Hollywood’s rumor mill is churning, and this time, it’s serving up a juicy slice of drama straight from the gothic halls of Wednesday. Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old star of West Side Story and Snow White, has reportedly expressed envy over the sky-high praise showered on her peers, Jenna Ortega and Emma Myers, for their standout performances in Wednesday Season 2. The Netflix series, which has cemented its status as a global phenomenon, has fans and critics alike raving about Ortega and Myers’ acting prowess, particularly in the jaw-dropping body-swap episode. But Zegler’s alleged feelings of jealousy have sparked a firestorm of speculation: Is the rising star feeling overshadowed by her Wednesday counterparts, or is this just another case of Tinseltown gossip blowing out of proportion? Buckle up, because this tale of talent, envy, and Hollywood ambition is as gripping as a Nevermore mystery.

Wednesday Season 2: A Cultural Juggernaut

Since its debut in 2022, Wednesday has been a cultural behemoth, with Season 2, released in 2025, pushing the boundaries of its gothic charm. The series, centered on Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) navigating the supernatural chaos of Nevermore Academy, has topped Netflix’s charts with 406.7 million viewing hours and an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Season 2’s standout moment comes in Episode 6, “Woe Thyself,” where Wednesday and her bubbly roommate Enid Sinclair (Emma Myers) swap bodies in a Freaky Friday-style twist. The episode has been hailed as a masterclass in acting, with Ortega and Myers earning widespread acclaim for their seamless portrayals of each other’s characters.

Ortega, already an Emmy-nominated star, transforms into the effervescent Enid with boundless energy, dancing to BLACKPINK’s “BOOMBAYAH” and flashing a grin that’s both hilarious and unsettling. Myers, meanwhile, channels Wednesday’s icy demeanor with chilling precision, nailing her unblinking stare and sardonic delivery. Fans have flooded social media with praise, with one X user declaring, “Jenna and Emma deserve Oscars for that body-swap episode!” Another Reddit thread gushed, “Emma Myers as Wednesday is unreal—she’s stealing the show!” The episode’s success has solidified Ortega and Myers as Hollywood’s brightest young talents, but it’s also reportedly stirred feelings of envy in one of their peers: Rachel Zegler.

Zegler’s Alleged Jealousy: The Rumor Unraveled

Whispers of Zegler’s discontent began circulating after a series of private conversations allegedly leaked to industry insiders. Sources claim the actress, known for her roles in West Side Story (2021), The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), and Disney’s Snow White (2025), expressed frustration that Ortega and Myers’ performances in Wednesday have overshadowed her own achievements. “Rachel’s been vocal about feeling like she’s not getting the same level of recognition,” an insider revealed. “She thinks her work in Snow White and West Side Story deserves just as much buzz, but Jenna and Emma are stealing the spotlight.”

Zegler’s alleged envy isn’t entirely surprising. At 24, she’s part of the same Gen Z cohort as Ortega (22) and Myers (23), and all three have risen rapidly in Hollywood’s competitive landscape. Zegler’s breakout as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story earned her a Golden Globe, and her turn as Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games prequel showcased her versatility. Yet, her role in Snow White faced intense scrutiny, with backlash over her comments about the original 1937 film and the movie’s $194 million box office haul falling short of its $240 million budget. Meanwhile, Wednesday’s global dominance and the critical adoration for Ortega and Myers have put them at the forefront of the industry’s young talent pool, potentially fueling Zegler’s sense of being left behind.

The Wednesday Effect: Why Ortega and Myers Shine

To understand Zegler’s reported jealousy, it’s worth diving into why Ortega and Myers have captured the spotlight. Jenna Ortega, already a household name from roles in Scream and X, has made Wednesday Addams an icon for a new generation. Her performance in Season 2 is a tour de force, blending deadpan humor with emotional depth, especially in the body-swap episode where she embodies Enid’s bubbly chaos while hinting at Wednesday’s discomfort. Ortega’s role as a producer also gives her creative control, allowing her to shape the series’ darker, horror-infused tone, which has resonated with audiences.

Emma Myers, meanwhile, has emerged as a breakout star. Her portrayal of Enid Sinclair, the optimistic werewolf who balances Wednesday’s darkness, has won over fans with its warmth and authenticity. In “Woe Thyself,” Myers’ transformation into Wednesday is uncanny, capturing Ortega’s mannerisms with such precision that some fans mistook her for her co-star. Her ability to pivot from Enid’s high energy to Wednesday’s stoic intensity showcases a range that’s earned her comparisons to Ortega herself. “Emma Myers is a revelation,” one critic wrote. “She’s proving she can go toe-to-toe with the best.”

The duo’s chemistry is the heart of Wednesday, with their friendship—both on-screen and off—adding authenticity to every scene. Their collaboration in the body-swap episode, where they coached each other to perfect their performances, has been praised as a testament to their talent and teamwork. “We were both freaking out, wanting to get it right,” Myers said in an interview. “But it was so fun to play each other.” This camaraderie, combined with their stellar performances, has made them the darlings of the Wednesday fandom, a spotlight that Zegler reportedly feels excluded from.

Zegler’s Side: A Star Under Pressure

While the rumors paint Zegler as envious, it’s worth considering the pressures she’s faced. Her rapid rise from high school musicals to Spielberg’s West Side Story at age 20 was meteoric, but it came with intense scrutiny. The Snow White backlash, fueled by her comments about modernizing the classic tale and debates over her casting as a Latina princess, took a toll. Despite her acclaimed performance, the film’s mixed reception and modest box office returns have left Zegler fighting to prove herself in an industry quick to judge.

Zegler’s reported envy may stem from the stark contrast between her experience and that of Ortega and Myers. Wednesday’s massive viewership—over 1.2 billion hours for Season 1 alone—dwarfs Snow White’s theatrical run, and the series’ cultural impact, from viral TikTok dances to Halloween costumes, has kept Ortega and Myers in the public eye. Zegler, meanwhile, has faced online vitriol and the burden of carrying a controversial Disney remake. “Rachel feels like she’s been put through the wringer,” a source claimed. “Seeing Jenna and Emma celebrated for every move they make stings, especially when she’s been fighting to be taken seriously.”

Is It Jealousy or Just Ambition?

Not everyone buys the jealousy narrative. Some insiders suggest Zegler’s comments reflect ambition rather than resentment. “Rachel’s a competitor,” one source said. “She sees Jenna and Emma killing it and wants to match that energy, not tear them down.” Zegler’s recent projects, including her Broadway debut as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet (2024) and her West End role as Eva Perón in Evita (2025), show she’s not sitting idle. Her upcoming role in the comedy-drama She Gets It from Me alongside Marisa Tomei suggests she’s carving her own path, even if it’s less splashy than Wednesday’s global takeover.

Fans have mixed reactions to the rumor. Some sympathize with Zegler, pointing to the unfair scrutiny she’s faced. “Rachel’s been through so much hate online,” one X user wrote. “It’s natural to feel a bit envious when Wednesday is everywhere.” Others defend Ortega and Myers, arguing their success is hard-earned. “Jenna and Emma are carrying a massive show,” a Reddit user posted. “Rachel’s talented, but Wednesday is on another level.” The debate has sparked broader conversations about the pressures young actresses face in Hollywood, where comparisons and competition can overshadow camaraderie.

What’s Next for Zegler, Ortega, and Myers?

As Wednesday gears up for Season 3, set to begin production in 2026, Ortega and Myers remain at the forefront of Hollywood’s new guard. Ortega’s upcoming projects, including Hurry Up Tomorrow and Klara and the Sun, solidify her as a leading lady, while Myers’ roles in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and The Angry Birds Movie 3 signal her rising star. Their Wednesday success has made them untouchable, but it’s also raised the stakes for their future endeavors.

For Zegler, the path forward is equally promising, if challenging. Her Evita role has earned early acclaim, and her vocal talent and stage presence could open doors to more musical projects. If the envy rumors are true, they might fuel her drive to land a role that rivals Wednesday’s impact—perhaps even a return to Disney for a project less fraught than Snow White. Could a Wednesday cameo be in her future, as some fans speculate? Only time will tell.

A Tale of Talent and Tension

The alleged tension between Zegler, Ortega, and Myers is a reminder of the high stakes in Hollywood, where young stars are pitted against each other in a race for relevance. But it’s also a testament to the power of Wednesday, a show that’s elevated its cast to new heights while sparking conversations about talent, ambition, and envy. Whether Zegler’s feelings are real or exaggerated, one thing is clear: she, Ortega, and Myers are among the industry’s brightest talents, each carving out a unique legacy. So, snap your fingers twice and dive into the drama—because in the world of Wednesday, even the rumors are delightfully dark.