Rachel Zegler’s Career Pivot: Can She Overcome the Snow White Backlash?

In March 2025, Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, starring Rachel Zegler, hit theaters with high expectations but crashed at the box office, earning just $43 million domestically on its opening weekend against a $270 million budget. The film, plagued by controversies over its “woke” reimagining and Zegler’s outspoken comments, became a lightning rod for criticism, with some blaming the 23-year-old actress for its $115 million projected loss. Yet, recent headlines proclaim a “massive turnaround” for Zegler, suggesting she’s rebounding from the debacle. But what does this turnaround entail? Is it a genuine career revival, or a narrative spun from her efforts to navigate Hollywood’s unforgiving spotlight? From new roles to public apologies, Zegler’s post-Snow White journey reveals a young star fighting to reclaim her place in an industry quick to vilify her.

The Snow White Storm: A Perfect Recipe for Controversy

The Snow White remake was contentious from its announcement in 2021. Zegler, a Latina actress of Colombian-Polish descent, faced racist backlash for her casting as the “fairest of them all,” with critics like Ben Shapiro questioning her suitability for the role. Her 2022 comments calling the 1937 original “dated” and its prince a “stalker” sparked outrage among Disney purists, who accused her of disrespecting a beloved classic. The film’s creative choices—replacing dwarf actors with CGI “magical creatures” and shifting Snow White’s story from romance to rebellion—drew further ire, with actors like Peter Dinklage and Jason Acuna criticizing the lack of dwarf representation.

Zegler’s social media activity intensified the backlash. In August 2024, she posted “and always remember, free Palestine” alongside Snow White trailer praise, a move that reportedly prompted producer Marc Platt to fly to New York to address her posts. Her post-election Instagram rant, including “f*** Donald Trump,” alienated conservative audiences, leading to boycott calls. Jonah Platt, the producer’s son, publicly slammed Zegler’s “immature” and “narcissistic” behavior, while even her West Side Story co-star Ariana DeBose appeared to criticize her via a cryptic Instagram post. The film’s 40% Rotten Tomatoes score and review-bombing on IMDb cemented its status as a flop, with empty theater seats circulating on social media as proof of its rejection.

The “Massive Turnaround”: Fact or Fiction?

The claim of a “massive turnaround” emerged in early April 2025, fueled by reports like a YouTube video titled “Rachel Zegler ‘MASSIVE TURNAROUND’ After Woke Snow White BACKLASH.” Yet, the evidence is mixed. Zegler has taken steps to repair her image, but the narrative of a triumphant comeback may be overstated. Her actions suggest a strategic pivot rather than a full recovery:

Public Apologies and Toning Down Rhetoric: After her Trump-related posts, Zegler apologized on Instagram, admitting, “I let my emotions get the best of me.” She also scaled back Snow White promotion, with no Instagram posts about the film for 10 days after its release, possibly to avoid further controversy.

Embracing the Original Snow White: In a notable shift, Zegler paid tribute to Adriana Caselotti, the 1937 film’s voice actress, with an Instagram post showcasing a Caselotti-inspired hairstyle. On Good Morning America, she called herself a “huge Disney fan” and described her casting as “the honor of a lifetime,” a stark contrast to her earlier criticisms. Some fans praised the gesture, but others called it a “desperate” U-turn.

New Career Moves: Zegler is pivoting to safer projects. She’s set to star as Eva Perón in a West End Evita revival, a role that’s stirred controversy with Madonna, who reportedly felt “slighted” by Zegler’s failure to acknowledge her iconic 1996 performance. Zegler also released a cover of “Who I’d Be” from Shrek the Musical for MCC Theater’s Studio Sessions album, signaling a return to her musical theater roots. Additionally, she’ll read a CBeebies Bedtime Story on BBC, promoting Never Mess with a Pirate Princess, a move that aligns her with family-friendly content.

Industry Support: Despite the backlash, Zegler has allies. Ariana Grande reached out to offer support, praising her resilience. Melissa Barrera, fired from Scream for pro-Palestine comments, defended Zegler against a Variety article, calling her “cool as hell.” Pedro Pascal and Ethel Cain also voiced support, while film critic Kelechi Ehenulo argued Zegler is a victim of “culture wars,” noting that Latina actresses often face disproportionate scrutiny.

The Public’s Reaction: A Divided Landscape

Public sentiment remains polarized. On X, some users celebrate Zegler’s resilience, with @LibDemGranny claiming she’s been “wronged by online haters, Fox News & Disney” and predicting she’ll “get the last laugh.” Others, like @bennyjohnson, cite Megyn Kelly’s assertion that Zegler’s career is “over” for “alienating half the country.” The Snow White backlash has been framed as both a rejection of “woke” Hollywood and a symptom of prejudice against a young Latina actress. Film editor Victoria Luxford told the BBC that some criticism stems from “a place of prejudice,” while The New Yorker called blaming Zegler “perversely flattering,” arguing the film’s failure reflects broader industry issues like creative stagnation.

Zegler’s supporters highlight her talent and youth. At 23, she’s already starred in West Side Story, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods, earning a Golden Globe for her debut. Her Snow White performance, despite the film’s flaws, has been praised for its vocal strength, with ScreenRant noting her suitability for musical roles. Fans on X, like @SnowWhiteStar, argue her authenticity is her strength: “She’s not afraid to speak her mind, and that’s rare in Hollywood.”

Critics, however, see her as a cautionary tale. The Daily Mail reported that Disney executives have “zero faith” in Snow White and minimized its premieres to avoid “anti-woke” backlash. Rumors of a feud with co-star Gal Gadot, fueled by their opposing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have further complicated Zegler’s narrative. Reports of death threats against Gadot, allegedly spurred by Zegler’s posts, led Disney to provide extra security, adding to the perception of Zegler as a liability.

The Industry Context: A Shifting Hollywood Landscape

Zegler’s saga reflects broader Hollywood trends. The Daily Mail reported an “anti-woke” backlash, with projects like Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ sequel gaining traction post-Snow White. Disney’s string of underperforming remakes—Mulan, The Little Mermaid—has fueled skepticism about live-action reboots, particularly those perceived as prioritizing political messaging over nostalgia. The New Yorker argues that Snow White’s failure stems from a lack of fresh ideas, not just Zegler’s comments. Meanwhile, Zegler’s experience mirrors that of other young actresses like Halle Bailey and Millie Bobby Brown, who’ve faced toxic backlash for their casting or opinions.

Can Zegler Stage a True Comeback?

Zegler’s next steps will determine her trajectory. Her Evita role, set for summer 2025, offers a chance to showcase her vocal and dramatic range, but Madonna’s disapproval could cast a shadow. The CBeebies appearance and Shrek cover suggest a deliberate shift toward wholesome, uncontroversial projects, appealing to her core fanbase. Yet, her outspokenness remains a double-edged sword. While it endears her to progressive fans, it risks further alienating mainstream audiences, as seen with the Snow White boycott calls.

Analysts see potential for recovery. ScreenRant predicts Zegler will continue excelling in musical roles, leveraging her West Side Story success. Her youth and talent give her room to grow, but she may need to refine her public persona. “She’s navigating fame in real-time,” Ehenulo told the BBC. “The expectation for her to be perfect is unfair.” Zegler’s ability to balance authenticity with media savvy will be key.

Conclusion: A Star at a Crossroads

Rachel Zegler’s “massive turnaround” is less a done deal than a work in progress. The Snow White backlash has tested her resilience, exposing the challenges of being a young, outspoken actress in a polarized world. Her apologies, tributes to Disney’s legacy, and new projects signal a calculated effort to move forward, but the scars of the controversy linger. With supporters like Grande and Barrera in her corner and critics like Kelly calling for her downfall, Zegler stands at a crossroads. Whether she emerges as Hollywood’s next leading lady or a cautionary tale depends on her ability to harness her talent and navigate the industry’s shifting tides. For now, the world watches, eager to see if this princess can write her own happily ever after.