) have successfully transitioned to complex antagonists, and Zegler’s trajectory suggests she could follow suit. Her recent indie role in She Gets It From Me (set for 2026), playing a chaotic daughter alongside Marisa Tomei, indicates she’s open to edgier characters, further fueling speculation about villain roles.

Potential Projects and Fan Casting Buzz

While no confirmed villain roles are on Zegler’s slate, several projects have sparked interest. One notable fan-casting suggestion is Evangelina Sage in a potential adaptation of Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. This fantasy novel, popular on BookTok, follows a young woman working for a notorious villain, Trystan Arthur Maverine. Fans on platforms like myCast have suggested Zegler for Evangelina, citing her ability to balance wit and moral complexity, though some propose she could play the villainous Trystan himself, flipping the dynamic. The role would require charm, cunning, and a touch of menace—qualities Zegler has yet to fully explore but seems capable of delivering.

Another rumored project is a horror or thriller film, with directors like Ari Aster (Hereditary) or Jordan Peele (Get Out) floated as ideal collaborators. Aster’s upcoming Eddington (2025) already stars Pedro Pascal, but industry chatter suggests Zegler could join a similar A24-style project, possibly as a manipulative antagonist in a psychological horror setting. Her ability to convey “wide-eyed terror” in The Hunger Games could be inverted to portray a character who instills fear, much like Toni Collette’s chilling turn in Hereditary. On X, a fan posted, “Imagine Rachel Zegler as a horror villain—her voice alone could make you shiver.”

There’s also talk of Zegler joining a superhero franchise, potentially in the DC Universe or Marvel Cinematic Universe, where villains often require charisma and depth. A role like Poison Ivy in a Batman-adjacent project or a scheming Asgardian in a Thor sequel could suit her, leveraging her musical talents for a seductive, villainous performance. While these remain speculative, the buzz reflects directors’ interest in casting Zegler against type.

Challenges and Opportunities

Taking on a villain role could be a strategic move for Zegler, especially after the Snow White controversy. The backlash, which included racist attacks and criticism of her political activism, has made her a lightning rod for online hate, with some even showing up outside her apartment. A villain role could allow her to channel this scrutiny into a performance that subverts expectations, much like Margot Robbie’s transformation into Harley Quinn after facing early career typecasting. Critics note that Zegler’s resilience—seen in her candid discussions about therapy and handling harassment—could fuel a powerful, layered antagonist.

However, the transition isn’t without risks. Zegler’s public image, tied to wholesome characters like Snow White, might make audiences resistant to seeing her as a villain. Her outspokenness, while admired by some, has alienated conservative audiences, potentially affecting box office draw for high-profile roles. A smaller-scale indie project, like She Gets It From Me, could serve as a testing ground before tackling a major villain role in a blockbuster. Directors will need to balance her star power with roles that avoid typecasting her as “controversial” rather than talented.

Industry Support and Future Prospects

Despite the challenges, Zegler has strong industry backing. Producer Jen Dana, involved in She Gets It From Me, praised her “brilliant depth and humanity,” suggesting confidence in her versatility. Directors like Steven Spielberg, who launched her career, and Jamie Lloyd, helming Evita, see her as a dynamic talent capable of tackling complex roles. The success of West Side Story and The Hunger Games prequel, which grossed $348 million worldwide, proves her bankability, even if Snow White underperformed.

Zegler’s upcoming stage work in Evita will likely showcase her ability to portray a character with villainous undertones, setting the stage for future film roles. Industry insiders speculate that a villain role could come as early as 2026, possibly in a project developed by A24, Searchlight Pictures, or a major studio looking to capitalize on her vocal talents and screen presence. Her ability to sing, act, and command attention makes her a natural fit for roles that require a blend of menace and charisma, such as a femme fatale or a mastermind antagonist.

Final Thoughts

Rachel Zegler’s potential pivot to villain roles marks an exciting new chapter for the young star. Her proven range, from musical theater to blockbuster films, positions her as a prime candidate for antagonists who require emotional depth and magnetic presence. While no confirmed projects have been announced, the buzz around roles like Evangelina Sage or a horror villain reflects the industry’s belief in her ability to surprise audiences. After navigating the Snow White storm, Zegler’s resilience and talent suggest she’s ready to embrace darker, more complex characters. As she prepares for her West End debut in Evita, all eyes are on her next move—whether it’s a scheming villain or another heroic lead, Zegler is poised to redefine her Hollywood legacy. Keep an eye on casting announcements in 2026 for what could be her most transformative role yet.