Rachel Zegler: From Rising Star to Hollywood’s Controversial Figure

Rachel Zegler was once hailed as Hollywood’s next big thing. Her breakout role in West Side Story earned her critical acclaim, a Golden Globe win, and praise from none other than Steven Spielberg himself. She was positioned as the fresh face of Gen Z stardom, a young actress with the talent and charisma to lead Disney’s next major franchise. But what should have been the beginning of a meteoric career turned into one of Hollywood’s most spectacular controversies.

Rachel’s casting as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake of the beloved 1937 animated classic initially seemed like a dream come true. The film carried the historic legacy of being Disney’s first animated feature, and Rachel was set to bring a modern twist to the iconic princess. However, from the moment the project was announced, it was met with skepticism and criticism. Rachel’s comments during the press tour only added fuel to the fire.

In interviews, Rachel dismissed the original Snow White as “weird” and “outdated,” laughing off its romantic core and insisting that her version of the character would be nothing like the original. “She’s not going to be saved by a prince,” Rachel declared proudly. “She’s not dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be.” While Rachel’s intentions to modernize the story were clear, her tone came across as disrespectful to fans who cherished the original film. Clips of her interviews went viral, with many accusing her of mocking the classic and its legacy.

The backlash grew louder when Rachel’s comments resurfaced alongside promotional material for the film. Fans were upset, not just by her interpretation of Snow White but by her attitude. Words like “smug,” “entitled,” and “out of touch” flooded social media. Parents publicly stated they wouldn’t take their children to see the movie, and longtime Disney fans felt insulted by Rachel’s remarks. Even neutral viewers began to criticize her, questioning whether she truly understood the character she was portraying.

The controversy reached its peak when Snow White premiered. Despite its massive $250 million budget, the film opened to a shockingly weak $45 million at the domestic box office—a disastrous number for a Disney live-action remake. For comparison, The Little Mermaid, despite its own controversies, pulled in $95 million during its opening weekend. Analysts labeled Snow White a flop, and major theater chains began quietly removing the film from their biggest screens, relegating it to less desirable showtimes. Some theaters dropped the movie entirely within its second week.

Rachel’s attempt to reclaim her narrative came in the form of a now-viral video filmed from her bedroom. In the video, Rachel addressed the hate she had received online, oscillating between vulnerability and defiance. “I never want it to come off as me being ungrateful for the opportunities I have,” she said. “I can also be having the greatest time and simultaneously wishing people would stop sending me death threats.” She defended her performance and insisted that people still showed up to support her work. “Despite my flaws and my cracks, I can only hope that at every premiere and everything I do, people will wait in line to see.”

But instead of silencing her critics, the video ignited a firestorm. Within minutes, clips from the video were circulating across social media. TikTokers stitched the footage with reactions ranging from disbelief to comedy skits mocking her statements. On platforms like Twitter (now X), hashtags like #SnowFlop trended, and the internet descended into chaos. What was meant to be a heartfelt defense was seen as tone-deaf, self-centered, and out of touch with the reality of the film’s reception.

The backlash wasn’t limited to online comments. Rachel’s Oscars appearance alongside co-star Gal Gadot further highlighted the tension surrounding the project. Photos and videos showed a distinct lack of warmth between the two actresses. Gal barely acknowledged Rachel during press appearances, standing stiffly and avoiding eye contact. Insiders later confirmed that Gal had quietly distanced herself from the film and its star, fulfilling her promotional obligations but steering clear of further involvement. While Gal’s reputation remained untouched, Rachel found herself increasingly isolated, with no public support from co-stars or industry allies.

Behind the scenes, the fallout was even more severe. Reports emerged that Rachel’s future projects were being reconsidered. Studios that once saw her as a bankable star were now questioning whether audiences would buy tickets to see her. Marketing teams re-evaluated whether she could anchor campaigns, and conversations about high-profile roles slowed down significantly. Rachel’s team scrambled to repair her image, pitching redemption-style profiles and soft press appearances, but the damage was done.

Rachel’s rise had been meteoric, but her fall was swift. Her effort to modernize a classic came across as arrogant, and her attempt to reclaim control of the narrative backfired spectacularly. What should have been her breakout leading role became the very thing that fractured her public image and career trajectory.

The controversy surrounding Rachel Zegler wasn’t just about one bad film. It became a symbol of larger issues—how legacy films were being reinterpreted, how celebrities handled criticism, and how audiences were increasingly willing to vote with their wallets. Rachel’s defiance, her dismissal of the original Snow White, and her failure to connect with fans turned her into a cautionary tale. Hollywood had once positioned her as its next big star, but now she stood as a reminder of how quickly the spotlight can turn harsh.

Rachel Zegler’s story is one of ambition, missteps, and the unforgiving nature of fame. Whether she can rebuild her career remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: her journey from rising star to Hollywood’s controversial figure will be remembered for years to come.

Play video: