Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress who skyrocketed to fame with her Golden Globe-winning role in West Side Story, has faced a whirlwind of controversy and criticism following the disastrous box office performance of Disney’s live-action Snow White. The film, which carried a reported $270 million production budget, grossed a mere $168.6 million worldwide, resulting in an estimated $115 million loss for Disney. Zegler, who played the titular princess, was blamed by some for the film’s failure due to her outspoken political comments and criticism of the 1937 animated classic. Yet, undeterred by the backlash, Zegler is making a bold return to the spotlight with new projects that signal her resilience and talent. From a starring role in a West End musical to a quirky new film, here’s how Zegler is moving forward and why her next steps are generating buzz.

The Snow White Debacle: What Went Wrong?

Disney’s live-action Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, was anticipated to be a cornerstone of the studio’s remake strategy, reimagining the first-ever animated feature for a modern audience. Directed by Marc Webb and starring Zegler alongside Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film promised a fresh take on the fairy tale, emphasizing Snow White’s strength and independence. However, the project was plagued by controversies from the start, many of which centered on Zegler herself.

Zegler’s comments about the original 1937 film, made during promotional interviews, sparked outrage among Disney purists. She described the animated classic as “dated,” criticizing its romantic plotline and calling the prince a “stalker.” These remarks, intended to highlight the remake’s progressive updates, were perceived by some as dismissive of a beloved cultural touchstone. Social media platforms like X erupted with criticism, with posts accusing Zegler of alienating fans who cherished the nostalgia of the original. One user wrote, “Zegler trashed a masterpiece and expected us to cheer for her version?”

Her political activism further fueled the fire. In August 2024, Zegler posted on X, “and always remember, free Palestine,” following a promotional tweet about the Snow White trailer. The post, which garnered 8.8 million views, drew backlash from some fans and reportedly led to death threats against her co-star Gadot, who is Israeli, prompting Disney to increase security for Gadot’s family. After the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Zegler’s Instagram posts, including “F*** Donald Trump” and wishing Trump supporters “never know peace,” alienated a significant portion of the film’s potential audience. Disney, wary of further damage, assigned a social media consultant to vet Zegler’s posts, but the film’s premiere was scaled down, with limited press access, signaling the studio’s lack of confidence.

The film’s critical and commercial failure compounded the narrative of Zegler as a liability. Snow White earned a 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics like The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey calling it “lazy” and “visually repellent.” Its $43 million domestic opening weekend and 66% second-weekend drop underscored its rejection by audiences. Disney insiders pointed to Zegler’s comments as a factor, with Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, publicly blaming her “narcissism” for hurting the box office. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with some claiming Zegler “single-handedly sank” the film.

Yet, not all agreed. Supporters argued that Zegler was unfairly scapegoated for broader issues, including Disney’s decision to use CGI dwarfs instead of actors with dwarfism—a choice criticized by figures like Peter Dinklage—and a script that failed to resonate. Fans on X rallied behind her, with one user posting, “Rachel Zegler RULES. She’s a talent, and Disney’s mess isn’t her fault.” Film critic David Ehrlich praised her potential, noting she has “a lifetime of incredible roles” ahead.

Zegler’s Resilience: Facing the Backlash

Despite the vitriol, Zegler has shown remarkable poise. She addressed the casting backlash early on, emphasizing the significance of a Latina playing Snow White. “Never in a million years did I imagine this would be a possibility for me,” she told Variety. “You don’t normally see Snow Whites that are of Latin descent.” Her performance, while divisive, earned praise for its vocal strength and emotional depth, with reviewers noting that her singing brought a modern flair to the classic princess.

Zegler also confronted the personal toll of the backlash. In a 2024 Variety interview, she spoke about the “culture wars” targeting her as a Latina actress, saying, “I’ve watched women get torn down my whole life.” Her apology for the election-related posts acknowledged her emotional misstep: “Hatred and anger have caused us to move further from peace and understanding, and I am sorry I contributed to the negative discourse.” These moments of vulnerability have endeared her to fans who see her as a young star navigating an unforgiving industry.

A New Chapter: Zegler’s Upcoming Projects

Zegler is not letting the Snow White fallout define her career. Her next move is a return to her musical roots, a domain where her talent has consistently shone. She has been cast as Eva Perón in a West End revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, set to run at the London Palladium from June 14 to September 6, 2025. The role of the iconic Argentine leader is a significant coup for the 23-year-old, following her acclaimed Broadway debut as Juliet in Romeo + Juliet opposite Kit Connor in 2024. Evita will showcase Zegler’s vocal prowess and stage presence, qualities that first propelled her to fame. Industry insiders see this as a strategic pivot, allowing her to reconnect with audiences through live performance, where her charisma is undeniable.

On the film front, Zegler is set to star in She Gets It From Me, a comedy-drama about a bride-to-be searching for her estranged, punk-rock mother, who struggles with addiction. The project, announced in early 2025, marks a departure from the high-stakes Disney machine, offering Zegler a chance to explore a more grounded, character-driven role. Posts on X have expressed excitement about the film’s premise, with one user noting, “Rachel in a messy, emotional comedy? I’m seated.” The film aligns with Zegler’s knack for portraying complex, relatable characters, as seen in her roles in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Y2K.

There’s also speculation about future musical projects. Industry observers suggest Zegler could be a strong candidate for adaptations like Gypsy or Spring Awakening, leveraging her vocal talent to redeem her Hollywood standing. A potential reunion with Steven Spielberg, who directed her in West Side Story, is another possibility, though his upcoming UFO film is already cast. Fans on X have floated ideas like Zegler in Frozen 3 or Mamma Mia 3, reflecting her appeal in musical cinema.

The Bigger Picture: Disney and Hollywood’s Challenges

The Snow White flop has sparked broader questions about Disney’s live-action remake strategy. The studio paused its planned Tangled remake following Snow White’s failure, and other remakes like Dumbo ($353 million on a $170 million budget) and The Little Mermaid have underperformed. In contrast, 2024’s Mufasa: The Lion King grossed $721 million, suggesting audiences prefer reimaginings with fresh narratives, like Cruella, over straightforward retellings. Disney’s $115 million loss on Snow White—projected to reach $295 million in total revenue against $410 million in expenses—has put pressure on studio head David Greenbaum to rethink the approach.

Zegler’s experience also highlights the challenges young stars face in the social media age. Her outspokenness, while polarizing, is not unique. Actors like Melissa Barrera and Susan Sarandon have faced professional repercussions for political statements, yet Zegler’s youth and Latina identity have made her a particular target in what critics call a “culture war.” Film critic Kelechi Ehenulo told BBC News that actors from underrepresented backgrounds often become “targets for backlash,” a sentiment echoed by Zegler’s supporters who argue she’s been unfairly vilified.

Why Zegler’s Comeback Matters

Zegler’s return is more than a career pivot; it’s a testament to her resilience in an industry quick to punish outspoken women, particularly women of color. Her Evita role and She Gets It From Me offer opportunities to showcase her versatility, from commanding a stage to navigating a nuanced film role. While Snow White may have dented her Hollywood momentum, it hasn’t extinguished her star power. Her ability to draw both fierce criticism and ardent support—evident in the polarized discourse on X—underscores her cultural relevance.

For fans, Zegler represents a new generation of actors unafraid to challenge norms, even at personal cost. Her performance as Snow White, despite the film’s flaws, was a highlight for many, with her singing described as “spectacular” by ScreenRant. As she steps into Evita and beyond, she’s poised to remind audiences why she captivated them in West Side Story. The question isn’t whether Zegler will recover but how brightly she’ll shine.

Hollywood is watching, and so are her fans. With Evita previews starting in June 2025 and She Gets It From Me on the horizon, Zegler is crafting a narrative of redemption and reinvention. The Snow White chapter may have been a misstep, but her story is far from over.