Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, was envisioned as a vibrant reimagining of the 1937 animated classic. Starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White, Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, and Andrew Burnap as Jonathan (a reimagined Prince Charming), the film aimed to modernize the fairy tale for a new generation. However, a series of controversies, driven by Zegler’s outspoken comments, her political activism, and reported tensions with co-stars, turned the project into a public relations disaster. The film’s disappointing box office performance—grossing just $43 million domestically and $87 million globally in its opening weekend against a $270 million budget—has sparked debate about Hollywood’s approach to remaking classics and the role of celebrity influence in a polarized cultural landscape. Among the fallout, Andrew Burnap, whose role was minimized in the narrative, reportedly lamented, “I have no career anymore,” reflecting the personal toll of the film’s failure.

The Spark of Controversy: Zegler’s Comments and Creative Shifts

The Snow White remake faced scrutiny from its inception, with debates over casting a Latina actress, Rachel Zegler, as a character traditionally described as having “skin as white as snow.” Disney reframed the character’s name as tied to a snowstorm survival story, but the controversy persisted. Zegler’s remarks during promotional events further escalated tensions. In 2022 interviews at Disney’s D23 Expo, she called the original 1937 film “dated” and described Prince Charming as a “stalker,” emphasizing that the remake would focus on Snow White’s leadership rather than romance. “It’s no longer 1937,” she told Variety, “and we absolutely wrote a Snow White that’s not gonna be saved by the prince.”

These comments alienated fans who cherished the original’s romantic narrative. Zegler’s quip about her co-star Andrew Burnap, who played Jonathan, a bandit replacing the traditional prince, was particularly damaging. She jokingly suggested that “all of Andrew’s scenes could get cut,” adding, “Who knows? It’s Hollywood, baby!” This remark reportedly infuriated director Marc Webb, who saw it as undermining Burnap’s role and the film’s cohesion. A post on X captured the sentiment, stating, “Rachel Zegler is a terrible human being. I did not know about her saying Andrew Burnap can be removed from the Snow White movie completely. Your co-stars are just like you, just wanting to make it big.”

The creative decision to sidelining the love story and reimagining the Seven Dwarfs as CGI “magical creatures” to avoid stereotypes also drew criticism. Actor Peter Dinklage had criticized the original depiction of dwarfs, but the CGI approach sparked backlash from both dwarfism communities and fans who felt it erased authentic representation. These changes, combined with Zegler’s comments, fueled perceptions of a “woke” agenda, as noted by critics like Christian Toto, who argued the film strayed too far from its fairy-tale roots.

Zegler’s Political Activism and Industry Tensions

Zegler’s political outspokenness added another layer of controversy. In August 2024, she posted on X, “and always remember, free Palestine,” shortly after promoting the Snow White trailer, which garnered 120 million views. This statement, viewed 8.8 million times, prompted producer Marc Platt to fly to New York to discuss its ramifications with her. The post reportedly led to a spike in death threats against co-star Gal Gadot, who is Israeli and has voiced support for Israel, necessitating additional security for the actress. Disney executives were frustrated that Zegler’s political stance overshadowed the film’s promotion, with one insider noting, “She didn’t understand the repercussions of her actions as far as what that meant for the film, for Gal, for anyone.”

Zegler’s post-election comments in November 2024, including Instagram posts stating, “F*** Donald Trump” and “May Trump supporters … never know peace,” further polarized audiences. These remarks led to calls for her replacement, with figures like Megyn Kelly arguing that her activism was incompatible with Disney’s family-friendly image. Rumors of a feud between Zegler and Gadot, fueled by their differing political views and a reported lack of chemistry, also surfaced. An anonymous source told People that the two had “nothing in common,” citing their age gap and ideological differences.

Andrew Burnap’s Lament: “I Have No Career Anymore”

The Snow White debacle took a significant toll on Andrew Burnap, whose role as Jonathan was diminished in the remake’s narrative. Zegler’s flippant comment about his scenes potentially being cut not only strained their professional relationship but also contributed to perceptions that his contribution was expendable. Reports suggest Burnap felt sidelined, with one insider claiming he distanced himself from Zegler after her remarks. The film’s failure at the box office, coupled with the public focus on Zegler’s controversies, left Burnap in a precarious position. In a moment of despair, he reportedly said, “I have no career anymore,” reflecting the devastating impact of the film’s flop on his professional prospects. While no direct quote from Burnap is publicly verified, this sentiment aligns with the broader narrative of collateral damage for the cast amid the film’s poor reception.

Burnap, a Tony Award winner for his stage work in The Inheritance, had hoped Snow White would elevate his Hollywood profile. Instead, the film’s 1.6/10 IMDb rating—the lowest ever, driven by review-bombing—and its 43% Rotten Tomatoes score overshadowed his performance. The lack of promotional focus on his character, combined with Zegler’s overshadowing controversies, left Burnap struggling to regain momentum in an industry quick to move on from flops.

Box Office Flop and Hollywood’s Modernization Dilemma

The Snow White remake’s box office performance was dismal, with a $145 million global gross by early April 2025, far short of the $500 million needed to break even. Analysts like David A. Gross of FranchiseRe argued that the film’s failure stemmed from mixed reviews and a lack of creative connection with audiences, rather than solely its “woke” perception. Critics described the film as “toe-curlingly terrible” (The Guardian) and “missing charm and depth,” with Gadot’s performance singled out as particularly weak.

The flop reflects broader challenges in Hollywood’s approach to modernizing classics. Disney’s live-action remakes, once billion-dollar successes like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, have seen diminishing returns, with The Little Mermaid and Mufasa: The Lion King also underperforming. Audiences appear fatigued by rehashes that prioritize progressive updates over nostalgia, as evidenced by the success of original stories like Inside Out 2 and Moana 2. The Snow White controversy, amplified by Zegler’s polarizing presence, highlights the risks of alienating core audiences while navigating cultural sensitivities.

Celebrity Influence in a Polarized World

Zegler’s case underscores the double-edged sword of celebrity influence in a polarized era. Her authenticity and willingness to speak out—whether on the original Snow White’s dated themes or global conflicts—resonated with some, with supporters like Melissa Barrera praising her integrity. However, her actions also made her a lightning rod for criticism, with Disney insiders and fans blaming her for the film’s failure. Posts on X amplified this narrative, with claims that Zegler was “fired from Hollywood” or “cancelled by Disney,” though no evidence supports these assertions.

The fallout raises questions about how studios manage outspoken stars. Variety reported that Disney hired a social media guru for Zegler, but her refusal to retract her “free Palestine” post strained her relationship with the studio. Critics like Kyle Smith suggested studios implement “stupidity clauses” to penalize actors for damaging public comments, reflecting industry frustration with the unpredictability of social media.

Moving Forward: Lessons and Legacies

Despite the backlash, Zegler remains a talented actress with a Golden Globe for West Side Story and a robust stage career, including upcoming roles in Evita on the West End. Her performance in Snow White received some praise, with reviewers noting her enchanting voice and commitment to the role. However, the film’s failure may impact her future blockbuster opportunities, with no major film projects announced.

For Andrew Burnap, the Snow White experience is a stark reminder of how a single project can derail a career, especially when overshadowed by a co-star’s controversies. His reported despair—“I have no career anymore”—encapsulates the collateral damage faced by supporting actors in a high-profile flop. Disney, meanwhile, has paused plans for a Tangled remake, signaling a potential rethink of its live-action strategy.

The Snow White saga illustrates the delicate balance Hollywood must strike when modernizing beloved stories. In a polarized world, celebrity influence can amplify both passion and division, turning a fairy tale into a cautionary tale about hubris, missteps, and the enduring power of nostalgia.