Disney’s Snow White Remake Takes a Dramatic Turn: Brett Cooper Replaces Rachel Zegler in a Controversial Casting Coup

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and ignited passionate debates across social media, Disney has reportedly made a stunning decision regarding its live-action Snow White remake. Just three minutes ago, rumors erupted that Rachel Zegler, the West Side Story star originally cast as the iconic princess, has been let go from the project. Stepping into her glass slippers is Brett Cooper, a rising conservative media personality and former The Daily Wire commentator, known for her traditionalist views and charm. This unexpected casting swap has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about Disney’s creative direction, the pressures of public backlash, and the cultural tug-of-war surrounding one of the studio’s most cherished classics. Let’s dive into the whirlwind of this decision, exploring what led to this moment and what it means for the future of Snow White.

The Backstory: A Remake Mired in Controversy

Disney’s live-action Snow White has been a lightning rod for controversy since its announcement in 2016. The project, directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man) and boasting a screenplay co-written by Greta Gerwig (Barbie), promised a modern reimagining of the 1937 animated classic—the first full-length feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Rachel Zegler, a Golden Globe winner for her role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, was cast as Snow White in June 2021, a choice that initially sparked excitement for her vocal talent and star potential. However, the decision also ignited fierce criticism from some fans who questioned her suitability for a character famously described as having “skin as white as snow,” given Zegler’s Colombian-Polish heritage.

The backlash wasn’t solely about casting. Zegler’s public comments about the remake further fanned the flames. In interviews, she emphasized a feminist reimagining of the princess, stating that the new Snow White would focus on leadership and resilience rather than dreaming of true love. At the 2022 D23 Expo, she described the original film’s prince as a “stalker” and called the 1937 narrative “dated,” remarks that alienated some Disney purists who cherished the classic’s romantic and whimsical tone. Social media erupted, with hashtags like #NotMySnowWhite trending and critics accusing Disney of “woke” overreach. Despite Zegler’s clarifications that she loved the original and aimed to honor its spirit, the damage was done—public perception was polarized.

Adding fuel to the fire, Disney’s creative choices, such as replacing the Seven Dwarfs with CGI “magical creatures” following criticism from actor Peter Dinklage about stereotypical portrayals, drew further scrutiny. The studio later reverted to including CGI dwarfs, but the flip-flopping only deepened the divide among fans. By early 2025, the project seemed to be buckling under the weight of negative press, costly reshoots, and a trailer that garnered millions of dislikes on YouTube. Reports suggested the film’s budget ballooned to over $270 million, with a lackluster opening weekend of $87 million globally, far below expectations for a Disney tentpole.

Enter Brett Cooper: A New Vision for Snow White?

Amid this turmoil, the rumor of Zegler’s departure and Cooper’s casting feels like a seismic shift. Brett Cooper, a 23-year-old media personality, rose to prominence through her YouTube show The Comments Section with The Daily Wire, where she offered conservative takes on culture, politics, and entertainment. Her appeal lies in her relatable demeanor and advocacy for traditional values, which resonated with audiences disillusioned by Hollywood’s progressive leanings. Cooper was previously attached to The Daily Wire’s own Snow White and the Evil Queen, a competing adaptation announced in 2023 as a “faithful” retelling of the Grimm fairy tale. That project, however, was shelved after Cooper’s departure from the company in late 2024, reportedly due to creative differences over injecting political subplots.

Cooper’s potential casting in Disney’s Snow White is a head-scratcher for some, given her association with a rival project and her vocal criticism of Disney’s approach. In a 2024 podcast, she expressed sadness over the “destruction” of classic stories for modern agendas, a jab many interpreted as aimed at Disney’s remake. Yet, her traditionalist stance and fresh-faced charisma align with a segment of fans clamoring for a Snow White closer to the 1937 original—romantic, gentle, and unapologetically fairy-tale-like. Sources suggest Disney, stung by the remake’s poor reception and eager to salvage its investment, may see Cooper as a way to pivot toward a more nostalgic, crowd-pleasing vision.

Why the Switch? Unpacking Disney’s Motive

The decision to replace Zegler with Cooper, if true, raises questions about Disney’s strategy. Several factors likely contributed:

Public Backlash and Box Office Woes: The relentless criticism of Zegler’s comments and the film’s progressive changes may have convinced Disney that a course correction was needed. The remake’s underwhelming box office performance—compared to successes like The Little Mermaid ($560 million globally)—likely amplified pressure to rethink the project’s direction.
Cultural Pushback: The Snow White remake became a battleground in the culture wars, with conservative outlets amplifying discontent over Zegler’s casting and the film’s feminist tone. Cooper, with her conservative credentials, could appeal to audiences who felt alienated by Disney’s approach, potentially broadening the film’s reach.
Creative Reboot: Reports of multiple reshoots suggest Disney struggled to balance modern sensibilities with the original’s charm. Cooper’s involvement might signal a return to a more traditional narrative, emphasizing romance and fairy-tale magic over leadership themes.
Zegler’s Controversies: Beyond her Snow White comments, Zegler faced scrutiny for political statements, including her pro-Palestine posts, which clashed with co-star Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance. While Disney initially supported Zegler, the studio may have deemed her a liability amid mounting controversies.

However, the move isn’t without risks. Zegler’s fans, who admired her talent and defended her against racist attacks, may view her exit as a betrayal, accusing Disney of caving to pressure. Cooper’s lack of acting experience compared to Zegler’s proven chops could also raise doubts about her ability to carry a $270 million blockbuster. Moreover, the optics of replacing a Latina actress with a white one could reignite debates about representation, especially given Disney’s recent push for diversity.

What’s Next for Snow White?

If Cooper is indeed the new Snow White, Disney faces the daunting task of reshaping the film. Reshoots would likely be extensive, given Zegler’s central role in the existing footage. The studio might lean into Cooper’s strengths—her warm, approachable persona could lend itself to a softer, more traditional princess, potentially winning back disillusioned fans. Gal Gadot remains attached as the Evil Queen, and her star power could help stabilize the project, though her dynamic with Cooper is untested.

The timeline for this overhaul is unclear. Disney’s original March 21, 2025, release date seems untenable if significant reshoots are required. A delay to late 2025 or 2026 is plausible, allowing time to rework the narrative and launch a fresh marketing campaign. The studio’s silence on the rumor—neither confirming nor denying it—suggests they’re gauging public reaction before committing.

For Zegler, the news is a setback but not a career-ender. Her upcoming role in the West End’s Evita and her acclaimed performance in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes prove her resilience. She’s likely to rebound, though the sting of losing such a high-profile role may linger.

The Bigger Picture: Disney in a Cultural Crossfire

This casting shake-up reflects broader tensions in Hollywood. Disney’s live-action remakes, from Cinderella to Mufasa: The Lion King, have walked a tightrope between honoring nostalgia and embracing modern values. Snow White’s saga underscores the challenges of adapting beloved classics in an era of polarized audiences. The studio’s pivot to Cooper suggests a pragmatic acknowledgment that pleasing everyone is impossible, but recapturing the magic of its legacy might be worth the gamble.

The Snow White drama also highlights the power of fan voices in shaping studio decisions. Social media amplified both the criticism of Zegler and the demand for a more traditional princess, proving that audiences can influence even the mightiest of studios. Whether Cooper’s casting will quell the storm or ignite new controversies remains to be seen.

Conclusion: A Fairy Tale in Flux

Disney’s reported decision to replace Rachel Zegler with Brett Cooper is a bold, risky move that encapsulates the high stakes of remaking a cultural touchstone. As the studio navigates backlash, box office pressures, and creative challenges, the Snow White remake stands at a crossroads. Will Cooper’s traditional charm restore the fairy tale’s luster, or will this swap deepen the divide among fans? One thing is certain: this story is far from its happily ever after. For now, the world watches, debates, and waits to see how Disney’s latest chapter unfolds.