Rachel Zegler and the Snow White Saga: A Fairy Tale of Controversy and Consequence

The news that Rachel Zegler has been “fired” by Disney following the catastrophic failure of the live-action Snow White has set the entertainment world ablaze. Released on March 21, 2025, the film was poised to reimagine the 1937 animated classic with Zegler, a rising star of Colombian and Polish descent, as the iconic princess. Instead, it became one of Disney’s most notorious flops, grossing a mere $43 million domestically and $87 million worldwide against a $350 million budget. Fans and critics alike are pointing fingers, with Zegler’s outspoken persona at the center of the storm. But is she truly out of Disney’s kingdom, and what led to this dramatic unraveling? Let’s dive into the tale, exploring the facts, the frenzy, and the future of a star caught in Hollywood’s spotlight.

A Star on the Rise

Rachel Zegler’s journey to Snow White began with her breakout role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 West Side Story. Her performance earned rave reviews, showcasing a voice and presence that seemed tailor-made for Disney’s princess legacy. When she was cast as Snow White in June 2021, the announcement was met with excitement from those eager to see a Latina actress redefine a character rooted in European folklore. At 20 years old, Zegler represented a new generation of Disney stars—diverse, talented, and unafraid to speak their minds.

Yet, her casting also sparked immediate backlash. Some fans argued that Snow White, described as having “skin as white as snow,” should be portrayed by a white actress, igniting debates about fidelity to source material versus inclusive storytelling. Zegler handled the criticism with grace, emphasizing the universal appeal of fairy tales. Her subsequent roles in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes solidified her as a versatile talent, but Snow White would test her in ways no one anticipated.

The Making of a Controversy

Trouble brewed early in Snow White’s production. In 2022, during promotional events, Zegler described the original 1937 film as “weird” and “dated,” particularly its depiction of a prince she called a “stalker.” She pitched the remake as a story of leadership, where Snow White dreams of becoming a ruler inspired by her father, not a damsel saved by love. While some applauded the feminist update, others saw it as a slap in the face to a beloved classic. Social media erupted, with fans accusing Zegler of undermining Disney’s heritage.

The film’s creative choices didn’t help. The Seven Dwarfs were reimagined as CGI “magical creatures,” a move that drew criticism for excluding actors with dwarfism and altering a core element of the story. Production faced setbacks—a fire on set, delays from the pandemic, and limited reshoots due to the 2023 actors’ strike—piling pressure on a project already under scrutiny. By the time the trailer debuted in August 2024, the film was fighting an uphill battle.

Zegler’s off-screen actions added more fuel. After sharing the trailer at a fan expo, she posted a message of gratitude online, followed by a separate note: “and always remember, free Palestine.” The post, viewed millions of times, polarized audiences. Some praised her for standing up for her beliefs; others felt it was inappropriate to tie a political statement to a family film’s promotion. Tensions reportedly grew with co-star Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress known for her pro-Israel views, though insiders insist the two maintained professionalism on set. Disney executives, wary of escalating backlash, scrambled to manage the fallout, but Zegler stood firm.

The controversy peaked post-election in November 2024, when Zegler posted fiery comments against Donald Trump and his supporters, wishing them unrest. The backlash was swift—boycott threats surged, and fans vowed to skip Snow White. Zegler later apologized, admitting her emotions got the better of her, but the damage was done. Disney, already reeling from the film’s troubled rollout, faced a PR nightmare as the premiere approached.

The Box Office Bloodbath

When Snow White finally hit theaters, the signs were ominous. Disney opted for a low-key premiere, skipping the usual red-carpet fanfare for a press-free event at its Los Angeles theater. Advance ticket sales were sluggish, reflecting a lack of buzz. The film’s opening weekend was a disaster, pulling in just $43 million domestically—far below the $100 million needed to signal a hit. Globally, it limped to $87 million, a fraction of what was required to recoup its massive budget, which included marketing costs.

Audiences were unforgiving. Online platforms saw an influx of negative reviews, with many slamming the film’s lackluster visuals and deviation from the original’s charm. The CGI creatures replacing the dwarfs were panned as soulless, and the story’s modernized tone felt forced to some. Others, however, found Zegler’s performance a highlight, praising her vocal delivery and emotional depth. Still, the consensus was clear: Snow White had failed to capture the magic fans expected from Disney.

The financial toll was staggering. Estimates suggest Disney faces a $115 million loss, joining a string of underperforming live-action remakes like Dumbo and Pinocchio. The studio’s strategy of banking on nostalgia while updating classics for modern sensibilities appeared to be faltering, and Zegler became the lightning rod for much of the blame.

Fired or Not?

The claim that Zegler was “fired” by Disney has dominated headlines, fueled by viral videos and heated online discussions. Some posts declared her “unemployable” in Hollywood, citing her role in Snow White’s collapse. Yet, the truth is murkier. No official statement from Disney confirms her dismissal. Zegler completed filming and promotional duties, appearing at the premiere despite its scaled-back nature. Rumors of her being “nearly cut” during production surfaced, tied to her vocal political stances, but these lack concrete evidence.

The “fired” narrative echoes earlier misinformation. In 2023, false reports claimed Zegler was dropped from Snow White, only for her to debunk them with a cheeky online post. This time, the stakes feel higher. Insiders suggest Disney is distancing itself from Zegler to mitigate further backlash, but outright firing her seems unlikely given her contractual obligations were fulfilled. The studio’s silence speaks volumes, though—it’s navigating a delicate balance, avoiding legal risks while managing a tarnished project.

Who Bears the Blame?

Pointing the finger at Zegler alone ignores the bigger picture. Disney’s live-action remakes have struggled to replicate the success of The Lion King or Aladdin. A 2024 survey found 60% of Disney fans crave original stories over rehashed classics, signaling fatigue with the studio’s formula. Snow White’s troubled production—marked by delays, creative missteps, and weak marketing—set it up for failure long before Zegler’s comments made waves.

Her outspokenness didn’t help, though. By tying personal politics to the film’s promotion, she alienated segments of Disney’s broad audience. The Trump comments, in particular, hit a nerve in a divided cultural climate, with boycott calls gaining traction. Still, Zegler’s defenders argue she’s been scapegoated for systemic issues. Supporters online rallied behind her, trending hashtags like #WeLoveRachel and praising her authenticity. Some even framed the backlash as rooted in bias against her Latina identity, drawing parallels to the criticism faced by Halle Bailey for The Little Mermaid.

The film’s team faced internal strife too. A producer’s son publicly called Zegler “narcissistic,” blaming her for hurting the crew’s livelihoods by derailing the film’s buzz. The now-deleted rant highlighted tensions behind the scenes, but it also underscored how Zegler became a convenient target for frustration over a collective failure.

The Cultural Clash

Snow White’s downfall reflects deeper fault lines in entertainment. Zegler’s casting and the film’s progressive leanings fueled accusations of “wokeness,” with critics arguing Disney prioritized ideology over storytelling. The decision to reframe Snow White as a leader, not a romantic heroine, clashed with fans who wanted the fairy tale they grew up with. Meanwhile, Zegler’s political posts tapped into global and domestic divides—Palestine-Israel tensions and U.S. election fervor—making her a flashpoint for broader grievances.

Yet, the backlash wasn’t universal. Many admired Zegler’s courage, seeing her as a young woman refusing to be silenced. The debate mirrors Hollywood’s struggle to adapt timeless stories for a polarized world, where every casting choice or script change risks alienating someone. Disney’s challenge is clear: how to honor its legacy while evolving with the times.

Zegler’s Next Chapter

Despite the chaos, Zegler’s career isn’t doomed. She’s slated for A24’s Y2K and a Broadway run in Romeo + Juliet, projects that highlight her range. Her West Side Story success proves she’s a talent to watch, though Hollywood’s caution may limit her blockbuster prospects for now. At 23, she has time to rebuild, but navigating fame’s pressures will be key.

For Disney, Snow White is a wake-up call. With other remakes like Mufasa: The Lion King performing better, the studio may pivot toward safer bets or rethink its approach to classics. Fan chatter online speculates about a shift away from controversial updates, but Disney’s track record suggests it won’t abandon diversity or innovation entirely.

Conclusion: A Tale Without an Ending

Rachel Zegler hasn’t been fired—at least not yet—but Snow White’s failure has left scars. The film’s collapse stems from a perfect storm: production woes, creative risks, and a star whose candor clashed with Disney’s family-friendly brand. Zegler’s story isn’t over; it’s a chapter in a career still unfolding. As Hollywood grapples with change, her journey reminds us that even fairy tales come with twists. Whether she rises above the drama or becomes a cautionary tale, one thing’s certain: the spotlight won’t dim anytime soon.