Rachel Zegler’s Evita Flops as Ticket Sales Plummet in London

A West End Dream Turned Nightmare

Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress who skyrocketed to fame with her Golden Globe-winning role in West Side Story, is facing a career-defining crisis as her West End debut in a revival of Evita at the London Palladium struggles with abysmal ticket sales. Announced in early 2025, the production, directed by Jamie Lloyd and set to run from June 14 to September 6, 2025, was poised to showcase Zegler’s vocal prowess and stage presence as Eva Perón, the iconic Argentine First Lady. However, reports circulating on platforms like X and YouTube paint a grim picture, with claims that the 2,286-seat venue is “drenched in green” on ticketing websites, signaling rows of unsold seats just weeks before opening night. The flop, described as “catastrophic” in a YouTube video titled “Rachel Zegler’s NEW London Play Completely FLOPS As Ticket Sales Hit Rock Bottom,” has reignited scrutiny of Zegler’s star power following the box office failure of Disney’s Snow White. Let’s explore the reasons behind this disaster, the industry’s reaction, and why it’s sparked a firestorm of debate.

The Ticket Sales Debacle: A Shocking Low

The Evita revival was billed as a high-profile return to theater for Zegler, who made her Broadway debut as Juliet in a 2024 Romeo and Juliet revival that recouped its $7 million investment and drew the youngest audiences in recorded Broadway history. Expectations were high for her London debut, with ticket prices starting at a modest £29.50 to attract a broad audience. Yet, posts on X and online reports claim that sales have been dismal, with one X user, @scottrlevine, declaring, “Rachel Zegler’s NEW London Play Completely FLOPS As Ticket Sales Hit Roc…” alongside a YouTube link. Another post from @Draculordx in Spanish noted, “La nueva obra de Rachel Zegler en Londres es un fracaso total y las ventas caen por los suelos,” translating to a “total failure” with sales “hitting rock bottom.” While exact figures are unavailable, the narrative suggests that the Palladium, a 2,286-seat theater, is far from sold out, a stark contrast to the sold-out runs of Lloyd’s previous productions like Sunset Boulevard.

The low ticket sales come on the heels of Zegler’s Snow White debacle, which grossed just $225 million worldwide against a $270 million budget, resulting in a reported $115 million loss for Disney. The film’s failure, attributed partly to Zegler’s controversial comments about the 1937 original and her political posts, has cast a shadow over her marketability. Fans on X speculate that her Evita role, which requires her to embody a historical figure revered in Argentina, may be suffering from similar backlash, with some questioning her suitability for the part. The modest pricing and lack of sellouts, despite Zegler’s name recognition, suggest a reluctance among theatergoers, potentially driven by her polarizing public image.

Why the Flop? A Perfect Storm of Factors

Several factors appear to have contributed to Evita’s ticket sales crisis. First, Zegler’s recent controversies have made her a lightning rod for criticism. Her Snow White remarks, including calling the original film “dated” and its prince a “stalker,” alienated some Disney fans, while her political posts, such as a 2024 X statement supporting Palestine and a post-election tirade against Donald Trump, sparked backlash from conservative audiences. These incidents, coupled with a reported feud with Snow White co-star Gal Gadot, have painted Zegler as a divisive figure, with X users like @MARKHAL24182367 questioning her ability to draw crowds after “Snow White’s woke disaster.” The Evita production, already a risky revival of a 1978 musical with a niche appeal, may be suffering from this baggage, as theatergoers hesitate to invest in a star perceived as controversial.

Second, the Evita production itself faces challenges. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical, known for hits like “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” has a storied history but lacks the universal draw of modern blockbusters like Hamilton. The London Palladium, while prestigious, is a large venue, and filling 2,286 seats for 12 weeks requires significant demand. Jamie Lloyd’s minimalist, avant-garde directing style, seen in his Sunset Boulevard revival, may not resonate with traditional Evita fans expecting a lavish production. Additionally, the casting of Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che, announced on April 8, 2025, has yet to generate buzz, and the absence of a full cast announcement may have dampened excitement. On Reddit, users in r/musicaltheatre speculated that the production’s marketing, which leans heavily on Zegler’s name, may have backfired given her recent flops.

Finally, broader industry trends may be at play. London’s West End, like Broadway, has faced challenges post-COVID, with audiences prioritizing established hits over new revivals. Evita’s ticket prices, while affordable, compete with star-driven shows like The Devil Wears Prada musical, which boasts a high-profile cast. Zegler’s Broadway success with Romeo and Juliet was fueled by millennial and Gen-Z audiences, but her Snow White fallout may have eroded this base, particularly among older theatergoers who dominate Evita’s demographic. An X post suggested that Zegler’s youth and lack of stage experience compared to past Eva Peróns, like Elaine Paige or Patti LuPone, could be a deterrent, with one user writing, “She’s talented, but Eva needs gravitas Rachel doesn’t have yet.”

Fan and Industry Reactions: A Divided Response

The reaction to Evita’s ticket sales flop has been polarized. On X, detractors have seized on the news, framing it as evidence of Zegler’s declining star power. Posts like “Rachel Zegler’s London play is a ghost town, nobody’s buying tickets” reflect a gleeful narrative, with some linking her struggles to Snow White’s failure and her political outspokenness. YouTube videos have amplified this, with one channel claiming Zegler is “using her dog’s illness” to garner sympathy amid the flop, a reference to her social media posts about her pet Lenny’s health issues. These claims, while unverified, have fueled a perception of Zegler as desperate to salvage her image.

Supporters, however, have rallied to her defense, arguing that the flop is overstated and unfairly pinned on her. On Reddit, fans in r/Broadway praised Zegler’s vocal talent, citing her West Side Story and Hunger Games performances as proof of her stage potential. One user wrote, “Rachel’s getting scapegoated for a production that was underpromoted. Evita’s a tough sell in 2025.” Others point to her Romeo and Juliet success, which sold out despite mixed reviews, as evidence of her draw among younger audiences. Actress Melissa Barrera, a friend and fellow Latina star, reposted a supportive message on Instagram, calling Zegler “a trailblazer,” while fans on X urged theatergoers to give her a chance, with one stating, “Rachel’s voice is unreal, Evita will be a hit once it opens.”

The industry response has been more cautious. Theater insiders on X speculate that Jamie Lloyd’s reputation could stabilize the production, with his Sunset Boulevard revival earning a 2025 Grammy nomination. However, the lack of sellouts is a red flag for a high-profile revival, and some analysts suggest that Zegler’s casting, while bold, may have overestimated her ability to fill seats post-Snow White. The production’s reliance on her star power, without a robust marketing campaign or additional A-list names, has left it vulnerable, especially in a competitive West End season.

The Bigger Picture: Zegler’s Career at a Crossroads

The Evita flop comes at a precarious moment for Zegler, whose meteoric rise has been overshadowed by recent setbacks. Her Snow White role, once a career-defining opportunity, became a lightning rod for controversy, with critics and fans targeting her Latina casting, political posts, and comments about the original film. The film’s $225 million global gross, against a $270 million budget, has been labeled one of Disney’s biggest bombs, with a Rasmussen Reports survey finding that only 30% of Americans believe Zegler deserves significant blame. Her subsequent projects, including the indie film She Gets It From Me with Marisa Tomei, have also faced reported drama, with unverified claims of production halts due to creative clashes.

The Evita ticket sales crisis amplifies concerns about Zegler’s marketability. Her Broadway debut in Romeo and Juliet proved she can draw young audiences, but the West End’s older, more traditional demographic may be less forgiving of her controversies. Her outspokenness, while resonating with progressive fans, has alienated others, with X posts accusing her of “pushing away audiences” with her politics. Yet, her talent remains undeniable, with critics praising her “captivating” performance in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and her vocal range in West Side Story. The challenge for Zegler is rebuilding trust with audiences while navigating a polarized cultural landscape.

What’s Next for Evita and Zegler?

As Evita approaches its June 14 opening, the production faces an uphill battle. A surge in last-minute ticket sales, driven by positive buzz or influencer campaigns, could salvage the run, especially if Zegler’s performance as Eva Perón earns critical acclaim. Jamie Lloyd’s track record suggests the show could find its footing, but the Palladium’s size and the musical’s niche appeal make a turnaround difficult. Firaxis, the production’s backers, may need to ramp up marketing, possibly highlighting co-star Diego Andres Rodriguez or leveraging Lloyd’s reputation to attract theatergoers.

For Zegler, Evita is a make-or-break moment. A successful run could silence critics and reestablish her as a stage star, paving the way for future roles like She Gets It From Me or a rumored Wicked audition. A flop, however, could cement her as a risky investment, particularly in theater, where audience goodwill is crucial. Her supporters remain optimistic, with one X user declaring, “Rachel Zegler will prove the haters wrong. Evita’s her comeback.” As the curtain rises, the world watches to see if Zegler can channel Eva Perón’s charisma to turn a potential disaster into a triumph.

A Drama That Defines a Star

The ticket sales flop of Evita has thrust Rachel Zegler into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, highlighting the challenges of navigating fame in a divided era. Whether driven by her Snow White fallout, the production’s marketing missteps, or broader industry trends, the crisis has made Evita a test of Zegler’s resilience. As fans and critics debate her role in the debacle, the story underscores the precarious balance between talent, public perception, and marketability. For now, Evita’s empty seats are a stark reminder that even a star as bright as Zegler can flicker under pressure, but her next move could still rewrite the narrative.