In the glittering yet tumultuous world of Hollywood, Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old star of Disney’s live-action Snow White, has found herself at the center of both romantic intrigue and professional controversy. As the dust settles on the box office disappointment of Snow White, which has been mired in debates over its modernized narrative and Zegler’s outspoken persona, whispers of a new relationship have emerged, adding a fresh layer of fascination to the young actress’s story. This article delves into Zegler’s rumored romance, the ongoing Snow White drama, and how she navigates the spotlight under intense scrutiny.

A New Chapter in Love

Recent posts on X have fueled speculation about Zegler’s romantic life, particularly pointing to a possible connection with Tom Blyth, her co-star in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The rumors gained traction when fans noted that Zegler’s former partner, Josh Andrés Rivera, unfollowed both Zegler and Blyth on social media during the filming of The Hunger Games in 2022, sparking chatter about a potential overlap in relationships. While neither Zegler nor Blyth has confirmed the rumors, their chemistry on and off the set—evident in promotional interviews and shared red-carpet moments—has kept the speculation alive.

Insiders suggest that Zegler and Blyth, both rising stars with a shared passion for musical theater, have grown close over the past year. “They bonded over their love for performance and navigating the pressures of fame,” a source close to the pair told The Starlight Chronicle. “Rachel’s been through a lot with the Snow White backlash, and Tom’s been a supportive presence.” The pair was recently spotted at a low-key café in New York City, laughing and sharing a plate of pastries, though they kept a friendly distance when paparazzi appeared.

Zegler, known for her candid social media presence, has not directly addressed the rumors but posted a cryptic Instagram story last week featuring a lyric from Taylor Swift’s Lover: “I’ve loved you three summers now, honey, but I want ‘em all.” Fans interpreted this as a nod to a blossoming romance, though others cautioned it could simply reflect her penchant for poetic expression. For now, the public is left piecing together clues, with X users divided between excitement for a potential “Hunger Games” love story and skepticism about unverified gossip.

The Snow White Storm

Zegler’s personal life has unfolded against the backdrop of Snow White’s rocky reception. Released in March 2025, Disney’s $240-$270 million remake aimed to reimagine the 1937 classic with a feminist twist, casting Zegler as a Snow White who prioritizes leadership over romance. However, the film has grossed only $142.7 million worldwide, projecting a $115 million loss for Disney, and earned a dismal 1.6/10 on IMDb due to review-bombing campaigns.

The controversy began in 2022 when Zegler, in interviews, described the original Snow White as “outdated” and not “feminist enough,” emphasizing that her version would focus on empowerment rather than “dreaming about true love.” These comments drew ire from traditionalists, including David Hand Jr., son of the original film’s director, who accused Disney of disrespecting his father’s legacy. Actor Peter Dinklage also criticized the film’s portrayal of dwarfs, calling it a “backwards story,” prompting Disney to pivot to CGI dwarfs voiced by actors of varying heights.

Zegler’s casting as a Latina Snow White—her mother is of Colombian descent—further polarized audiences. While many praised Disney’s inclusive approach, others argued it deviated from the fairy tale’s description of “skin as white as snow.” Zegler defended her role, stating, “Representation matters, and I’m honored to bring this story to a new generation.” However, her outspoken political views, including a 2024 tweet supporting Palestine—posted shortly after the Snow White trailer debut—intensified the backlash, especially given co-star Gal Gadot’s public support for Israel.

The rumored tension between Zegler and Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, became a focal point during the press tour. An anonymous source told People that the co-stars had “nothing in common” and clashed over politics, though they maintained professionalism at events like the 2025 Academy Awards. Zegler’s Instagram post thanking her co-stars omitted Gadot, fueling speculation of a feud, though she later clarified it was an oversight.

Blame and Backlash

As Snow White flopped, Zegler became a lightning rod for criticism. Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, publicly called her “narcissistic” in a now-deleted Instagram rant, blaming her for dragging “personal politics” into the film’s promotion. Ariana DeBose, Zegler’s West Side Story co-star, inadvertently amplified the drama by reposting Platt’s quote, later claiming it was an accident. Sean Ono Lennon also weighed in, labeling Zegler a “disconnected brat” on X, though some fans defended her, arguing she’s unfairly vilified.

Critics like Zack Peter of the No Filter podcast argued that Zegler’s political statements, including a post discouraging Trump supporters from backing her, alienated audiences. “She told people if they didn’t vote for Kamala Harris, she didn’t want their support,” Peter told Fox News. “That’s a risky move when you’re promoting a family film.” Joe Rogan, however, suggested the film’s failure stemmed from poor production choices rather than Zegler alone, calling for an investigation into its $250 million budget.

Despite the criticism, Zegler’s performance has been a bright spot. Reviewers praised her “stunning” voice and “emotionally resonant” acting, with Yahoo noting she “delivered the best performance” in the film. Supporters, including Ariana Grande, Melissa Barrera, and Ethel Cain, have rallied behind her, with Barrera resharing a fan post condemning media “hit pieces.”

Rising Above the Noise

Amid the chaos, Zegler remains focused on her career. She’s set to star as Eva Perón in a West End revival of Evita starting June 14, 2025, at the London Palladium, though ticket sales are reportedly sluggish. Her recent invitation to the 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” signals her enduring relevance, though she may skip it due to Evita rehearsals.

Zegler’s resilience shines through in small moments, too. Last week, she was spotted walking her miniature Goldendoodle in New York, dressed casually in a navy hoodie and lime green sneakers, seemingly unfazed by paparazzi. She later shared on X about her dog’s health struggles, revealing a relatable side that endeared her to fans. Her phone case, inscribed with Lady Gaga’s quote “People can do hard things,” reflects her mindset as she navigates Hollywood’s challenges.

A Star in the Making

Rachel Zegler’s story is one of talent, tenacity, and turbulence. Her rumored romance with Tom Blyth, if true, offers a glimpse of personal joy amid professional strife. While Snow White’s failure has cast a shadow, Zegler’s vocal prowess and emotional depth ensure she won’t be defined by one project. As she prepares for Evita and potential future roles—she has no films lined up post-Snow White—her ability to weather controversy will shape her legacy.

The Snow White saga underscores broader tensions in Hollywood: the push for diverse casting, the risks of political outspokenness, and the weight of modernizing beloved classics. Zegler, caught in this cultural crossfire, remains a polarizing yet compelling figure. Whether she’s belting out showtunes or sparking headlines, one thing is clear: Rachel Zegler is a star who won’t fade quietly.