The release of the live-action version of Snow White in March 2025 marked a turning point for Rachel Zegler, but not in the way she expected. The film, which promised to modernize the 1937 Disney classic, became a historic box office failure, grossing only $143.1 million against a budget of $270 million, according to data from Espinof. Criticisms, which ranged from lukewarm to devastating, pointed to creative decisions, the use of CGI for the dwarves, and, to a large extent, Zegler herself, whose political stance and comments on social media unleashed a media storm. Now, the 23-year-old actress is looking to recover her image and has revealed a meeting with Halle Bailey, the star of The Little Mermaid , to explore an ambitious project: a shared universe of Disney princesses in theaters and streaming.

Since her casting announcement in 2021, Zegler faced criticism for her Latina heritage, considered by some to be inappropriate for a princess described as having “snow-white skin.” The controversy escalated when, during promotion, Zegler called the original version’s Prince Charming a “bully” and advocated for a Snow White lead, one not centered on romantic love. These statements, coupled with an August 2024 tweet in which she expressed “Free Palestine” after sharing the film’s trailer, sparked a chain reaction. According to Variety, producer Marc Platt traveled to New York to ask her to remove the message, but Zegler remained steadfast. The tweet, which reached 8.8 million views, sparked tensions with Disney and criticism from conservative sectors, including Jonah Platt, the producer’s son, who called her “immature” and “narcissistic.” Additionally, co-star Gal Gadot, who is of Israeli origin, received threats, forcing Disney to strengthen its security.

Snow White ‘s failure isn’t solely attributed to Zegler. Production decisions, such as replacing actors with CGI characters with dwarfism following criticism from Peter Dinklage, were poorly received. David Hale Hand, son of the original film’s director, also expressed his displeasure, claiming the remake betrayed the spirit of the classic. IMDb’s reviews, with a score of 1.6 out of 10 and 91.3% one-star ratings, reflect a similar review bombing to that faced by Halle Bailey’s The Little Mermaid . Despite this, Disney moved up the streaming release to May 13, 2025, seeking to minimize losses, according to Vandal Random.

In this context, Zegler has taken steps to reorient her career. Her meeting with Halle Bailey, revealed in a recent interview with Fotogramas, points to an innovative project: an interconnected Disney princess universe, inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe model. Both actresses, who have faced racist criticism for their respective roles, discussed how their characters could interact in stories that combine film and Disney+. The idea, still in its initial stages, seeks to leverage the popularity of princesses to create modern narratives that highlight leadership and diversity, moving away from traditional tropes. “Halle and I share the experience of being singled out, but also a passion for telling stories that inspire new generations,” Zegler said, according to Fotogramas.

This project could be a lifeline for Zegler, who, despite the setback, continues to demonstrate resilience. Her upcoming role in the dramedy She Gets It From Me , alongside Marisa Tomei, marks a shift toward more intimate stories based on mother-daughter relationships. The film, directed by Julia von Heinz, explores themes of identity and reconciliation and is already generating buzz for its emotional approach. Additionally, Zegler has received support from figures such as Diego Calva, Melissa Barrera, and Pedro Pascal, who have praised her talent and authenticity in the face of online attacks.

Zegler’s journey hasn’t been easy. Like Bailey, she faced prejudice since her casting, with comments questioning her suitability due to her Colombian heritage. However, both have turned the hatred into a lesson in strength. As Bailey noted in 2023, according to Yahoo, videos of African-American children celebrating Ariel demonstrated the impact of representation. Zegler, for her part, has emphasized that her Snow White is not defined by skin color, but by her resilience, inspired by a version of the fairy tale where she survived a blizzard at birth.

Zegler’s future in Hollywood will depend on her ability to navigate these turbulent waters. Although Disney, according to La Derecha Diario, has reportedly banned her from future projects, her vocal and acting talent, demonstrated in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes , remains undeniable. The project with Bailey could redefine her career and Disney’s, offering a new take on princesses that resonates with modern audiences. For now, Zegler is standing firm, betting on her authenticity and stories that reflect the diversity and empowerment she champions.