Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, released in March 2025, was poised to be a triumphant reimagining of the 1937 animated classic. Starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film promised a modern twist on a beloved fairy tale. However, the project has become one of Disney’s most polarizing ventures, plagued by controversies, a disappointing box office performance, and a firestorm of criticism directed at its lead star, Rachel Zegler. With the film projected to lose over $115 million, Zegler’s recent remarks have only intensified the debate, leaving fans and critics questioning whether this marks the end of her rising career or a misstep by Disney itself.

A Promising Star Caught in the Crossfire Rachel Zegler, a 23-year-old actress who captivated audiences in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021) and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), was an exciting choice for Snow White. Her Golden Globe win and powerful vocal performances positioned her as a rising star. Yet, her casting sparked immediate backlash from some Disney purists who criticized her Latina heritage, arguing it deviated from the “fair-skinned” princess of the original tale. While Zegler addressed these critiques with grace, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation, her subsequent comments about the 1937 film ignited a broader controversy.

In interviews, Zegler described the original Snow White as “outdated,” particularly its romantic elements and portrayal of female characters. She highlighted the remake’s shift toward a more empowered Snow White, stating, “She’s not dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.” While intended to showcase the film’s progressive updates, these remarks were perceived by some as dismissive of the classic, alienating fans who cherish its legacy. David Hand Jr., son of the original film’s director, even remarked that Walt Disney and his father “would be turning in their graves” over the remake’s direction.

Behind-the-Scenes Drama and Political Tensions The controversies didn’t stop at Zegler’s comments. Reports of a rumored feud between Zegler and co-star Gal Gadot added fuel to the fire. The tension allegedly stemmed from their opposing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Zegler, an outspoken supporter of Palestine, posted “free Palestine” on social media shortly after the Snow White trailer debuted at Disney’s D23 expo in 2024. Gadot, an Israeli-born former IDF soldier, holds a pro-Israel stance, which led to speculation of discord on set. The film faced a boycott from BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) and PACBI, with Gadot reportedly receiving death threats, prompting Disney to provide additional security.

This political divide, combined with Zegler’s vocal social media presence, drew significant backlash. Critics, including journalist Megyn Kelly, labeled Zegler’s comments as divisive, with some accusing her of alienating a portion of the film’s audience. Jonah Platt, son of Snow White producer Marc Platt, claimed Zegler’s social media activity “clearly hurt the film’s box office,” a sentiment echoed in a Variety article detailing Disney’s efforts to manage the fallout.

A Box Office Disaster and Critical Backlash Despite high expectations, Snow White struggled at the box office, grossing just $142.8 million worldwide against a $240–270 million budget. Critics were harsh, with the film earning a 40% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a shocking 1.6/10 on IMDb, prompting the latter to issue a rare warning about review bombing. The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey gave it one star, criticizing its “corporate” approach, while Daily Mail’s Brian Viner called it a “pallid reimagining.” The use of CGI dwarfs, a decision influenced by actor Peter Dinklage’s critique of the original’s depiction of dwarfism, also drew ire for lacking authenticity.

While some praised Zegler’s performance, noting her “spectacular” voice and compelling portrayal, the film’s overall reception was overshadowed by its controversies. Audience fatigue with Disney’s live-action remakes, as seen with The Little Mermaid (2023) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024), likely compounded the issue, but Zegler became the focal point of blame.

Zegler’s Defiant Response and Career Prospects In the wake of the film’s failure, Zegler took to social media to address the boycott and criticism, doubling down on her stance. Her latest remarks, described by some as a “tirade,” expressed frustration with the narrative pinning the flop on her. She later apologized for a post-election comment wishing “Trump supporters will never know peace,” acknowledging that “hate and anger have taken us further from peace.” Despite this, supporters like Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver defended her on their Miss Me? podcast, arguing that her outspokenness aligns with Disney’s themes of standing up for beliefs.

Zegler’s career, however, remains resilient. She has already secured a role opposite Marisa Tomei in She Gets It From Me, signaling a potential comeback. Her films have collectively grossed over $700 million, with Snow White as her second-highest-grossing project behind The Hunger Games. Critics like ScreenRant’s Rachel Labonte have praised her as a “star of the highest order,” suggesting that the Snow White controversy may be a hiccup in an otherwise promising trajectory.

What’s Next for Disney and Zegler? The Snow White debacle has prompted Disney to pause plans for a Tangled remake, raising questions about the future of its live-action remakes. For Zegler, the controversy highlights the challenges of navigating fame in a polarized world. While her outspokenness has drawn criticism, it has also earned her a dedicated fanbase who admire her authenticity.

As the dust settles, the question remains: Is Snow White’s failure a reflection of Zegler’s actions or a broader miscalculation by Disney? The answer likely lies in a combination of factors—creative choices, political tensions, and audience expectations. For now, Zegler’s talent and resilience suggest she’ll weather the storm, but Disney may need to rethink its approach to reimagining its classics.