In a whirlwind of controversy surrounding Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, Rachel Zegler, the film’s embattled leading lady, has found herself at the center of yet another storm. This time, the drama stems from rumors and speculation linking conservative commentator and actress Brett Cooper as a potential “substitute” for Zegler in the wake of Snow White’s disappointing box office performance. The rumor mill, fueled by online chatter and unverified reports, has prompted a fiery response from Zegler, who is not taking the speculation lightly.

The Backdrop: Snow White’s Rocky Road

Disney’s Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, has been mired in controversy since its announcement. The film, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, faced backlash for a variety of reasons: Zegler’s casting as a Latina actress in a role traditionally depicted as Caucasian, her outspoken criticism of the 1937 animated original, and her political social media posts, including a pro-Palestine tweet and anti-Trump remarks. These factors, combined with mixed critical reviews and a reported $115 million loss at the box office, have made the film a lightning rod for debate.

Critics pointed to issues such as the film’s modernized plot, which shifted Snow White from a romantic dreamer to a feminist leader, and the use of CGI dwarves, which sparked controversy over representation. Zegler’s comments at Disney’s 2022 D23 Expo, where she called the original prince a “stalker” and dismissed the classic love story as outdated, further alienated some fans. The film’s dismal 1.6/10 IMDb score and reports of a “review-bombing” campaign only added fuel to the fire.

The Brett Cooper Rumor: A Substitute for Zegler?

Amid the fallout, a new narrative emerged online, particularly among conservative-leaning commentators and social media users. Rumors began circulating that Disney was considering replacing Zegler with Brett Cooper, a 23-year-old actress and host of The Comments Section with Brett Cooper on The Daily Wire. Cooper, known for her conservative views and critiques of “woke” culture, was floated as a potential “substitute” for Zegler, with some speculating that she could star in a retooled version of Snow White or a new Disney project aimed at winning back audiences disillusioned by the remake’s progressive stance.

The rumor appears to have originated from speculative posts on platforms like X, where users contrasted Cooper’s traditionalist persona with Zegler’s outspoken activism. Some posts suggested that Cooper, who has acted in films like Parental Guidance and Bobbi & Gill, could embody a “classic” Disney princess in a way that might resonate with audiences critical of Zegler’s approach. However, no credible reports from major outlets, such as Variety or The Hollywood Reporter, have confirmed any such plans by Disney. The speculation seems largely driven by fan-driven narratives and Cooper’s own commentary on the Snow White controversy, where she criticized the remake’s departure from the original fairy tale’s charm.

Zegler’s Fiery Response

Rachel Zegler, never one to shy away from addressing her critics, took to social media to respond to the rumors. In a series of posts on X, she dismissed the idea of being “replaced” as “laughable” and accused detractors of fabricating narratives to undermine her. “I’m proud of the work we did on Snow White, and no amount of online trolling or made-up casting rumors will change that,” she wrote. Zegler also appeared to take a direct jab at Cooper, stating, “Some people need to stick to YouTube commentary and leave acting to those who’ve earned their place in the industry.”

Zegler’s response didn’t stop there. She doubled down by highlighting her upcoming role as Eva Perón in a West End production of Evita, set to begin rehearsals in London in June 2025. “While others play pretend with fan-casting, I’ll be on stage telling real stories,” she posted, signaling her intent to move forward despite the backlash. Her fans rallied behind her, praising her resilience and talent, though detractors continued to criticize her for what they perceive as arrogance.

Brett Cooper’s Stance

Brett Cooper has not directly addressed the rumors of being a “substitute” for Zegler, but she has weighed in on the Snow White controversy in recent episodes of her show. Cooper argued that Disney’s decision to modernize the story and Zegler’s comments alienated core audiences, stating, “Disney forgot that fairy tales are timeless for a reason. Fans want magic, not politics.” While Cooper has expressed interest in acting opportunities, she has not confirmed any involvement with Disney or indicated plans to take on a role tied to Snow White. Her commentary appears to be part of her broader critique of Hollywood’s current trajectory rather than a campaign for a specific role.

Disney’s Silence and the Bigger Picture

Disney has remained tight-lipped about the rumors, with no official statement addressing the idea of a “substitute” or any plans to rework Snow White. Industry insiders suggest that the studio is focused on damage control, reevaluating its approach to live-action remakes after Snow White’s failure. Some reports indicate that Disney scaled back the film’s promotional campaign due to the controversies surrounding Zegler, but there’s no evidence to support claims of a casting shake-up involving Cooper.

The Zegler-Cooper saga reflects a broader cultural divide in entertainment, where debates over representation, politics, and artistic fidelity have become battlegrounds. Zegler’s casting and outspokenness have made her a target for some, while others see her as a scapegoat for Disney’s missteps. Conversely, Cooper’s rise as a conservative media figure positions her as an appealing figure for audiences frustrated with Hollywood’s progressive trends, even if her involvement in any Disney project remains speculative.

What’s Next for Zegler and Disney?

As Zegler prepares for her Evita role, her future in Hollywood remains a topic of discussion. Despite the Snow White flop, critics have praised her performance, with outlets like ScreenRant noting that she “completely embodies the role” with a “spectacular” voice. Her talent, showcased in films like West Side Story, suggests she’ll continue to find opportunities, though she may face ongoing scrutiny for her public persona.

For Disney, the Snow White debacle has sparked calls for a return to “classic” storytelling, with some fans and commentators citing Brett Cooper as a symbol of that shift. Whether the studio will pivot in response to the backlash or double down on its current approach remains to be seen. For now, the Zegler-Cooper rumor mill serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny facing young stars in an increasingly polarized industry.

In the end, Rachel Zegler’s fiery clapback underscores her determination to rise above the noise. Whether she’s Snow White or Eva Perón, one thing is clear: she’s not going anywhere quietly.