In the ever-competitive world of Hollywood, where young stars vie for the crown of relevance, a subtle yet brilliant maneuver by Jenna Ortega has sparked waves of conversation, leaving Rachel Zegler’s highly anticipated Snow White in the dust. The claim that Ortega used “just one simple trick” to overshadow Zegler’s performance may sound like clickbait, but the reality is a fascinating blend of strategy, timing, and cultural resonance that has positioned Ortega as the reigning queen of Gen Z Hollywood. This article dives deep into how Ortega’s calculated choices led to her triumph, why Zegler’s Snow White stumbled, and what this means for the future of both actresses.

The Context: A Tale of Two Rising Stars

Jenna Ortega and Rachel Zegler are two of Hollywood’s brightest young talents, both representing a new generation of diverse, outspoken actresses. Ortega, known for her breakout role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday, has cultivated a persona that blends gothic charm with relatable authenticity. Zegler, who burst onto the scene with her stunning debut in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, was poised to cement her stardom with Disney’s live-action Snow White, released in March 2025. Both actresses, in their early 20s, share similarities—expressive features, dark hair, and a knack for commanding the screen—but their paths diverged dramatically in 2025, with Ortega emerging as the victor in the court of public opinion.

The phrase “Jenna Ortega used just one simple trick” refers to her masterful leveraging of method dressing—a promotional tactic where actors wear outfits inspired by their roles—to dominate the red carpet and social media, subtly upstaging Zegler’s Snow White press tour. While Zegler faced a storm of controversy surrounding her comments and the film’s reception, Ortega’s strategic fashion choices and flawless public persona kept her in the spotlight, unscathed and adored. Let’s unpack how this unfolded.

The “Simple Trick”: Method Dressing Done Right

Method dressing, where an actor’s red-carpet looks reflect their character or project, is not new in Hollywood. However, Ortega executed it with surgical precision during the promotion of her 2025 film Death of a Unicorn, an R-rated A24 horror-comedy co-starring Paul Rudd. On March 26, 2025, Ortega appeared at a red-carpet event in a rose-colored gown that echoed the blood-red, Snow White-inspired looks Zegler had been wearing for her press tour. The gown, described as “vampy yet romantic,” was a subtle nod to Zegler’s aesthetic but infused with Ortega’s signature edgy, Gen Z twist. This wasn’t just a dress—it was a statement.

Ortega’s choice was brilliant for several reasons. First, it drew comparisons to Zegler’s Snow White wardrobe without directly copying it, positioning Ortega as a trendsetter rather than a follower. Social media platforms like X lit up with fans praising Ortega’s “cool girl style,” with posts noting how her look felt “inspired by Snow White but better.” Second, the timing was impeccable. Zegler’s Snow White was mired in controversy—ranging from backlash over her comments on the original film to debates about her casting as a Latina Snow White—and Ortega’s appearance offered a distraction, shifting focus to her own project. By wearing a gown that evoked Snow White’s iconic imagery, Ortega subtly inserted herself into the conversation around Zegler’s film, stealing the narrative.

This wasn’t a one-off. Throughout the Death of a Unicorn press tour, Ortega continued to blend gothic and fairy-tale elements in her outfits, from crimson velvet dresses to black lace gowns with rose motifs. Each look reinforced her brand as a versatile, fashion-forward star while drawing subliminal connections to Zegler’s struggling princess. The internet ate it up, with TikTok and Instagram reels dissecting Ortega’s “Snow White slay” and declaring her the “new fairy-tale queen.”

Zegler’s Snow White: A Perfect Storm of Missteps

To understand Ortega’s triumph, we must examine Zegler’s defeat. Disney’s Snow White, directed by Marc Webb and starring Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, was anticipated as a landmark remake of the 1937 animated classic. However, the film faced relentless challenges from its announcement in 2021 to its release in March 2025. While Zegler’s performance was praised by some critics, with her being called a “shining supernova,” the film itself was criticized as “lazily conceived” and “visually repellent.” Its box-office performance was lackluster, earning $87.3 million globally in its opening weekend but dropping significantly thereafter, failing to match the success of other Disney live-action remakes like Maleficent or Cinderella.

Much of the film’s troubles stemmed from controversies surrounding Zegler. When her casting was announced, some fans criticized the choice of a Colombian-Polish actress for a character traditionally described as “white as snow.” Zegler responded defiantly, stating in a since-deleted post, “Yes, I am Snow White, no, I am not bleaching my skin for the role.” While this earned her support from progressive audiences, it alienated others, sparking a culture-war debate that dogged the film for years. In 2022, Zegler further stirred the pot by calling the original Snow White “dated” and describing the prince as a “stalker,” suggesting the remake would focus less on romance and more on empowerment. These comments, resurfaced on TikTok and X in 2023, led to accusations that Zegler disrespected Disney’s legacy, with even David Hand Jr., son of the original film’s director, claiming Walt Disney would be “turning in his grave.”

Zegler’s outspokenness extended beyond the film. Her pro-Palestine stance clashed with Gadot’s pro-Israel views, fueling rumors of on-set tension, though both actresses presented a united front at the 2025 Academy Awards. Additionally, Zegler’s Instagram post following Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection, stating “Trump supporters will never know peace,” drew ire from conservative audiences, prompting a boycott of Snow White. She later apologized, but the damage was done. Disney took unprecedented measures to manage the fallout, canceling a London premiere and limiting Zegler’s press interactions at the Los Angeles premiere on March 15, 2025.

These controversies painted Zegler as a polarizing figure, overshadowing her undeniable talent. While she had defenders—Melissa Barrera, Ariana Grande, and Jameela Jamil among them—the negative narrative dominated, making Snow White a lightning rod for criticism.

Ortega’s Masterclass in Public Perception

In contrast, Jenna Ortega navigated 2025 with the finesse of a seasoned veteran. While Zegler’s Snow White battled boycotts and bad press, Ortega’s Death of a Unicorn opened to modest but respectable numbers, projected at $5-7 million against Snow White’s $20 million second weekend. More importantly, Ortega avoided the pitfalls that ensnared Zegler. She remained apolitical in public, focusing on her craft and her fans. Her social media presence was curated to perfection, blending humor, relatability, and just enough mystery to keep audiences intrigued.

Ortega’s method dressing was the cherry on top of an already stellar year. By echoing Zegler’s Snow White aesthetic, she capitalized on the film’s massive promotional campaign without being tainted by its controversies. Fans on X noted the irony: “Jenna’s out here serving Snow White vibes while Rachel’s getting dragged for it.” Ortega’s ability to stay above the fray while subtly co-opting Zegler’s narrative was a masterstroke, earning her praise as a “strategic queen” in fan circles.

The Broader Implications

The “defeat” of Zegler’s Snow White by Ortega’s “simple trick” is less about personal rivalry and more about the dynamics of modern stardom. In an era where social media amplifies every misstep, Ortega’s calculated restraint and visual storytelling through fashion gave her an edge. Zegler, for all her talent, became a cautionary tale of how authenticity can backfire in a polarized world. Her willingness to speak her mind, while admirable, made her a target, whereas Ortega’s polished neutrality kept her universally palatable.

This isn’t to say Zegler’s career is over. At 23, she remains a prodigious talent, with upcoming projects like the West End revival of Evita. However, Snow White’s failure has dented her momentum, and speculation about her replacing Ortega as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s hit series feels more like wishful thinking than a realistic prospect. Ortega, meanwhile, is riding high, with Wednesday Season 2 in production and her status as a fashion icon cemented.

What’s Next for Hollywood’s Young Queens?

The Ortega-Zegler saga underscores the precarious nature of fame in the digital age. Ortega’s “simple trick” wasn’t just a dress—it was a lesson in branding, timing, and cultural savvy. By aligning herself with Snow White’s imagery while steering clear of its baggage, she turned a potential rivalry into a one-sided victory. Zegler, battered by controversies not entirely of her making, will need to regroup and redefine her public image to reclaim her trajectory.

For now, Ortega reigns supreme, her rose-colored gown a symbol of her triumph. As Hollywood watches, one thing is clear: in the game of thrones that is Tinseltown, Jenna Ortega is playing to win.