Rachel Zegler, known for her outspoken opinions, has become a source of controversy as her behavior threatens the success of the upcoming Snow White live-action remake, set to release in March 2025.
Sources close to the film reveal that Disney executives have struggled with Zegler’s unpredictable nature and were even considering replacing her during production in 2022.
Outbursts and Backlash
The 23-year-old actress, who plays the lead role of Snow White, recently faced significant backlash after making critical remarks about Trump voters.
Zegler’s comments, which included a wish that “Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace,” sparked outrage among many who have now pledged to boycott the film.
Though Zegler later apologized, claiming her emotions got the best of her, the damage had already been done.
According to an insider, Disney executives have been frustrated by Zegler’s outspoken nature.
“They would love to be able to tell her to stop talking, but it’s simply too late,” the source shared with DailyMail.com.
The studio had previously discussed the possibility of removing her from the film, citing her disruptive behavior during production.
Production Issues and Growing Drama
Zegler’s outspoken nature didn’t just stir up controversy after the film was wrapped.
According to the source, her strong opinions about changes in the movie’s plot created tensions during filming.
The actress, who had already read the script, expressed dissatisfaction with the direction the story took, particularly how it deviated from the original Snow White.
Yet, the insider noted, she could have simply turned down the role if the changes bothered her that much.
“The truth is, she is a loose cannon,” the source explained.
“And there’s not much the studio can do to rein in her behavior. Everyone knows how difficult she is to work with.”
Despite these concerns, the source also mentioned that Zegler’s outbursts might ultimately help the film’s marketing, noting, “If anything, it generates more publicity, and more attention can translate to higher ticket sales.”
The Apology and Further Fallout
The controversy intensified after Zegler’s comments about Trump and his supporters went viral.
In a series of Instagram posts, she expressed her distress over his supporters and the direction of the country.
Her comments, which also took aim at Elon Musk for his support of Trump, quickly spread across social media.
Hours later, Zegler issued an apology, acknowledging that her anger had clouded her judgment and contributed to a negative discourse.
She clarified that she believed everyone had the right to their own opinion, even if it differed from hers.
Despite her apology, the fallout continued, with critics like Megyn Kelly calling for Disney to reconsider their casting decisions.
Zegler’s public statements have fueled concerns that the film could lose a significant portion of its potential audience, especially those who align with the views she criticized.
Ongoing Concerns and the Film’s Future
A second source emphasized that Zegler’s actions have led to heightened anxiety among Disney execs, who fear that her recent comments will alienate Trump supporters and others from the film.
“It’s been one disaster after another,” the source said, adding that the studio is nervous about the financial impact.
However, there may still be hope for the film.
The source noted that the lasting popularity of Snow White as a Disney classic and the studio’s strong marketing power could help the film succeed despite the controversies surrounding its lead actress.
Zegler’s Criticisms of the Original Film
Beyond the recent controversies, Zegler has also made waves with her comments about the original 1937 Snow White animated film.
She criticized its portrayal of women in power and the outdated ideas about gender roles.
“The original cartoon came out in 1937, and it shows,” Zegler remarked. “There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird.” Her version of Snow White, she noted, would focus on dreams of leadership rather than romance.
In addition, Zegler raised eyebrows earlier this year by adding a “Free Palestine” hashtag to a post promoting the Snow White trailer, which led to speculation about possible tensions with her co-star Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress and former soldier.
The Road Ahead
With Zegler’s comments continuing to stir the pot, Disney executives will be holding their breath as the film’s release date approaches.
Despite the growing controversies, the film still has the backing of Disney’s powerful marketing engine, and the enduring popularity of Snow White could ensure its box office success—controversy aside.
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