Rachel Zegler’s Snow White Saga: A Tale of Controversy and Resilience

Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old star who rose to fame with her role in West Side Story, has found herself at the center of a media storm following the lackluster performance of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake. The film, which hit theaters in March 2025, was anticipated to be a dazzling reimagining of the 1937 classic. Instead, it grossed a disappointing $205.6 million worldwide against a $270 million production budget, marking it as one of Disney’s least successful live-action adaptations in nearly a decade. The fallout has sparked heated discussions, with Zegler’s outspoken persona and social media activity taking much of the spotlight.

The controversy surrounding Zegler began long before Snow White’s release. When her casting was announced in 2021, some criticized the decision to cast a Colombian-American actress as the traditionally fair-skinned princess. Zegler’s comments about modernizing the story to be more feminist than the original also stirred debate, with detractors accusing her of disrespecting the beloved classic. The film faced additional scrutiny over its handling of the Seven Dwarfs, with initial plans to replace them with magical creatures drawing criticism from actor Peter Dinklage, only for Disney to later reinstate them via CGI. These early controversies set the stage for a rocky road to release.

As the film’s promotional campaign unfolded, Zegler’s social media posts added fuel to the fire. In August 2024, after sharing the Snow White trailer on X, she ended a thread with the statement “and always remember, free palestine.” The post sparked immediate backlash, with some fans and commentators arguing it politicized the film’s promotion. Reports surfaced that Disney producer Marc Platt flew to New York to address Zegler’s comments, with his son Jonah Platt later criticizing her on social media for bringing personal politics into a multi-million-dollar project. Despite the pressure, Zegler stood by her stance, refusing to delete the post. Her outspoken support for Palestine, coupled with criticism of political figures like Donald Trump, has made her a polarizing figure, with some praising her courage and others blaming her for the film’s poor performance.

In a recent interview with i-D magazine, Zegler addressed the “alarming” online hate she’s faced, revealing the toll it has taken on her mental health. She credited therapy and anti-anxiety medication for helping her navigate the criticism, with her psychiatrist reminding her that the intensity of the backlash was far from normal. Zegler emphasized her refusal to adopt a “victim mindset,” stating, “I choose positivity and light and happiness.” She also defended her activism, echoing Hacks actor Hannah Einbinder’s sentiment that a platform comes with a responsibility to speak out. “My compassion has no boundaries,” Zegler said, underscoring that her support for one cause does not negate others.

Despite the challenges, Zegler’s career shows no signs of slowing down. While Snow White struggled in theaters, it soared to the top spot on Disney+ upon its June 11, 2025, streaming debut, suggesting audiences remain curious about her work. Meanwhile, Zegler has returned to her theatrical roots, earning praise for her role as Eva Perón in a West End revival of Evita. Her performance of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” at West End Live 2025 drew crowds of up to 1,000 outside the London Palladium, with the show livestreamed to theatergoers inside. The production, directed by Jamie Lloyd, has been lauded for its innovative approach, blending live theater with public accessibility.

Zegler’s journey raises questions about the pressures young stars face in the digital age. Her unapologetic authenticity has won her a loyal fanbase, yet it has also made her a target for online vitriol, some of which has been criticized as racist and sexist. As she navigates this complex landscape, Zegler remains defiant, choosing to channel her energy into projects that align with her values. Whether on stage or screen, she continues to captivate audiences, proving that her star power endures beyond the box office.

For now, Zegler’s story is one of resilience amid adversity. As she balances her Hollywood career with her stage work, fans are left wondering what’s next for this dynamic talent. Will she continue to challenge the status quo, or will the industry’s expectations temper her voice? One thing is certain: Rachel Zegler is far from finished.