Rachel Zegler’s Evita Struggles with Embarrassing Ticket Sales

Rachel Zegler, once heralded as Hollywood’s brightest rising star, is facing a new challenge as her highly anticipated West End debut in a revival of Evita at the London Palladium is reportedly struggling with dismal ticket sales. The 23-year-old actress, known for her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and her polarizing performance in Disney’s Snow White (2025), was expected to draw crowds to the iconic musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. However, just weeks before the show’s June 14, 2025, opening, reports indicate that the 2,286-seat venue is awash with unsold seats, sparking concerns about Zegler’s star power and the production’s viability. What’s behind this embarrassing flop, and can Zegler turn the tide before the curtain rises?

The Promise of Evita

Zegler’s casting as Eva Perón in Evita, directed by Jamie Lloyd, was announced with fanfare in March 2025. The role of the charismatic Argentine First Lady, immortalized by songs like “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” is a coveted one, previously played by legends like Patti LuPone and Madonna. Zegler, with her lyric soprano voice and theatrical background, seemed a natural fit. Her Broadway debut as Juliet in a 2024 revival of Romeo + Juliet had been a commercial success, despite mixed reviews, and her vocal performances in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes showcased her ability to command a stage. Director Lloyd praised her, predicting she would “blow the roof off the London Palladium.”

The production, running for 12 weeks through September 6, 2025, was positioned as a major event, with Diego Andres Rodriguez cast as Che and a creative team backed by Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and The Jamie Lloyd Company. Initial reports suggested strong advance sales, with nearly $4 million in tickets sold before Zegler’s casting was even confirmed. Yet, recent updates paint a starkly different picture. According to sources like the Daily Mail and posts on X, the Palladium’s ticketing website shows vast swaths of unsold seats for June, July, August, and September, despite ticket prices starting at a modest £29.50. This has led to headlines branding the production a “flop” before it even opens, raising questions about Zegler’s appeal and the broader context surrounding her career.

The Snow White Backlash

Zegler’s current predicament cannot be separated from the fallout of Disney’s Snow White, which premiered in March 2025 to disappointing box office results and critical pans. The $270 million remake, a live-action adaptation of the 1937 animated classic, grossed just $194.5 million worldwide against a reported budget of nearly $300 million, marking a significant financial loss for Disney. Zegler, who played the titular role, faced intense scrutiny for her comments during the film’s promotional cycle, where she criticized the original story’s “sexist” romantic plotline and emphasized a modernized Snow White focused on leadership over love.

These remarks, combined with her vocal political activism—including posts supporting Palestine and criticizing political figures—alienated some fans and fueled a backlash. The film was accused of being “woke,” and Zegler became a lightning rod for online criticism, with some blaming her outspokenness for the movie’s failure. A viral video of Zegler watching Snow White in a nearly empty theater further amplified perceptions of the film’s flop, with conservative social media accounts framing it as evidence of her declining popularity. Additionally, tensions with co-star Gal Gadot, reportedly over their differing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and a public spat involving West Side Story co-star Ariana DeBose, who inadvertently shared a quote criticizing Zegler, added to the negative narrative.

This baggage appears to have followed Zegler to London. Posts on X and YouTube videos have speculated that her Snow White controversies have dampened enthusiasm for Evita, with some fans hesitant to support her new venture. One X user wrote, “Rachel Zegler’s London play is tanking because people are tired of her attitude,” reflecting a sentiment that her public persona may be impacting ticket sales.

The Ticket Sales Crisis

The Daily Mail reported that a glance at the London Palladium’s ticketing website reveals “a lot of empty seats and no sellouts,” a stark contrast to the venue’s intimate 2,200-seat configuration, which typically fosters high demand for major productions. With tickets priced as low as £29.50, the lack of sales is particularly concerning for a show starring a high-profile actress in a well-known musical. YouTube channels and online outlets have amplified these claims, with titles like “Rachel Zegler’s New London Play Completely FLOPS” and “Tickets NOT Selling!” gaining traction.

Several factors may be contributing to the sluggish sales. First, the timing of Evita’s run—mid-summer, when London’s theater scene competes with tourist attractions and outdoor events—may be less than ideal. Second, the Snow White backlash could be deterring potential audiences, particularly those who associate Zegler with controversy. Third, while Zegler has a dedicated fanbase, her appeal may not yet translate to the West End, where theatergoers often prioritize established stage stars or the musical itself over celebrity casting. The Palladium’s large capacity, compared to smaller venues like the Dominion Theatre, also means filling seats is a steeper challenge.

However, the narrative of a “flop” may be overstated. The show is still two months from opening, and theater ticket sales often surge closer to the performance dates, especially for limited runs. Zegler’s casting was a late announcement, and marketing efforts may not have fully ramped up. Moreover, Lloyd’s innovative direction—known for bold, minimalist takes on classics like Sunset Boulevard—could attract audiences once reviews and buzz emerge. The reported $4 million in advance sales suggests some initial interest, and Zegler’s vocal talent could still draw crowds if the production gains momentum.

Zegler’s Career Crossroads

The Evita ticket sales crisis comes at a pivotal moment for Zegler. Her meteoric rise began with West Side Story (2021), where she won a Golden Globe at age 20, followed by roles in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), and Y2K (2024). Her Broadway debut in Romeo + Juliet was a box office hit, though she was snubbed for a Tony nomination, a slight some attributed to her polarizing public image. Now, with Snow White’s failure and Evita’s struggles, Zegler’s reputation as a bankable star is under scrutiny.

Zegler’s outspokenness has been both a strength and a liability. Her advocacy for representation, as a Latina actress of Colombian and Polish descent, and her willingness to address issues like colorism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have earned her a loyal following among younger, progressive audiences. Yet, her comments—such as calling the original Snow White “weird” or posting politically charged messages—have alienated others, with critics like Jonah Platt, son of Snow White producer Marc Platt, accusing her of “narcissism” that hurt the film’s performance. The Daily Mail noted that Zegler’s political views, including a post saying “f*** Donald Trump” after the 2024 election, prompted Disney to vet her social media, highlighting the studio’s struggle to manage her public persona.

The Evita role was seen as a chance for Zegler to pivot to safer ground, leveraging her musical theater roots to rebuild her image. Her emotional connection to the musical—she’s spoken of singing its songs with her father as a child—underscored her passion for the project. Yet, the ticket sales reports suggest that her controversies may be casting a long shadow, with some fans and theatergoers hesitant to invest in her latest endeavor.

Fan and Industry Reactions

Reactions to Evita’s struggles are mixed. On X, some users have piled on, with posts claiming Zegler’s “woke” persona and Snow White backlash are to blame. Others defend her, arguing that ticket sales could improve and that her vocal talent will shine in Evita. One fan wrote, “Rachel Zegler as Eva Perón is going to be iconic. People need to stop hating and give her a chance.” The theater community, meanwhile, remains optimistic about Lloyd’s vision and Zegler’s potential to deliver a standout performance, with some insiders noting that early sales slumps are not uncommon for summer runs.

The broader industry is watching closely. Zegler’s next project, the comedy-drama She Gets It From Me with Marisa Tomei, could offer a fresh start, but a successful Evita run is crucial to restoring her credibility. The Daily Mail suggested that her “career is in fierce jeopardy,” but others argue that at 23, Zegler has time to recover from setbacks. Her ability to navigate controversy and deliver on stage will be key.

Looking Ahead

With rehearsals starting April 28, 2025, and opening night looming, the Evita team faces pressure to boost ticket sales. Marketing campaigns highlighting Zegler’s vocal prowess, Lloyd’s directorial reputation, and the musical’s iconic score could turn the tide. Positive word-of-mouth and reviews could also drive last-minute purchases, a common trend in theater. If Zegler delivers a compelling Eva Perón, she could silence critics and reassert her star power.

The Evita situation underscores the challenges of transitioning from screen to stage, especially for a young actress under intense scrutiny. Zegler’s talent is undeniable, but her public image—shaped by both her advocacy and her controversies—has complicated her trajectory. Whether Evita becomes a triumph or a cautionary tale, it’s a critical test of her resilience and ability to connect with audiences.

Conclusion

Rachel Zegler’s West End debut in Evita was meant to be a crowning moment, but embarrassing ticket sales have cast a shadow over the production. The fallout from Snow White’s box office flop and Zegler’s polarizing public persona appear to be dampening enthusiasm, leaving the London Palladium with rows of empty seats. Yet, with two months until opening, there’s still time for Zegler and the Evita team to rally support and prove the naysayers wrong. As the curtain prepares to rise, all eyes are on Zegler to see if she can reclaim her fairytale ending.