Hollywood’s culture wars have reached fever pitch with the latest clash between Rachel Zegler, star of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, and Brett Cooper, the conservative actress who headlined The Daily Wire’s competing Snow White and the Evil Queen. Rumors are swirling that Zegler has slammed Cooper’s film as “trash,” with some speculating that jealousy over Cooper’s growing fanbase is driving the feud. The drama, fueled by the stark contrast between Disney’s progressive reimagining and The Daily Wire’s traditionalist take, has turned the fairy tale into a battleground for ideology, fandom, and star power. But what’s the truth behind Zegler’s alleged comments, and is jealousy really at play?

The Snow White Showdown: Two Visions, One Princess

Disney’s Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, was a $270 million gamble that crashed spectacularly. Starring Zegler as a feminist Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film faced relentless backlash for its modernized narrative, which sidelined the classic romance in favor of leadership themes. Zegler’s 2022 comments at Disney’s D23 Expo, where she called the 1937 original’s prince a “stalker” and its love story “dated,” drew ire from purists. Her political posts, including a “free Palestine” tweet and anti-Trump remarks, further alienated conservative audiences, while racist trolling targeted her Latina heritage. The film grossed just $43 million in its opening weekend, earning a 1.6/10 IMDb score and a projected $115 million loss.

Meanwhile, The Daily Wire’s Snow White and the Evil Queen, released in late 2024 on the Bentkey streaming platform, took a different approach. Starring Brett Cooper, a 23-year-old conservative commentator and actress known for The Comments Section, the film promised a faithful adaptation of the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale. Cooper emphasized themes of community, perseverance, and good versus evil, appealing to audiences frustrated with Disney’s “woke” direction. While the film’s budget and viewership data remain undisclosed, social media buzz on platforms like X suggests a warm reception among conservative fans, who praise Cooper’s traditional portrayal as a refreshing antidote to Zegler’s reinterpretation.

Zegler’s Alleged Slam: Fact or Fiction?

The rumor that Zegler called Cooper’s film “trash” appears to stem from unverified X posts and tabloid-style speculation, with no direct quote from Zegler confirming the claim. Sources close to the actress, cited in outlets like Daily Mail, suggest she’s frustrated by comparisons to Cooper, particularly as The Daily Wire’s film gains traction among fans disillusioned with Disney. However, no credible evidence—such as a public statement, interview, or social media post—substantiates the “trash” comment. Instead, Zegler has focused on defending her own work, posting on X in March 2025: “I’m proud of what we created with Snow White. The hate and false narratives won’t change that.”

The “jealousy” narrative seems equally speculative, driven by fans and commentators pitting the two actresses against each other. Zegler’s supporters argue she has no reason to envy Cooper, given her established career, including a Golden Globe win for West Side Story and upcoming roles in Evita and Spellbound. Conversely, Cooper’s fans claim Zegler’s outspokenness and Disney’s flop have tarnished her star power, while Cooper’s rising popularity reflects a shift toward traditional values in entertainment. Posts on X highlight Cooper’s appeal, with users writing, “Brett’s Snow White feels like the classic we grew up with,” and “Fans are loving her because she respects the story.” Yet, these sentiments lack evidence of Zegler directly addressing Cooper’s film or expressing envy.

The Cooper-Zegler Clash: A Cultural Divide

The tension between Zegler and Cooper reflects a broader cultural schism. Zegler, a Colombian-American actress, has championed diversity and progressive ideals, making her a target for right-wing critics. Her casting as Snow White sparked racist backlash, with some fans showing up at her apartment in 2024, prompting her to address the harassment in a Variety interview: “I’ve watched women get torn down my whole life.” Her vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Trump further polarized audiences, with Disney reportedly hiring a “social media guru” to manage her posts after clashes with executives.

Cooper, by contrast, represents a conservative counterpoint. Her critiques of Disney’s Snow White—notably on The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast in May 2024, where she called its progressive agenda “sad”—resonated with fans seeking a return to classic storytelling. Cooper’s film, though smaller in scale, has been marketed as a direct rebuke to Disney’s approach, with The Daily Wire positioning it as a “non-woke” alternative. While Cooper has not publicly responded to Zegler’s alleged comments, her fans have amplified the narrative, framing Zegler as bitter over Cooper’s success.

Disney’s Fallout and The Daily Wire’s Gambit

Disney’s Snow White faced internal and external challenges. Reports from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter detail a strained relationship between Zegler and the studio, exacerbated by her refusal to remove a pro-Palestine post in August 2024, prompting producer Marc Platt to intervene. The film’s premiere was tightly controlled, with limited media access to avoid unscripted remarks from Zegler or Gadot, whose pro-Israel stance clashed with Zegler’s views. Critics like Katcy Stephan of Variety praised Zegler’s performance as a “shining supernova,” but the film’s divisive narrative and costly reshoots sealed its fate.

The Daily Wire’s Snow White and the Evil Queen capitalized on Disney’s missteps. Though initially planned for a 2024 release alongside Disney’s film, it launched on Bentkey to modest but enthusiastic reception. Cooper’s limited acting experience—roles in Heathers and Parental Guidance—didn’t deter fans, who embraced her as a fresh face untainted by Hollywood’s progressive trends. The film’s cancellation rumors in early 2025 were debunked, but speculation about recasting with Reagan Conrad, Cooper’s replacement on The Comments Section, briefly stirred confusion.

Zegler’s Next Chapter and Cooper’s Rise

Zegler remains undeterred, focusing on her upcoming role as Eva Perón in a West End production of Evita, set for June 2025. Her performance in Snow White earned praise from outlets like ScreenRant, which called her voice “spectacular,” and her resilience in the face of harassment has won her a loyal fanbase. However, her outspokenness continues to draw scrutiny, with some arguing it overshadows her talent.

Cooper, meanwhile, is carving a niche as a conservative media star. Her Snow White role has boosted her visibility, with fans on X calling her “the princess we needed.” While she hasn’t addressed Zegler’s alleged remarks, her focus on traditional storytelling has positioned her as a darling of the anti-woke movement. Whether she’ll pursue more acting roles or return to commentary remains unclear.

A Fairy Tale Turned Culture War

The Zegler-Cooper saga is less about personal animosity and more about competing visions of a beloved story. No verified evidence supports claims that Zegler called Cooper’s film “trash” or that she’s jealous of her success. Instead, the narrative appears driven by polarized fans and media amplifying a rivalry for clicks. Disney’s Snow White stumbled under the weight of its own ambitions, while The Daily Wire’s version found a niche by leaning into nostalgia. As Zegler and Cooper move forward, their dueling Snow Whites underscore a fractured entertainment landscape where fairy tales are no longer just stories—they’re battlegrounds.