Rachel Zegler’s Career Faces Uncertainty After Snow White Controversy

Rachel Zegler, once celebrated as Hollywood’s golden girl, is now at the center of a storm that threatens to derail her promising career. Reports circulating online claim that the 23-year-old actress has been “fired for good” from future projects and effectively “blacklisted” by major studios following the catastrophic failure of Disney’s live-action Snow White (2025), where she played the titular role. The $270 million remake, plagued by controversies and a dismal box office performance, has become a lightning rod for criticism, with Zegler bearing the brunt of the blame. But how much truth is there to these claims of firing and blacklisting, and what does this mean for Zegler’s future in the industry?

The Snow White Debacle

Disney’s Snow White, released in March 2025, was poised to be a cornerstone of the studio’s live-action remake strategy, following successes like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. Starring Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film aimed to modernize the 1937 animated classic with a feminist twist, portraying Snow White as a leader rather than a damsel awaiting true love’s kiss. However, the production faced challenges from the start, including a writers’ strike, a fire on the UK set, and backlash over its CGI depiction of the seven dwarves.

The film’s promotional cycle was marred by Zegler’s controversial statements. In interviews, she called the original Snow White “weird” and its prince a “stalker,” emphasizing that the remake would focus on empowerment over romance. These remarks, intended to highlight the updated narrative, alienated fans of the classic, with some, including David Hand Jr., son of the original film’s director, accusing Zegler of disrespecting Walt Disney’s legacy. Her social media activity further fueled the fire. In August 2024, Zegler posted “and always remember, free Palestine” alongside a Snow White trailer, a move that sparked death threats against Gadot, a former Israeli Defense Forces instructor, and prompted Disney to hire security for her. Following Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory, Zegler’s Instagram posts, including “F*** Donald Trump,” drew additional criticism, with some labeling her a liability.

The film’s box office performance was catastrophic. Against a reported $410 million in production and marketing costs, Snow White grossed just $225 million worldwide, resulting in an estimated $115 million loss for Disney. Its opening weekend earned a mere $43 million domestically, one of the worst for a Disney live-action remake, and subsequent weeks saw a 66% drop. Critics gave mixed reviews, praising Zegler’s performance as a bright spot but faulting the CGI dwarves and uneven storytelling. Online campaigns, including review-bombing and boycotts from both Zegler and Gadot’s supporters over their opposing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, further hurt the film’s prospects.

Fired and Blacklisted? Examining the Claims

Posts on X and entertainment outlets have claimed that Zegler has been “fired” from Disney projects and “blacklisted” by Hollywood, with some suggesting her career is effectively over. For example, an X user stated, “Rachel Zegler resmi dipecat Disney,” alleging she was sacked for disrespecting Snow White and targeting Gadot with political remarks. Another post declared her “kryptonite to all the major studios,” arguing that no one would risk a major budget on her again. These claims, while widespread, lack verified evidence and appear to stem from speculation amplified by the film’s failure and Zegler’s polarizing public image.

No official statements from Disney or other studios confirm Zegler’s firing or blacklisting. However, reports indicate Disney executives were frustrated with her social media activity. Variety detailed how producer Marc Platt flew to New York to address Zegler’s “free Palestine” post, which she refused to delete, though she later agreed to have her posts vetted by a professional. Jonah Platt, Marc’s son, publicly criticized Zegler’s “narcissistic” behavior, claiming her political activism damaged the film’s box office. These incidents suggest tension with Disney, but not a formal termination.

The “blacklist” narrative may be exaggerated, but Zegler’s reputation has taken a hit. The Daily Mail reported that Disney shelved a planned live-action Tangled remake, partly due to Snow White’s failure, raising questions about Zegler’s bankability. Some industry insiders, cited in Variety, have rebuked Disney for allowing Zegler to “control the narrative,” suggesting studios may hesitate to cast her in high-stakes projects. Comparisons to actors like Melissa Barrera, fired from Scream 7 for pro-Palestine posts, and Susan Sarandon, reportedly blacklisted for similar views, fuel speculation about Zegler’s future. Yet, her youth and talent make a permanent blacklist unlikely, as Hollywood often forgives young stars who weather early controversies.

Zegler’s Career Before the Storm

Zegler’s rise was meteoric. Discovered on YouTube at 17, she landed the role of Maria in Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), earning a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. She followed with roles in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), which grossed $349 million, and Y2K (2024). Her Broadway debut as Juliet in a 2024 Romeo + Juliet revival was a box office success, though she was snubbed for a Tony nomination. These achievements established her as a versatile triple threat—singer, actress, and dancer—before Snow White cast a shadow over her trajectory.

Zegler’s Latina heritage (Colombian-Polish) and advocacy for representation made her a symbol of progress in Hollywood, but her outspokenness has been divisive. While supporters praise her authenticity, critics argue her political activism, from calling out colorism to her “free Palestine” posts, has alienated audiences and industry gatekeepers. Her clash with Ariana DeBose, who inadvertently shared a quote from Jonah Platt blaming Zegler for Snow White’s failure, highlighted the industry’s mixed feelings about her.

Support Amid the Backlash

Despite the negativity, Zegler has vocal defenders. Fans on X have rallied behind her, with one stating she showed “more backbone and integrity at 23 than 99% of powerful people” by refusing to delete her political post. Actress Melissa Barrera, fired from Scream 7 for similar views, publicly supported Zegler, framing her as a victim of industry double standards. Pedro Pascal faced criticism for calling Zegler an “icon” on Instagram, but his gesture underscored her support among peers. Vanity Fair argued that blaming Zegler for Snow White’s failure is “perversely flattering,” suggesting the discourse is elevating her as a cultural figure.

Some critics, like Kelechi Ehenulo, have called Zegler a victim of “culture wars,” noting that actors from underrepresented backgrounds often face disproportionate backlash. The film’s failure, they argue, reflects broader issues—audience fatigue with live-action remakes, a polarized political climate, and production missteps—rather than Zegler alone.

What’s Next for Zegler?

Contrary to claims of a career-ending blacklist, Zegler has projects lined up. She’s currently starring as Eva Perón in a West End revival of Evita at the London Palladium, which opened in June 2025. Despite reports of sluggish ticket sales, attributed partly to her Snow White controversies, the production offers a chance to showcase her musical theater roots. Her next film, She Gets It From Me, a comedy-drama with Marisa Tomei, is set for release in 2026, suggesting studios are still willing to work with her in smaller-scale projects.

Zegler has also ventured into music, releasing a cover of “Who I’d Be” from Shrek the Musical, signaling a pivot to safer creative outlets. While these moves indicate resilience, her ability to secure leading roles in major blockbusters may depend on rebuilding her public image. A break from social media, as some have suggested, could help her navigate the ongoing harassment and refocus on her craft.

The Bigger Picture

The Snow White controversy reflects broader tensions in Hollywood. The industry’s push for diverse casting and progressive narratives, as seen in Snow White’s feminist overhaul, often clashes with audience expectations and political divides. Zegler’s Latina casting and outspoken activism made her a target for both MAGA partisans and traditionalists, while her clash with Gadot highlighted the complexities of international politics in entertainment. Disney’s decision to distance itself from Zegler, as reported by Pajiba, underscores the studio’s struggle to balance artistic vision with commercial viability.

The narrative of Zegler’s “firing” and “blacklisting” also taps into a polarized cultural moment, where social media amplifies outrage and speculation. Posts on X claiming her career is over reflect sentiment rather than fact, but they highlight the pressure on young stars to navigate a hyper-scrutinized landscape. Zegler’s experience parallels that of other actors, like Gina Carano, fired from The Mandalorian for controversial posts, illustrating the fine line between personal expression and professional consequences.

Conclusion

Rachel Zegler has not been definitively fired or blacklisted, but the Snow White flop and surrounding controversies have undeniably dented her career. Her outspokenness, while admired by some, has made her a polarizing figure, with Disney and other studios wary of her as a “brand risk.” Yet, with Evita and She Gets It From Me on the horizon, Zegler’s talent and youth give her a path to recovery. The Snow White saga is less about one actress’s missteps and more about an industry grappling with creative stagnation, political divides, and audience fatigue. As Zegler navigates this crossroads, her next moves will determine whether she can reclaim her place as Hollywood’s rising star or remain a cautionary tale.