Rachel Zegler’s Emotional Turmoil as Brett Cooper’s Bold Snow White Claim Sparks a Hollywood Firestorm

A storm has erupted in Hollywood, where fairy tales and modern drama have collided in a clash of epic proportions. At the heart of the controversy are two young stars: Rachel Zegler, Disney’s Snow White, and Brett Cooper, the face of a competing adaptation. Viral rumors claim Zegler broke down after Cooper allegedly declared herself the “better Snow White,” igniting a firestorm across social media. The story has captivated audiences, but what’s the truth behind the headlines? Let’s dive into the competing Snow White projects, the cultural divide fueling the feud, and the real reasons this drama has everyone talking.

The Tale of Two Snow Whites

In 2024, the entertainment world braced for a unique showdown: two Snow White films, each with a distinct vision, were set to hit screens in 2025. Disney’s live-action remake, starring Rachel Zegler, aimed to reimagine the 1937 animated classic for a modern audience. Directed by Marc Webb and featuring a script by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, the film promised a fresh take, with Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen and Andrew Burnap in a reimagined male lead role. New music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul underscored Disney’s goal to empower its princess, moving away from the traditional damsel-in-distress narrative.

On the other side, The Daily Wire, a conservative media outlet, launched its own adaptation, Snow White and the Evil Queen, starring YouTuber Brett Cooper. Produced for their children’s platform, Bentkey, this version aimed to stay true to the original fairy tale, emphasizing traditional values. Marketed as an alternative to Disney’s progressive approach, it gained traction among audiences frustrated with modern reinterpretations. The stage was set for a cultural clash, with each film embodying opposing views on storytelling.

The drama escalated when rumors surfaced that Zegler was devastated by Cooper’s alleged claim to be the superior Snow White. Social media posts and YouTube videos amplified the story, with headlines screaming about Zegler’s emotional breakdown. But how much of this narrative holds up under scrutiny?

Unraveling the Rumor Mill

Despite the viral buzz, evidence supporting claims of Zegler’s breakdown is scarce. No verified statements from Zegler mention Cooper or The Daily Wire’s project. She has remained silent on social media platforms like X and Instagram about the competing film, focusing instead on promoting Disney’s version. Online discussions have pointed out that the “breakdown” story lacks credible sources, with many labeling it as clickbait designed to exploit ideological divides.

Cooper, however, has been more vocal. In a 2024 podcast appearance, she expressed disappointment with Disney’s approach, criticizing its departure from the classic tale. While she didn’t directly claim to be the “better Snow White,” her comments fueled speculation of a rivalry. The lack of direct interaction between the two actresses suggests the feud is largely a product of online exaggeration, with content creators capitalizing on the polarized entertainment landscape.

The rumor’s spread highlights the power of social media to shape narratives. Misleading thumbnails and sensational titles have pitted Zegler and Cooper against each other, despite little evidence of personal animosity. The story has thrived on the broader cultural debate over how classic stories should be told in today’s world.

The Daily Wire’s Snow White Stumbles

The Daily Wire’s Snow White and the Evil Queen initially garnered attention for its promise to deliver a traditional retelling. Disney’s casting of Zegler, a Latina actress, had sparked racist backlash from some who argued she didn’t match the “fairest of them all” description. Zegler’s comments about updating the story to focus less on romance further alienated traditionalists. Disney’s decision to replace the seven dwarfs with CGI “magical creatures” also drew criticism, prompted by concerns about perpetuating stereotypes. Though later adjusted to include CGI dwarfs, the move remained divisive.

The Daily Wire seized the opportunity, positioning its film as a return to the fairy tale’s roots. But the project faced a setback in December 2024 when Cooper announced her departure from the company. In a video on her YouTube channel, she clarified that her exit was her decision, dispelling rumors of being forced out. Creative differences reportedly played a role, with Cooper favoring a faithful, apolitical adaptation while The Daily Wire pushed for elements designed to provoke progressive audiences.

Cooper’s exit has left the film’s future uncertain. She has since launched a new digital platform, The Brett Cooper Show, which has already gained a significant following ahead of its 2025 debut. Her career trajectory suggests she’s moving forward, undeterred by the project’s challenges.

Disney’s Snow White Struggles at the Box Office

Disney’s Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, faced its own hurdles. With a production and marketing budget exceeding $350 million, the film underperformed, earning $43 million domestically and $87 million globally in its opening weekend. Industry analysts pointed to several factors, including backlash against Zegler’s outspokenness. A tweet expressing solidarity with Palestine, posted after thanking fans for watching the trailer, sparked controversy and reportedly strained her relationship with Disney.

The studio scaled back the film’s premiere to a low-key event, a stark contrast to other major releases. Some speculated Disney was distancing itself from Zegler, citing her political statements as a liability. However, Zegler has maintained a strong fanbase, with supporters praising her authenticity and courage. Her tweet remains online, reflecting her commitment to her beliefs despite the backlash.

The film’s lukewarm reception raises questions about Disney’s approach to remakes. While some applauded the inclusive casting and updated narrative, others felt it strayed too far from the original. The competing visions of Snow White have highlighted the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation in a polarized market.

A Cultural Clash in Fairy Tale Form

The Zegler-Cooper controversy is less about a personal rivalry and more about a broader cultural divide. Disney’s progressive reimaginings have sparked both praise and criticism, reflecting a fractured audience. The Daily Wire’s attempt to offer an alternative tapped into a growing demand for conservative media, but its execution faltered. The online narrative, fueled by misinformation, has exaggerated the feud, turning a professional competition into a personal drama.

For Zegler, the controversy has solidified her as a polarizing yet resilient figure. Her ability to weather racist attacks, studio pressure, and online vitriol has earned her admiration from those who see her as a voice for change. Cooper, meanwhile, is forging a new path, leveraging her platform to connect with audiences who share her values. Both women are navigating a complex media landscape where fairy tales have become battlegrounds for cultural debates.

The Snow White saga underscores the challenges of storytelling in a divided world. As audiences demand narratives that reflect their values, studios and creators must grapple with how to honor tradition while embracing change. The lack of direct conflict between Zegler and Cooper suggests the real drama lies in how their projects have been weaponized in broader cultural conversations.

Why This Story Resonates

The Rachel Zegler-Brett Cooper narrative has captivated audiences because it taps into deeper questions about identity, representation, and the stories we tell. The viral rumor of Zegler’s breakdown, though likely untrue, reflects the internet’s power to amplify drama and shape perceptions. The competing Snow White films highlight the tension between tradition and progress, a debate that extends far beyond Hollywood.

As Disney rethinks its approach to remakes and The Daily Wire reassesses its cinematic ambitions, the Snow White controversy serves as a microcosm of today’s entertainment landscape. It’s a reminder that even fairy tales can spark real-world debates, drawing in audiences eager to take sides. Whether you’re Team Zegler or Team Cooper, the story’s staying power lies in its ability to reflect our divided times.