In a bombshell revelation that has set Hollywood abuzz, reports have surfaced that Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, which stumbled at the box office earlier this year, almost featured a different leading lady: Mexican actress Renata Vaca. Insiders claim Vaca was a finalist for the iconic role of Snow White, with some studio executives and fans now asserting she would have been a “much better fit” than Rachel Zegler, whose casting and subsequent controversies have been blamed for the film’s failure. The news, first whispered in industry circles, exploded across social media platforms, reigniting debates about Disney’s casting decisions, the troubled production, and the fallout that turned a fairy-tale dream into a cinematic nightmare.

The live-action Snow White, released in March 2025, was intended to be a crown jewel in Disney’s ongoing series of animated-to-live-action adaptations. Directed by Marc Webb and featuring a high-profile cast including Zegler as Snow White, Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, and Andrew Burnap as a reimagined prince named Jonathan, the film promised a modern retelling of the 1937 classic. With a $270 million budget, lush visuals, and new songs by acclaimed composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, expectations were sky-high. Yet, the film grossed a mere $205 million worldwide, a far cry from the $550 million needed to break even, and critics savaged it as “clumsy” and “uninspired.” The production’s woes—ranging from casting controversies to political firestorms—have been well-documented, but the revelation that Renata Vaca nearly took the lead role has added a new layer of intrigue to the saga.

Renata Vaca, a 26-year-old actress known for her breakout roles in Mexican telenovelas and Netflix’s Midnight Family, was reportedly one of two finalists for the role of Snow White during Disney’s casting process in 2021. According to industry sources, the studio’s casting call was deliberately open to “all ethnic groups,” reflecting a commitment to diverse representation. Vaca, with her striking features, soulful singing voice, and a growing international fanbase, impressed director Marc Webb and producers with her audition, which included a rendition of a Disney princess song. Her performance was described as “ethereal yet grounded,” with insiders noting her ability to channel the innocence and strength of the classic Snow White while bringing a fresh, universal appeal. One casting director reportedly called her “a natural fit, with a warmth that could have bridged the old and new versions of the story.”

So how did Rachel Zegler, a then-20-year-old actress of Colombian and Polish descent, end up with the role? Sources suggest it came down to a pivotal endorsement from Steven Spielberg, who directed Zegler in his 2021 West Side Story remake. Spielberg’s “glowing recommendation” reportedly tipped the scales, with Webb and Disney executives believing Zegler’s Golden Globe-winning charisma and vocal prowess made her the ideal choice for a modernized Snow White. However, this decision sparked immediate backlash from traditionalists who argued that Zegler’s Latina heritage didn’t align with the fairy tale’s description of a princess with “skin as white as snow.” While Disney defended the casting as a step toward inclusivity, the controversy only grew as Zegler’s promotional interviews and social media activity fanned the flames.

Zegler’s comments about the original 1937 film became a lightning rod for criticism. In a 2022 interview at Disney’s D23 Expo, she called the animated classic “dated,” criticizing its focus on a “love story with a guy who literally stalks her.” She emphasized that the remake would portray Snow White as a leader, not a damsel waiting for a prince, stating, “She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.” These remarks alienated fans who cherished the original, with some accusing Zegler of disrespecting Disney’s legacy. Social media platforms like TikTok and X amplified the outrage, with hashtags like #NotMySnowWhite trending for weeks. One viral post read, “Renata Vaca would’ve honored the spirit of Snow White without trashing the original. Disney picked the wrong star.”

The casting controversy was just the beginning. Zegler’s outspoken political views, particularly her vocal support for Palestine, clashed with co-star Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance, creating a public relations nightmare. In August 2024, Zegler posted on X, “Free Palestine,” alongside a promotional message for the Snow White trailer, prompting boycotts from pro-Israel audiences and even a ban on the film in Lebanon due to Gadot’s involvement. Gadot, a former Israel Defense Forces soldier, faced heightened security threats, while Zegler received death threats from those who viewed her comments as inflammatory. The studio, caught in the crossfire, scaled back the film’s premiere to avoid contentious press questions, a move that only deepened the perception of a project in crisis.

Renata Vaca, by contrast, has remained a figure of intrigue and what-ifs. Fans on X have championed her as a missed opportunity, praising her understated elegance and lack of polarizing baggage. “Renata has that timeless princess vibe—graceful, kind, and no drama,” one user posted. “She wouldn’t have alienated half the audience.” Vaca herself has stayed largely silent on the matter, though in a recent interview with a Mexican outlet, she confirmed auditioning for the role and expressed gratitude for the experience. “It was an honor to even be considered,” she said. “Snow White is a story that means so much to so many, and I just wanted to do it justice.” Her diplomatic response has only fueled speculation that she could have navigated the role’s complexities without the controversy that engulfed Zegler.

The film’s failure wasn’t solely due to Zegler’s actions, of course. Production challenges, including a fire on set, COVID-related delays, and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, pushed costs skyward. The decision to reimagine the Seven Dwarfs as CGI “magical creatures” after criticism from actor Peter Dinklage about perpetuating stereotypes drew mixed reactions, with some praising the inclusivity and others mocking the uncanny visuals. Critics also panned the script for its “pseudo-progressive” additions, which tried to modernize Snow White’s story but felt forced. One review called it “a fairy tale that forgot its magic.” Despite Zegler’s praised performance—her singing and charisma often cited as the film’s sole highlight—the overall package failed to resonate.

Disney’s gamble on Zegler, while bold, underestimated the cultural and political sensitivities surrounding a beloved classic. Vaca, with her rising star power and less controversial public persona, is now seen by some as the road not taken. “Renata would’ve brought a universal appeal,” a former Disney executive told a trade publication. “Her energy is less confrontational, more unifying. Rachel’s talent is undeniable, but her approach turned off too many people.” Box office numbers bear this out: Snow White grossed just $87 million domestically, a stark contrast to successes like Aladdin ($1 billion) or Beauty and the Beast ($1.26 billion). The film’s global total of $205 million left Disney with a loss estimated at $150 million after marketing costs.

The fallout has sparked broader questions about Hollywood’s approach to remakes. Disney’s strategy of updating classics for modern audiences has yielded mixed results, with hits like The Lion King contrasting flops like Dumbo. Snow White’s failure has intensified scrutiny on the studio’s reliance on nostalgia while navigating a polarized cultural landscape. For Zegler, the controversy has been a double-edged sword: her upcoming role in Evita on the West End signals a bright future, but her reputation as a “difficult” talent may linger. Vaca, meanwhile, is gaining traction with roles in international projects, her near-miss with Snow White only boosting her profile.

As fans lament what could have been, the Snow White saga underscores the high stakes of reimagining a cultural touchstone. Vaca’s almost-casting has become a symbol of a less contentious path, with supporters arguing her poise and talent could have steered the film clear of the storm. “Renata Vaca as Snow White would’ve been magic,” one fan tweeted. “Disney missed the mark, and now we’re all paying for it.” Whether Vaca would have truly been a “better fit” remains speculative, but the debate has cemented her as a rising star and Snow White as a cautionary tale in Hollywood’s ongoing fairy-tale renaissance.