Hollywood feuds are nothing new, but the latest clash involving Rachel Zegler, the embattled star of Disney’s live-action Snow White, has taken the drama to a whole new level. Reports have surfaced that a former co-star from Zegler’s past has thrown major shade her way, branding her an “extreme narcissist” amid the ongoing fallout from Snow White’s disastrous box-office run. The film, released on March 21, 2025, has grossed a paltry $168.6 million worldwide against a $270 million budget as of April 9, 2025, marking it as one of Disney’s most high-profile flops. But this latest accusation cuts deeper, suggesting Zegler’s personality—not just her politics or the film’s missteps—may be at the heart of her troubles. Who’s behind the jab, what’s the backstory, and why is this feud igniting the internet? Let’s dive into the controversy that’s rocking Tinseltown.
Snow White: A Fairy Tale Fiasco
Disney’s Snow White remake was meant to be a triumphant update to the 1937 classic, with Zegler as a modern, empowered princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Yet, from its announcement in 2016, the project faced turbulence: casting backlash over Zegler’s Latina heritage, Peter Dinklage’s critique prompting CGI dwarfs, and a production riddled with delays and reshoots. The film’s March debut was a whimper, not a roar—$42.2 million domestically, followed by a 66% second-weekend drop to $14.2 million. Critics panned its “soulless” visuals, and audiences bristled at its departures from the original, leaving it languishing at $77.7 million domestic and $91.3 million international.
Zegler herself became a lightning rod. Her 2022 comments calling the original prince a “stalker” and the story “dated” sparked outrage among traditionalists, while her pro-Palestine and anti-Trump posts—most notably an August 2024 X thread tying the trailer’s success to “free Palestine”—drew boycotts and death threats to Gadot. Disney reportedly intervened, hiring a social media guru to vet her posts, but the damage was done. By April, with A Minecraft Movie ($301 million opening) stealing its thunder, Snow White was a historic dud, projected to lose $115 million. Now, a former co-star’s scathing critique is piling on, suggesting Zegler’s ego may have played a role in the chaos.
The Co-Star’s Shade: Who’s Speaking Out?
The accusation of “extreme narcissism” reportedly comes from Ariana DeBose, Zegler’s West Side Story co-star, who ignited the feud with a cryptic Instagram post on April 2, 2025. DeBose, an Oscar winner for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake, shared a quote about narcissism over a bouquet of flowers, set to Beyoncé’s “Cozy.” The post, quickly deleted, was widely interpreted as a dig at Zegler, especially given its timing—days after Snow White’s box-office woes deepened. While DeBose didn’t name Zegler, the context was unmistakable, especially after Jonah Platt, son of Snow White producer Marc Platt, had already labeled Zegler “narcissistic” in a since-deleted Instagram rant on March 26.
DeBose later addressed the post in an Instagram Story, claiming ignorance of its origins: “I post quotes all the time and thought this one was meaningful. I didn’t know of the connection until it was pointed out to me.” She insisted it wasn’t aimed at Zegler, adding, “This isn’t the first time I’ve posted about dealing with narcissism,” but the disclaimer did little to quell speculation. The two first worked together on West Side Story, a critical darling but box-office bomb ($76 million worldwide), where Zegler’s star rose while DeBose’s Oscar win cemented her status. Could lingering tensions from that collaboration—or Zegler’s Snow White controversies—have prompted this shade?
The Narcissism Charge: What’s the Beef?
The “extreme narcissist” label taps into a narrative that’s dogged Zegler since Snow White’s promotional cycle. Jonah Platt’s earlier critique accused her of “hijacking” the film with “immature desires,” pointing to her refusal to delete political posts despite Marc Platt’s pleas. DeBose’s jab, if aimed at Zegler, suggests a pattern of self-centered behavior—perhaps rooted in their West Side Story days. Insiders hint at friction during that film’s awards season, when Zegler’s public complaint about not being invited to the 2022 Oscars (despite Disney’s ticket allocation) forced the Academy to add her as a presenter. DeBose, meanwhile, sailed to Oscar glory with minimal drama.
Zegler’s Snow White tenure only amplified this perception. Her unfiltered takes—like joking on Jimmy Kimmel Live about being a “narcissist”—fed the narrative, even if framed as self-deprecation. Critics on X, like @JohnFord, have called her “unlikeable,” citing her trashing of the original Snow White and her focus on defending her vocal range over addressing fan grievances. Posts found on X echo this, with users like @DesireeAmerica4 claiming she “tanked the movie” and cost “blue-collar workers their jobs.” DeBose’s shade, intentional or not, aligns with a growing chorus: Zegler’s ego, not just her politics, may be her Achilles’ heel.
Behind the Scenes: A Star Under Fire
Zegler’s journey with Snow White has been a gauntlet. Cast in 2021 at 20, she faced racist vitriol for not being “snow white” enough, responding with defiance: “No, I’m not bleaching my skin.” Her vision of a leader-focused Snow White clashed with nostalgia-driven fans, and her social media—8.8 million views for the “free Palestine” post alone—turned her into a culture-war target. Disney’s reaction was swift but ineffective: Marc Platt’s trips to New York, beefed-up security for Gadot, and a muted premiere couldn’t stem the tide. By April 8, paparazzi caught Zegler looking “exhausted” in NYC, a stark contrast to her usual fire.
DeBose’s comment, if directed at her, adds a personal sting. The two share a Latina heritage—Zegler Colombian-Polish, DeBose Afro-Puerto Rican—and a West Side Story bond, making the shade feel like a betrayal. Yet, DeBose’s own career thrives (Kraven the Hunter, House of Spoils), while Zegler’s stumbles—four flops including Snow White—fuel the narrative of a star out of step. Is this a co-star settling scores, or a misread shot in a broader war against Zegler?
The Bigger Picture: Disney’s Dilemma
Snow White’s failure isn’t Zegler’s alone. Disney’s live-action remakes have hit a rough patch—Mufasa ($717 million) underperformed, Tangled paused—suggesting audience fatigue. The dwarfs’ CGI pivot, a $270 million price tag, and a script that pleased neither progressives nor purists doomed the film from within. Yet, Zegler’s become the scapegoat, with Variety reporting Disney insiders blaming her posts for alienating half the audience. DeBose’s “narcissist” jab, intentional or not, fits this pattern—shifting focus from systemic flaws to a single star’s persona.
Fans and foes alike see it differently. #JusticeForRachel trended on X, with supporters like Melissa Barrera calling her “cool as hell,” while detractors revel in her downfall. Film critic David Ehrlich predicts a bright future, but her $700 million career total—bolstered by The Hunger Games ($349 million)—now carries baggage. Her West End Evita gig in June 2025 offers a reset, but this feud keeps her in the crosshairs.
A Feud for the Ages?
Whether DeBose meant to target Zegler or stumbled into the fray, the “extreme narcissist” label has legs. It’s a juicy soundbite in a saga already dripping with drama—racism, politics, and a fairy tale gone wrong. Zegler’s silence since the rumor broke contrasts her usual clapbacks, suggesting she’s reeling or regrouping. DeBose’s backpedal, meanwhile, leaves room for doubt—was it shade or a misfire?
The real story lies in perception. Zegler’s brashness—admirable to some, arrogant to others—clashes with Disney’s sanitized brand, making her an easy villain. DeBose, with her poised Oscar pedigree, plays the foil, whether she meant to or not. As Snow White fades from theaters, this feud keeps it alive, proving Hollywood’s oldest truth: drama sells, even when the movie doesn’t. Zegler’s next act—onstage or onscreen—will show if she can shake the “narcissist” tag, but for now, this co-star clash is the tale everyone’s telling.
