In an unprecedented twist in Hollywood’s ongoing culture wars, Rachel Zegler, the star of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, has publicly confronted conservative commentator and actress Brett Cooper amid swirling rumors that Cooper is set to replace her in a reimagined version of the iconic fairy tale. The controversy, rooted in the fallout from Snow White’s catastrophic box office performance and years of polarizing debates, has ignited a firestorm across social media and entertainment circles. As the dust settles, Zegler’s bold response and Cooper’s rumored ascent highlight a deeper clash over representation, politics, and the future of Disney’s storied legacy.

The Snow White Debacle: A Perfect Storm

Disney’s live-action Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, was poised to be a cornerstone of the studio’s remake strategy. Starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film promised a modern retelling of the 1937 animated classic. However, it quickly became a lightning rod for controversy. Zegler’s casting as a Latina actress in a role traditionally depicted as Caucasian drew racially charged backlash from conservative fans, echoing the vitriol faced by Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid. Zegler’s outspoken criticism of the original film—calling its prince a “stalker” and its narrative “dated” at Disney’s 2022 D23 Expo—further alienated traditionalists.

The film’s troubles didn’t end there. Zegler’s political social media posts, including a “free Palestine” tweet and an anti-Trump remark, sparked boycotts from some audiences and reportedly strained her relationship with Disney and co-star Gadot, a former IDF instructor. The use of CGI dwarves, prompted by criticism from actor Peter Dinklage, fueled debates over representation, while the film’s feminist reimagining of Snow White as a leader rather than a romantic heroine drew mixed reactions.

The result was a box office disaster. With a reported $270 million budget, Snow White grossed just $43 million in its opening weekend and is projected to lose Disney $115 million. Its 1.6/10 IMDb score, marred by review-bombing, and a 40% Rotten Tomatoes rating underscored its failure to resonate. Disney insiders and critics pointed fingers at Zegler, with some, including producer Marc Platt’s son Jonah, accusing her of “narcissism” and harming the film with her political activism.

The Brett Cooper Rumor: A New Snow White?

In the wake of Snow White’s collapse, a surprising rumor emerged: Brett Cooper, the 23-year-old host of The Comments Section with Brett Cooper on The Daily Wire, was allegedly being considered to replace Zegler in a new Disney project or a retooled Snow White. The speculation, largely driven by posts on X and conservative media, posited Cooper as a “traditional” Disney princess who could restore the fairy tale’s classic charm. Cooper’s critiques of “woke” Hollywood and her acting background in films like Parental Guidance fueled the narrative that she could appeal to audiences disillusioned by Zegler’s progressive stance.

No major outlet, such as Variety or The Hollywood Reporter, has confirmed Disney’s interest in Cooper. The rumor appears to stem from fan-driven speculation and Cooper’s own commentary on Snow White’s missteps. In a recent episode of her show, Cooper argued that Disney’s modernization of the story and Zegler’s dismissive remarks about the original alienated core fans, stating, “Fairy tales are timeless. People want magic, not lectures.” While Cooper has expressed interest in acting, she has not publicly confirmed any Disney talks, leaving the “replacement” narrative as conjecture—for now.

Zegler’s Explosive Confrontation

Rachel Zegler, known for her unapologetic candor, didn’t hesitate to address the rumors head-on. In a series of fiery X posts, she called the idea of Cooper replacing her “absurd” and “a fantasy cooked up by trolls.” Zegler defended her work on Snow White, writing, “I poured my heart into this role, and no amount of baseless gossip will erase that. The film’s challenges weren’t my doing alone.” She took a pointed jab at Cooper, stating, “Commentators who’ve never carried a major film shouldn’t be propped up as my replacement. Stick to podcasts.”

Zegler’s fans rallied behind her, praising her resilience and talent, with many arguing that she’s been unfairly scapegoated for Disney’s broader miscalculations. Critics, however, accused her of arrogance, pointing to her history of polarizing statements. Zegler doubled down by highlighting her next role as Eva Perón in a West End production of Evita, set to begin rehearsals in June 2025. “While others play make-believe with casting rumors, I’ll be on stage, telling stories that matter,” she posted, signaling her intent to move forward.

Cooper’s Response and the Cultural Divide

Brett Cooper has remained relatively reserved, avoiding direct engagement with Zegler’s comments. In a recent episode of her show, she addressed the Snow White controversy broadly, reiterating her belief that Disney’s focus on political messaging over storytelling doomed the film. “Audiences want escapism, not agendas,” she said, without mentioning Zegler by name. Cooper’s supporters have amplified the replacement narrative, framing her as a potential savior for Disney’s brand, though she has not confirmed any plans to take on a princess role.

The Zegler-Cooper clash encapsulates a broader cultural divide in entertainment. Zegler, a Latina actress with a progressive worldview, represents a push for diversity and modernization in Hollywood. Cooper, a conservative media figure, appeals to audiences who feel alienated by what they perceive as “woke” overreach. The rumor of Cooper replacing Zegler—whether grounded or not—has become a flashpoint for debates over representation, artistic fidelity, and the role of politics in entertainment.

Disney’s Dilemma and the Road Ahead

Disney has yet to comment on the replacement rumors, and industry insiders suggest the studio is focused on salvaging its live-action remake strategy. The failure of Snow White has cast doubt on upcoming projects like Lilo & Stitch (May 23, 2025) and Moana (July 10, 2026), with some arguing that Disney must return to “classic” storytelling to regain audience trust. Whether Cooper or another actress could helm a new Snow White remains speculative, but the idea reflects a growing demand among some fans for narratives that prioritize tradition over reinvention.

For Zegler, the Snow White saga has been a trial by fire, but her talent remains undeniable. Critics like ScreenRant have praised her “spectacular” voice and ability to embody Snow White, despite the film’s flaws. Her upcoming Evita role and past successes in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes suggest a bright future, though she may continue to navigate scrutiny for her outspokenness.

A Fairy Tale in Flux

The Zegler-Cooper confrontation underscores the high stakes of Hollywood’s evolving landscape. Zegler’s defiance in the face of replacement rumors showcases her resilience, while Cooper’s rumored rise highlights the growing influence of conservative voices in entertainment. Whether Disney will pivot to a new Snow White or forge ahead with its current vision remains unclear. For now, the clash between these two young women has turned a fairy tale into a battleground, with no happily-ever-after in sight.