Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old powerhouse behind West Side Story and the controversial Snow White, is bouncing back from a turbulent year with a thrilling new project that’s already generating massive excitement. Announced in early 2025, Zegler will star alongside Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei in She Gets It From Me, a comedy-drama about a bride-to-be reconnecting with her estranged, punk-rock mother battling addiction. The film, directed by indie darling Lorene Scafaria, promises a raw, heartfelt story that showcases Zegler’s versatility and Tomei’s legendary screen presence. Fans are losing it over the pairing, flooding platforms like X with reactions ranging from ecstatic praise to cautious optimism. After Snow White’s $115 million flop and Zegler’s high-profile controversies, this edgy role could be her ticket to redemption. Here’s everything you need to know about this buzzworthy project.

The Film: What Is She Gets It From Me?

She Gets It From Me follows Ellie, a young woman (Zegler) planning her wedding, who embarks on a chaotic journey to find her mother, Ronnie (Tomei), a former punk-rock singer estranged for over a decade due to her struggles with addiction. Set against the gritty backdrop of New York’s music scene, the film blends humor, heart, and drama as Ellie and Ronnie confront their fractured bond, unravel family secrets, and navigate the messiness of love and recovery. The script, penned by Scafaria with input from Zegler’s lived experiences as a New Yorker, aims to capture the raw authenticity of mother-daughter relationships.

Lorene Scafaria, known for Hustlers and Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, brings her signature mix of emotional depth and sharp wit to the project. The film, backed by A24, is slated for a late 2025 festival run, with a wide release planned for early 2026. Early reports suggest it features original music performed by Zegler, leveraging her vocal talents honed in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Tomei, fresh off her acclaimed role in The King of Staten Island, is expected to deliver a tour-de-force performance as the troubled but charismatic Ronnie.

The film’s tone—described as a cross between Lady Bird and Silver Linings Playbook—has fans buzzing about its potential to redefine Zegler’s career. On X, one user posted, “Rachel Zegler and Marisa Tomei in a messy, musical A24 drama? This is gonna SLAP.” Another wrote, “If anyone can make us cry and laugh in the same scene, it’s these two.” The excitement is palpable, but some fans remain wary, citing Zegler’s recent controversies as a potential distraction.

Zegler’s Redemption Arc: From Snow White to Punk Rock

Zegler’s involvement in She Gets It From Me comes at a pivotal moment. Her starring role in Disney’s Snow White (March 2025) was marred by a $115 million loss, with the $270 million film grossing just $168.6 million globally. Critics slammed its “lazy” script and CGI dwarfs, while Zegler’s comments calling the 1937 original “dated” and its prince a “stalker” alienated fans. Her political posts, including an August 2024 X statement, “and always remember, free Palestine,” and post-election Instagram rants like “F*** Donald Trump,” sparked boycotts and death threats against co-star Gal Gadot, leading Disney to scale back Zegler’s press. A Family Guy parody mocking her “woke” persona and subsequent “meltdown” over it further fueled the narrative of Zegler as a polarizing figure.

Despite the backlash, Zegler’s talent remains undeniable. Her Golden Globe-winning performance as Maria in West Side Story (2021) showcased her vocal and dramatic chops, and her Broadway debut as Juliet in Romeo + Juliet (2024) earned raves, with Variety calling her “electric.” Her upcoming role as Eva Perón in a West End Evita revival (June-September 2025) is another high-profile gig, but She Gets It From Me offers a chance to pivot to a more grounded, character-driven role. Playing Ellie, a complex young woman grappling with family trauma, allows Zegler to channel her emotional depth and connect with audiences on a personal level.

Zegler’s casting alongside Tomei is a coup. Tomei, 60, brings gravitas as a veteran actress with an Oscar for My Cousin Vinny and acclaimed roles in Spider-Man: No Way Home and The Wrestler. Their chemistry, teased in a behind-the-scenes photo Zegler shared on Instagram, has fans hyped, with one X user writing, “Rachel and Marisa as mother and daughter? I’m already sobbing.” Zegler’s Latina heritage also adds authenticity to Ellie, whose background reflects New York’s diverse cultural fabric, countering the racist backlash she faced over Snow White.

Fan Reactions: Hype, Hope, and Hesitation

The announcement of She Gets It From Me has sent fans into a frenzy, with X lighting up with reactions. Supporters are thrilled about Zegler’s return to indie roots, seeing it as a departure from Disney’s high-stakes machine. One user posted, “Rachel Zegler in an A24 film with Marisa Tomei? This is her Everything Everywhere moment.” Another praised the pairing, writing, “Marisa’s gonna bring out Rachel’s best. This is the comeback we’ve been waiting for.” The film’s gritty premise and musical elements have drawn comparisons to A Star Is Born, with fans speculating about Oscar buzz.

However, not all reactions are glowing. Some fans, burned by Snow White’s failure and Zegler’s controversies, are skeptical. On X, a user wrote, “Rachel’s talented, but she needs to chill with the drama if this film’s gonna succeed.” Others referenced her Family Guy clash, where writers mocked her activism, with one post stating, “Hope Zegler doesn’t meltdown when this gets parodied.” The polarized discourse reflects Zegler’s status as a lightning rod, with her every move scrutinized in a “culture war” over diversity and political outspokenness.

Tomei’s involvement has tempered some skepticism. Her reputation as a beloved, no-nonsense actress lends credibility, with fans on X noting, “Marisa Tomei doesn’t sign on to flops. This is gonna be good.” The A24 brand, known for hits like Moonlight and Hereditary, further boosts confidence, with one user posting, “A24 + Scafaria + Zegler + Tomei = instant classic.” The mix of hype and hesitation underscores the high stakes for Zegler, whose performance could either cement her as a serious actress or deepen her critics’ doubts.

The Bigger Picture: Zegler’s Place in Hollywood

She Gets It From Me arrives at a critical juncture for Zegler and the industry. Her Snow White experience highlights the challenges young, diverse actresses face in the social media age. Racist attacks on her casting, amplified by platforms like X, echo backlash against stars like Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid). Film critic Kelechi Ehenulo told BBC News, “Actresses like Zegler become targets for broader cultural anxieties about change.” Zegler’s activism—her pro-Palestine posts, her election comments—has made her a hero to some and a villain to others, with X posts praising her “courage” or slamming her “recklessness.”

The film also reflects Hollywood’s shift toward authentic, character-driven stories. A24’s focus on indie projects with diverse leads contrasts with Disney’s struggling remake strategy, which faltered with Snow White, Dumbo ($353 million on $170 million budget), and The Little Mermaid. Mufasa: The Lion King’s $721 million haul in 2024 showed audiences prefer fresh narratives, and She Gets It From Me’s original story could tap into that demand. Zegler’s musical contributions, potentially including punk-inspired songs, align with her strengths, offering a chance to reclaim her narrative after Snow White’s CGI-heavy misfire.

Tomei’s role as a mentor figure, both on-screen and off, is significant. Known for supporting younger co-stars, Tomei’s presence could help Zegler navigate the spotlight. Their shared New York roots and mutual respect—Zegler called Tomei “a dream” on Instagram—promise a dynamic collaboration. Industry insiders see the film as a make-or-break moment for Zegler, with one producer telling Variety, “If Rachel nails this, she’s untouchable. If she stumbles, it’s an uphill climb.”

Why This Film Matters

She Gets It From Me is more than a comeback vehicle for Zegler; it’s a statement about resilience, representation, and the power of storytelling. For Zegler, it’s a chance to move beyond Snow White’s shadow, proving her mettle alongside a legend like Tomei. For fans, it’s a beacon of hope that their embattled star can rise above the noise. The film’s raw exploration of family, addiction, and identity resonates in a world craving authentic narratives, and its indie ethos offers a counterpoint to Hollywood’s blockbuster fatigue.

As Zegler prepares for Evita and She Gets It From Me’s festival run, the spotlight is hers to seize. Fans on X are already predicting awards, with one writing, “Rachel’s gonna get that Oscar nod. Mark my words.” Whether she silences her critics or fuels their fire, one thing is clear: this film will be a defining chapter in her journey, and Hollywood is watching closely.