Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old actress who burst onto the scene with a Golden Globe-winning performance in West Side Story (2021), is facing a career-defining moment. Once hailed as Hollywood’s next big star, Zegler now finds herself at the center of a storm as her West End debut in a revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita at the London Palladium struggles to sell tickets. Scheduled to run from June 14 to September 6, 2025, the production—where Zegler stars as the iconic Eva Perón—has been marred by reports of dismal ticket sales, with large swaths of seats remaining unsold just weeks before its opening. Following the box office disaster of Disney’s Snow White (2025), where Zegler played the titular role, this latest setback has sparked intense debate about her star power, the impact of her public controversies, and what it means for her future in the entertainment industry. What went wrong for Zegler, and can she reclaim her place in the spotlight?

A Rising Star’s Rocky Road

Zegler’s career began with promise. Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, on May 3, 2001, to a Colombian mother and Polish father, she gained recognition at 16 when she was cast as María in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Her performance earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, making her the youngest winner in that category at 20 and the first actress of Colombian descent to take the honor. She followed this success with roles in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), where her portrayal of Lucy Gray Baird was praised for its nuance and emotional depth. Zegler also made her Broadway debut as Juliet in a musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, which ran from September 2024 to February 2025, further showcasing her vocal and dramatic talents.

But Zegler’s ascent hit a major roadblock with Snow White. The live-action remake, released on March 21, 2025, was a high-stakes project for Disney, with a reported budget of $270 million plus $100 million in marketing. Yet, the film flopped spectacularly, grossing just $86.5 million domestically and $202.8 million worldwide as of May 2025—a far cry from recouping its costs. Critics panned the film, giving it a 37% score on Rotten Tomatoes, citing a weak script and lackluster execution. Zegler’s own comments added fuel to the fire. She publicly criticized the original 1937 animated Snow White, calling it outdated, and made politically charged statements about Palestine and former President Donald Trump, which alienated some fans. A Disney producer’s son even blamed her comments for the film’s failure, claiming they “hurt the film” by turning away audiences.

Evita: A West End Dream Turned Nightmare

Hoping to pivot from the Snow White debacle, Zegler turned to the stage, a medium where her talents had previously shone. Her role as Eva Perón in Evita, directed by the acclaimed Jamie Lloyd, was seen as a chance to redeem her image and prove her star power. The London Palladium, a prestigious 2,286-seat venue, was expected to draw theatergoers eager to see Zegler tackle the iconic role, known for its demanding vocals and emotional depth, including the beloved song “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” The production, running for 12 weeks, had generated buzz with nearly $4 million in pre-sales before Zegler’s casting was announced, driven by the Evita brand and Lloyd’s reputation.

However, recent reports paint a grim picture. According to a Daily Mail article from April 2025, the ticketing website for the London Palladium showed significant availability for performances across June, July, August, and September, with tickets starting at just £29.50. Social media and YouTube channels amplified the narrative, with titles like “Rachel Zegler HUMILIATED as New London Play FLOPS” and “Empty Seats & Crashing Ticket Sales,” claiming the production was a “disaster” before it even opened. While some Reddit discussions on r/WestEndTheatre noted that ticket sales often ramp up closer to opening, the lack of sellouts in a venue of this size has raised concerns about Zegler’s ability to draw audiences.

The Controversy Factor: A Polarizing Figure

Zegler’s struggles with Evita cannot be separated from the controversies that have dogged her since Snow White. Her outspoken nature, while admired by some, has made her a polarizing figure. Her comments about the original Snow White—dismissing its traditional narrative as outdated—rubbed many fans the wrong way, who felt she was disrespecting a beloved classic. Her political statements, including support for Palestine and remarks against Trump and his supporters, further divided her audience. On X, some users called her “ungrateful” and “out of touch,” while others praised her for speaking her mind. This polarization has undoubtedly impacted her public image, with some fans choosing to skip her projects as a form of protest.

The Snow White flop also cast a long shadow. The film’s poor performance, coupled with its re-release in May 2025 that sold a mere 17 tickets per theater across 1,330 theaters, has fueled a narrative of Zegler as a “box office poison.” YouTube videos and online articles have speculated that her “diminishing appeal” is to blame for Evita’s ticket sales woes, though this narrative may be overstated. The production still has weeks to build momentum, and the £25 ticket scheme announced in May 2025 could attract last-minute theatergoers. Nonetheless, the perception of failure has taken hold, amplified by clickbait headlines and social media chatter.

What Went Wrong? A Deeper Look

Several factors may explain Evita’s struggles. First, Zegler’s recent controversies have likely deterred some potential audience members. In an industry where public perception can make or break a star, her polarizing image may be impacting her ability to draw crowds. Second, the London Palladium’s large capacity—over 2,200 seats—requires significant star power to fill, especially for a 12-week run. While Zegler has a dedicated fanbase, her appeal may not yet match that of established West End stars, particularly after the Snow White backlash.

Additionally, the timing of the production may not be ideal. Summer runs in the West End often face competition from tourist-driven shows and outdoor events, which could affect ticket sales. The Evita brand, while iconic, may not resonate as strongly with younger audiences unfamiliar with the musical’s history. Finally, the narrative of “empty seats” may be self-perpetuating—negative press can discourage potential buyers, creating a vicious cycle.

Can Zegler Bounce Back?

Despite the challenges, Zegler’s talent remains undeniable. Her performances in West Side Story and The Hunger Games prequel showcased her ability to captivate audiences, and her Broadway stint as Juliet earned praise for her vocal prowess. Evita offers a chance to remind the world of her skills, particularly under Jamie Lloyd’s direction, known for innovative stagings. If the production garners positive reviews and word-of-mouth buzz, it could still turn the tide.

Zegler’s upcoming projects also suggest she’s far from finished. She’s set to star alongside Marisa Tomei in the indie comedy-drama She Gets It From Me, playing the daughter of a pill-popping ex-punk rocker mom. While not a big-budget film, the role could allow Zegler to showcase her range in a more intimate setting. Her resilience in the face of criticism—evident in her continued public appearances and social media engagement—also hints at a determination to weather this storm.

A Broader Reflection: The Cost of Being Outspoken

Zegler’s experience reflects a broader pattern in Hollywood, where young, outspoken actresses often face disproportionate scrutiny. Her willingness to speak on political and social issues, while commendable, has made her a target in an era where fandoms can be unforgiving. The narrative of her “failure” may also be amplified by misogyny and the industry’s tendency to pit young stars against unrealistic expectations. As Zegler navigates this challenging chapter, her story serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of showbiz—and the courage it takes to keep going.

As Evita prepares to open, all eyes are on Zegler. Will she defy the odds and reclaim her place in the spotlight, or will this mark a turning point in her career? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Rachel Zegler’s journey is far from over, and her next act may be her most compelling yet.