Rachel Zegler’s Alleged Behavior Causes Delays on New Film Set

Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress who skyrocketed to fame with West Side Story and faced intense scrutiny over Disney’s Snow White flop, is once again making headlines for the wrong reasons. Reports have surfaced that her upcoming film, She Gets It From Me, a comedy-drama co-starring Marisa Tomei, is facing significant production delays due to Zegler’s alleged rude behavior on set. Sources claim her conduct has frustrated crew members and disrupted filming, raising questions about her professionalism and the viability of the project. With Zegler’s career already under a microscope, what’s behind these allegations, and how will they impact her future in Hollywood?

The Film: She Gets It From Me

She Gets It From Me, directed by Amy Rice and set for release in 2026, marks Zegler’s first major film role since Snow White (2025). The story follows a bride-to-be who reconnects with her eccentric birth mother, played by Tomei, in a heartfelt exploration of family and identity. The cast also includes Ayo Edebiri and Patti Harrison, with Zegler’s character anchoring the narrative as a young woman navigating personal and cultural complexities. Filming began in New York in early 2025, with a modest budget compared to Zegler’s previous blockbusters, positioning the project as a potential comeback after the Snow White debacle.

The film was seen as an opportunity for Zegler to showcase her versatility in a grounded, character-driven role, leveraging her comedic timing and emotional depth. Early reports praised the chemistry between Zegler and Tomei, with Rice describing the project as a “love letter to family dynamics.” However, recent claims of production turmoil have overshadowed these positives, with unverified sources alleging that Zegler’s behavior is derailing the shoot.

Allegations of Rude Behavior

According to posts on X and entertainment outlets like RadarOnline and Giant Freakin Robot, Zegler’s conduct on the She Gets It From Me set has caused friction with the crew. Anonymous sources claim she has been “demanding” and “uncooperative,” arriving late to call times, dismissing crew instructions, and engaging in heated exchanges with production staff. One report alleged that Zegler refused to film a scene until certain demands were met, though specifics were not disclosed. Another source claimed her attitude has created a “tense atmosphere,” with crew members feeling undervalued and disrespected.

These allegations, while unconfirmed by the studio or Zegler herself, have gained traction online, fueled by her recent controversies. Some reports suggest her behavior stems from the pressure of her Snow White fallout, which saw her labeled a “brand risk” by Disney after the film’s $115 million loss. Others speculate that her high-profile West End debut in Evita, which opened in June 2025 to mixed reviews and sluggish ticket sales, has left her stressed and defensive. A post on X stated, “Rachel Zegler’s rude behavior is tanking her new movie. No wonder Hollywood is done with her,” reflecting the growing narrative of her as a difficult star.

The claims have sparked debate about their credibility. No named sources have corroborated the allegations, and some fans argue they’re exaggerated or fabricated to capitalize on Zegler’s polarizing image. A Reddit user noted, “This sounds like a smear campaign. Where’s the proof?” Others point out that on-set tensions are common in high-pressure productions, especially for young actors navigating intense scrutiny.

Zegler’s Recent Struggles

Zegler’s career has been a rollercoaster. Her breakout role as Maria in West Side Story (2021) earned her a Golden Globe at age 20, establishing her as a triple threat with her singing, acting, and dancing. Roles in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), and Y2K (2024) solidified her versatility, while her Broadway debut in a 2024 Romeo + Juliet revival was a commercial hit, despite a Tony snub. However, Snow White’s failure and the surrounding controversies have cast a long shadow.

Zegler’s outspokenness has been a double-edged sword. Her advocacy for representation as a Latina actress of Colombian-Polish descent and her comments on issues like colorism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have won her a loyal following among progressive audiences. Yet, her criticism of the original Snow White as “sexist” and posts like “free Palestine” and “F*** Donald Trump” sparked backlash, with some blaming her for the film’s box office collapse. Tensions with co-star Gal Gadot and a public spat involving Ariana DeBose, who shared a quote criticizing Zegler, further damaged her image. Evita’s underwhelming ticket sales added to the perception that her star power is waning, with The Daily Mail suggesting her career is “in fierce jeopardy.”

The She Gets It From Me allegations align with this narrative, painting Zegler as a young star struggling to manage fame and pressure. Some insiders speculate that the intense online harassment she’s faced—over 50,000 hate messages during the Snow White campaign—has taken a toll, potentially affecting her on-set demeanor.

Impact on Production

The reported delays on She Gets It From Me are said to have pushed the production schedule behind by weeks, increasing costs and straining the budget. Sources claim that scenes requiring Zegler have been rescheduled multiple times, with some crew members growing frustrated by what they describe as her “diva-like” attitude. One unverified report suggested that Tomei and Edebiri have had to mediate tensions, though both actresses have publicly praised Zegler’s talent. The studio, A24, has not commented on the allegations, but the lack of an official denial has fueled speculation.

Delays are not uncommon in film production, and factors like weather, technical issues, or creative disagreements could contribute. However, the focus on Zegler’s behavior suggests that her public image is amplifying scrutiny. If the delays persist, the film risks missing its 2026 release window, which could further damage Zegler’s reputation, especially after Snow White and Evita.

Support and Skepticism

Zegler’s fans have rallied to her defense, arguing that the allegations are part of a broader campaign to undermine her. On X, one supporter wrote, “Rachel Zegler is being targeted because she’s a Latina who speaks her mind. These ‘rude behavior’ stories are nonsense.” Others highlight her professionalism in past projects, noting that directors like Spielberg and Francis Lawrence have praised her work ethic. Her West Side Story co-star David Alvarez recently called her “a joy to work with,” casting doubt on the claims.

Industry observers are skeptical of the “diva” narrative, pointing out that young actresses, especially women of color, often face harsher criticism than their peers. Vanity Fair argued that Zegler’s Snow White backlash was fueled by “culture wars,” and the She Gets It From Me allegations may follow a similar pattern. Comparisons to actresses like Zendaya, who faced early career scrutiny but emerged as a global star, suggest Zegler could overcome this hurdle with time and strategic choices.

The Bigger Picture

The She Gets It From Me controversy reflects broader challenges in Hollywood. The industry’s push for diverse casting has elevated talents like Zegler, but it also exposes them to intense scrutiny, particularly when projects underperform. Zegler’s Latina identity and progressive activism make her a target for conservative critics, while her youth—she’s only 23—means she’s navigating fame with less experience than seasoned stars. The polarized climate, amplified by social media, turns minor incidents into major scandals, as seen with actors like Melissa Barrera, fired from Scream 7 for political posts.

The allegations also highlight the pressure on young stars to be perfect. Zegler’s outspokenness, while authentic, has been framed as a liability, with studios like Disney reportedly vetting her social media to avoid further backlash. Yet, her refusal to conform—evident in her decision to keep her “free Palestine” post—resonates with fans who value her integrity, even as it alienates others.

Looking Ahead

Zegler’s immediate focus is She Gets It From Me, which could either redeem her post-Snow White or deepen her challenges. A successful film, bolstered by strong performances and positive reviews, could silence critics and prove her bankability in smaller-scale projects. Her ongoing role in Evita at the London Palladium, despite ticket sale struggles, offers another chance to showcase her talent, with some early reviews praising her vocal performance as Eva Perón.

To navigate this crisis, Zegler may need to balance her activism with strategic restraint, as suggested by Variety insiders who recommend a social media break to reduce harassment. Her youth and versatility—she’s also released music, including a cover of “Who I’d Be” from Shrek the Musical—give her multiple paths to recovery. Future projects, if any are confirmed, will test her ability to rebuild trust with studios and audiences.

Conclusion

The reported delays on She Gets It From Me due to Rachel Zegler’s alleged rude behavior have thrust her back into the spotlight, amplifying questions about her professionalism and career trajectory. While the claims remain unverified, they tap into a narrative of Zegler as a polarizing figure, shaped by Snow White’s failure and her outspoken activism. At 23, Zegler faces intense pressure but also has the talent and time to rebound. Whether She Gets It From Me becomes a triumph or another setback, Zegler’s journey underscores the challenges of navigating fame in a divided industry. As filming continues, all eyes are on her to see if she can turn the page on this latest drama.