The theater world was rocked in May 2025 by sensational claims that director Jamie Lloyd had fired Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old star set to make her West End debut as Eva Perón in a revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita at the London Palladium. The allegations, which surfaced in a YouTube video titled “Jamie Lloyd FIRES Rachel Zegler After What She ALLEGEDLY Did During Evita Rehearsals,” suggested that Zegler’s behavior during rehearsals led to her abrupt dismissal. Posts on X amplified the drama, with users speculating about everything from diva-like antics to political outbursts. However, a closer look reveals that these claims are likely exaggerated, rooted in Zegler’s polarizing public image rather than concrete evidence, with her Evita role still intact as rehearsals continue.
The Evita Casting: A High-Profile Coup
Announced on March 14, 2025, Zegler’s casting as Eva Perón was a major coup for Jamie Lloyd’s production, set to run from June 14 to September 6, 2025, at the 2,286-seat London Palladium. Zegler, fresh off her Broadway debut in a 2024 Romeo + Juliet revival, was lauded by Lloyd as a “phenomenal talent” who would “blow the roof off” the venue. Her personal connection to the musical—she sang “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” with her father as a child—added authenticity to her casting. The production, an evolution of Lloyd’s 2019 Regent’s Park staging, promised a visionary take on the story of Eva Perón, Argentina’s controversial First Lady from 1946 to 1952.
Zegler’s casting followed a year of intense scrutiny. Her role in Disney’s live-action Snow White, released March 21, 2025, sparked backlash over her Latina heritage, her dismissal of the 1937 animated classic as “dated,” and the film’s feminist reimagining, which replaced the Seven Dwarfs with CGI “magical creatures.” The movie flopped, grossing $202.8 million against a $350 million budget, with a Mother’s Day re-release earning just $335,000 in 1,330 theaters. Zegler’s political comments, including pro-Palestine posts and criticism of President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election, further polarized audiences, with Disney reportedly hiring a social media manager to curb her posts. Despite this, her Evita role was seen as a chance to reclaim her narrative through her undeniable stage talent.
The Firing Rumor: Where It Began
The claim that Lloyd fired Zegler emerged from a YouTube video posted on May 8, 2025, alleging she was dismissed for unspecified misconduct during Evita rehearsals, which began April 28, 2025. A second video on May 13 fueled the fire, with posts on X amplifying the narrative. One user, @Draculordx, wrote in Spanish, “Jamie Lloyd despide a Rachel Zegler! tras su polémico comportamiento durante los ensayos de Evita,” while @TomTom28115 shared the YouTube link, suggesting Zegler’s actions were “horrible.” The videos offered no concrete details, relying on vague insinuations of unprofessionalism or disruptive behavior.
Speculation on X ranged from Zegler throwing tantrums to reigniting her Snow White controversies by clashing with Lloyd over political or creative differences. Some users tied the rumor to her absence from the May 5 Met Gala, falsely claiming she skipped it out of “embarrassment” over Snow White’s failure, though she was in London for Evita rehearsals. The lack of specificity in these claims, coupled with their sensational tone, suggests they were designed to capitalize on Zegler’s existing controversies rather than report verified events.
Debunking the Rumor: Zegler’s Role Intact
As of May 13, 2025, no credible evidence supports the claim that Zegler was fired from Evita. Official sources, including Playbill, WhatsOnStage, and West End Theatre, confirm she remains the production’s star, with rehearsals ongoing and a full cast announced on April 30, including Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che and James Olivas as Juan Perón. Lloyd’s team has not addressed the rumors, and Zegler’s social media activity, including an Instagram post about her excitement for Evita, shows no signs of distress or departure. Ticket sales, while reportedly sluggish with “green good” availability for June–September, align with pre-announcement figures of $4 million, per Deadline, and do not indicate a casting shakeup.
The rumor’s origins appear tied to clickbait content exploiting Zegler’s polarizing image. Her Snow White backlash, particularly her comments on the original film and political posts, has made her a target for sensationalized narratives. A Daily Mail report on April 22, 2025, noted slow Evita ticket sales, linking them to Snow White’s failure, but made no mention of firing or rehearsal issues. The YouTube videos and X posts lack primary sources, relying on recycled Snow White controversies rather than new evidence. This pattern mirrors earlier false claims, like Zegler’s alleged “removal” from the Met Gala, which was debunked when she confirmed her London rehearsals.
Why the Rumor Gained Traction
Zegler’s high-profile controversies have created a fertile ground for such rumors. Her Snow White role drew criticism from fans who felt her casting deviated from the fairy tale’s traditional depiction, while her remarks about the 1937 film’s “weird” love story and “stalker” prince alienated purists. Her pro-Palestine stance, contrasting with co-star Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel views, led to reported tensions, with Disney insiders allegedly blaming Zegler for the film’s poor reception. Her post-election comments wishing “Trump supporters never know peace” prompted an apology, but not before fueling conservative backlash, with X users labeling her “toxic” and “unprofessional.”
The Evita production itself carries high expectations, given Lloyd’s reputation for bold revivals like Sunset Boulevard, which earned Nicole Scherzinger critical acclaim in 2023. Zegler, at 24, is among the youngest actresses to play Eva Perón, a role originated by Elaine Paige and Patti LuPone, and later portrayed by Madonna in the 1996 film. The role’s vocal and emotional demands, coupled with Lloyd’s “reimagined staging,” place immense pressure on Zegler, making her an easy target for speculation about rehearsal struggles. Reddit users on r/Broadway noted Evita’s “relentless” score, questioning whether Zegler’s vocal stamina, though impressive, could handle eight shows a week, adding to the narrative of potential failure.
The Bigger Picture: Zegler’s Resilience
Despite the rumors, Zegler’s career trajectory remains strong. Her Golden Globe-winning debut in West Side Story (2021), followed by roles in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023), and A24’s Y2K (2024), showcases her versatility. Her Romeo + Juliet run recouped its $7 million capitalization, drawing Broadway’s youngest audience, per Variety. Evita is a strategic move, positioning her as a serious theater actress under Lloyd’s mentorship, with potential for a Broadway transfer if successful.
Zegler’s supporters argue she’s been unfairly scapegoated. Journalist Mark Harris called Disney’s blame game a “hit job,” while fans on X praised her integrity, with one writing, “Rachel Zegler RULES and so obviously has a lifetime of incredible roles ahead.” Her ability to navigate backlash—apologizing for her Trump comments while standing by her artistic choices—shows maturity beyond her years. Her Evita role, backed by Lloyd’s confidence and a stellar cast, is poised to silence detractors, provided she delivers vocally and emotionally.
What Might Have Fueled the Speculation?
While no evidence supports a firing, it’s possible minor rehearsal tensions were exaggerated. Zegler’s outspokenness could have clashed with Lloyd’s disciplined directing style, known for its precision in productions like A Doll’s House and The Tempest. Her youth and relative inexperience in West End productions might have led to creative disagreements, especially given Evita’s demanding role. Alternatively, the rumor could stem from misinterpretations of her low profile in May 2025, as she focused on rehearsals rather than public appearances, unlike her Snow White press tour.
Another factor is the production’s high stakes. With tickets priced as low as £29.50 and slow sales reported, per Daily Mail, the pressure to ensure a hit is immense. Any perceived misstep by Zegler, such as arriving late or challenging Lloyd’s vision, could have been blown out of proportion by insiders or observers eager to tie it to her Snow White narrative. However, Lloyd’s public praise for Zegler’s “passion” and “insights” about Eva Perón, per Deadline, suggests a strong working relationship, undermining claims of a falling-out.
Looking Ahead: Evita and Zegler’s Future
The Evita production remains on track, with previews starting June 14 and an opening night set for July 1, 2025. Zegler’s performance will be a defining moment, potentially overshadowing her Snow White controversies if she nails iconic songs like “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and “Rainbow High.” Lloyd’s track record and the production’s buzz—$4 million in pre-sales before Zegler’s casting was announced—signal strong industry faith, despite lukewarm ticket sales.
For Zegler, Evita is a chance to pivot from Hollywood’s culture wars to theater’s prestige. Her upcoming indie project with Marisa Tomei, She Gets It From Me, and voice work in Netflix’s Spellbound (2024) show she’s diversifying her portfolio. At 24, she’s navigating a level of scrutiny few young actresses face, yet her talent—evident in her Golden Globe win and Broadway success—suggests she’ll emerge stronger.
The firing rumor, like the Met Gala “removal” claim, is a lesson in the perils of clickbait and social media amplification. Zegler wasn’t fired; she’s preparing to embody one of musical theater’s most iconic roles. As Evita approaches, the real story isn’t drama but anticipation: can Zegler transform backlash into triumph on the London stage? Only time—and her performance—will tell.
