Rachel Zegler’s West End debut as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Evita was meant to be a career-defining triumph, but a viral rehearsal clip has thrown her role into question. Shared on YouTube and X on May 19, 2025, the 15-second video allegedly shows a new actress performing in Zegler’s place, prompting fans to speculate that the 23-year-old star has been replaced. The clip, coupled with earlier reports of Zegler’s disruptive behavior during rehearsals, has ignited a firestorm of debate about her future in the production and her standing in the entertainment industry. Here’s a detailed exploration of the viral clip, the replacement rumors, and what this means for Zegler’s already embattled career.

The Evita Hype and Zegler’s Casting

Announced on March 14, 2025, by Variety and Deadline, Zegler’s casting in Evita was a major coup. The production, directed by Jamie Lloyd at the London Palladium from June 14 to September 6, 2025, positioned Zegler as Eva Perón, a role immortalized by Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone, and Madonna. Lloyd praised Zegler’s “phenomenal talent,” predicting she’d “blow the roof off” the 2,286-seat venue. Zegler, who called Evita a childhood favorite, expressed excitement about bringing Lloyd’s “visionary ideas” to life, noting her personal connection to “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina.” Her casting followed a successful Broadway run in Romeo + Juliet and came amidst a contentious press tour for Disney’s Snow White, making Evita a critical opportunity to reclaim her narrative.

The production, produced by Michael Harrison and The Jamie Lloyd Company, was touted as a bold reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s 1978 musical. With a cast including Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che and James Olivas as Juan Perón, and a reported salary making Zegler one of the West End’s highest-paid stars, expectations were sky-high. However, trouble brewed as rehearsals began in April 2025, with reports of tension culminating in the now-infamous viral clip.

The Viral Rehearsal Clip: What We Know

On May 19, 2025, a YouTube video titled “Rachel Zegler REPLACED in Evita?! Fans Spot NEW Actress in Viral Rehearsal Clip!” surfaced, followed by a similar video on May 20 claiming Zegler was “FIRED.” The 15-second clip, reportedly filmed during a rehearsal at the Palladium, shows a brunette actress singing a snippet of “Buenos Aires” in a minimalist set. Fans on X, including user @Draculordx, claimed the actress was not Zegler, with some identifying her as Camila Delgado, though no official confirmation exists. The clip’s grainy quality and lack of clear facial shots fueled speculation, but its rapid spread—amassing thousands of views—turned it into a sensation.

Posts on X amplified the narrative, with @Draculordx alleging on May 19 that Zegler was “reemplazada” (replaced), linking to the video. YouTube comments speculated about the new actress’s vocal strength, with some praising her “powerful” delivery compared to Zegler’s “softer” style. Others noted the absence of Zegler in subsequent rehearsal photos released by WhatsOnStage on May 20, which featured Rodriguez and Olivas but only Bella Brown, listed as Alternate Eva, in a prominent role. The timing was suspicious, coming days after leaked footage showed Zegler being escorted out of a rehearsal by security, as reported in YouTube videos from May 16–17, 2025.

The Replacement Rumors: Evidence and Speculation

The claim that Zegler was replaced hinges on several points. First, the viral clip’s actress appears taller and has a different vocal timbre, leading fans to believe it’s not Zegler. Second, earlier reports of Zegler’s alleged meltdown—described in a May 15 YouTube video as a “diva eruption”—suggested tensions with Lloyd, with unverified leaks claiming he called her a “nightmare.” Third, Daily Mail reported on April 23, 2025, that Evita was struggling with ticket sales, with “rows of seats unsold” despite affordable £29.50 tickets. This financial pressure may have pushed producers to act decisively if Zegler’s behavior jeopardized the production.

The name Camila Delgado emerged from fan speculation, with a May 21 YouTube video claiming she “stunned” in a “silent takeover.” However, no credible source confirms Delgado’s involvement, and she may be a fictional or misidentified figure. Bella Brown, officially cast as Alternate Eva, is a more likely candidate, given her presence in rehearsal photos. Brown, a rising West End talent, could have stepped in if Zegler was sidelined, though her role as an alternate suggests she was always meant to perform occasionally.

Countering the replacement narrative, Playbill and WhatsOnStage published rehearsal photos on May 20–21, 2025, explicitly naming Zegler as Eva Perón alongside Rodriguez and Olivas. These photos, credited to Marc Brenner, show Zegler in character, suggesting she remains in the production. The absence of an official statement from Lloyd, Zegler, or producers adds ambiguity, but the photos challenge the replacement claims, indicating the viral clip may have been misinterpreted or staged with Brown as part of her alternate duties.

Zegler’s Troubled Context

The replacement rumors gain traction due to Zegler’s recent controversies. Her Snow White press tour in March 2025 was plagued by backlash over comments calling the 1937 Disney film “dated” and its prince a “stalker,” alienating traditionalist fans. Her casting as a Latina Snow White sparked racial debates, and her political statements—supporting Palestine and criticizing Trump’s 2024 reelection—prompted boycotts, contributing to the film’s $100 million loss. Disney’s response, scaling back premieres and limiting Zegler’s press, signaled concerns about her marketability.

The Evita rehearsal drama echoes these issues. YouTube videos from May 13–17, 2025, detailed Zegler’s “shocking behavior,” alleging she clashed with Lloyd over his avant-garde vision or struggled with the role’s vocal demands. A May 14 video claimed she blamed a “toxic” rehearsal culture, though she hasn’t publicly commented. Reports of her being escorted out by security, coupled with a May 20 video citing leaked notes from Lloyd, paint a picture of a star at odds with her team. Posts on X, like @scottrlevine’s on May 19, labeled her behavior “shocking,” amplifying the diva narrative.

The Industry Stakes: Why Replacement Matters

Replacing a lead in a high-profile production like Evita is rare but not unprecedented. Theater demands discipline, and stars who disrupt rehearsals risk swift consequences, especially in a Jamie Lloyd production known for precision. Evita’s financial struggles, as noted by Daily Mail, heighten the stakes—producers can’t afford a flop. Zegler’s reported status as a high earner adds pressure; if her presence doesn’t sell tickets, her value diminishes.

The replacement rumors also reflect broader concerns about Zegler’s career. YouTube videos from May 17–18, 2025, claimed studios like Lionsgate and Sony are distancing themselves, fearing her controversies could tank projects. While amy-movie.com debunked similar blacklisting claims in April 2025, the Evita drama has revived speculation. Losing Evita would be a significant blow, signaling to Hollywood that Zegler is a liability, especially after Snow White’s failure.

Zegler’s Defense and Supporters

Zegler’s supporters argue she’s unfairly targeted. Her defenders on X highlight her talent, noting her Golden Globe for West Side Story and her vocal fit for Eva Perón, as affirmed by producer Michael Harrison in a WhatsOnStage interview on April 7, 2025. They point to the lack of context in the viral clip, suggesting Brown’s appearance could be a scheduled alternate rehearsal. The theater world’s intensity, coupled with Lloyd’s demanding style, may have exacerbated tensions, and Zegler’s youth—she’s only 23—makes her a scapegoat for systemic pressures.

Her Latina identity and outspokenness also fuel sympathy. Zegler has faced racist trolling since Snow White, and her progressive stances resonate with younger audiences. The Evita role, tied to her heritage, was a point of pride, making the replacement rumors particularly stinging. Peers like Ariana Grande and Melissa Barrera have publicly supported her, suggesting the industry hasn’t fully turned against her.

What’s Next for Zegler and Evita?

As of May 23, 2025, Zegler’s status in Evita remains unconfirmed. The rehearsal photos from Playbill and WhatsOnStage suggest she’s still involved, but the viral clip and lack of a public statement from Zegler or producers keep speculation alive. If replaced, Brown or another actress could take over, though the production’s tight timeline—previews start in three weeks—makes a last-minute switch challenging. If Zegler stays, she’ll need to mend ties with the team and win over audiences amidst low ticket sales.

Her career hangs in the balance. Evita was meant to restore her momentum post-Snow White, but the drama has deepened her challenges. A successful run could silence critics, but a departure would fuel blacklisting rumors. For now, the viral clip has turned Evita into a spectacle not for its art but for its scandal, leaving Zegler fighting to reclaim her place on the stage.