Disney’s Snow White and the Toxic Debate Over Rachel Zegler

Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White has ignited a heated debate, largely centring on its lead actress, Rachel Zegler. The 23-year-old has found herself at the core of discussions, with some attributing the film’s struggles to her while others defend her against the criticism. Long before the movie’s release, Zegler faced backlash for her remarks on the original film and her outspoken political views, particularly regarding former U.S. President Donald Trump and his supporters. Many argue that the scrutiny directed at her is unwarranted, particularly for such a young actress, while others believe her comments influenced the film’s reception.

Blame Game and Underwhelming Performance

Disney’s Snow White remake, released earlier this month, has received mixed to poor reviews. While some U.S. critics were relatively positive, the film has underperformed financially despite topping the North American box office initially. Notably, Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, criticised Zegler in a now-deleted social media post, alleging that her personal political opinions hurt the film’s success.

The controversy surrounding Zegler predates the film’s premiere. Her casting was met with resistance from some who argued that a Latina actress should not portray a character traditionally described as having “skin as white as snow.” Furthermore, in 2022, Zegler commented that the original movie’s emphasis on Snow White’s romantic storyline was outdated. She also described it as promoting archaic views on gender roles, adding that the new version aimed to modernise the narrative. These remarks led to accusations that she was disrespecting Disney’s legacy, with outlets like the Daily Mail and Variety characterising her comments as an attack on the original film.

Political Views and Additional Controversy

Zegler’s political stance has further fuelled debates. In a social media post last summer, she expressed support for Palestine, reportedly prompting Marc Platt to intervene personally. Later, she faced further scrutiny for remarks following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where she stated she hoped Trump and his supporters “never knew peace.” She later apologised, but the backlash remained. While some support her for speaking out, others argue that her political activism affected the film’s reputation. Film critic Conor Riley believes that her statements did little to stabilise Snow White’s release. Meanwhile, her co-star Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, has faced backlash for her pro-Israel stance, highlighting the broader intersection of entertainment and politics.

A Wider Trend of Backlash

The criticism of Zegler aligns with a larger trend where women in the entertainment industry, particularly from under-represented backgrounds, face intense scrutiny. Kelechi Ehenulo, a film critic, points out that actors of colour often become prime targets in cultural debates. Similarly, journalist Anna Smith argues that public figures, especially women, are frequently subjected to biased reporting and harsher criticism than their male counterparts.

This phenomenon is not unique to Zegler. Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown recently condemned media scrutiny over her appearance, calling it bullying. Others have pointed out that studios and social media platforms often fail to protect actors from online harassment. Ehenulo argues that the industry’s silence on these issues allows the hostility to persist unchecked.

The Future for Rachel Zegler

Despite the controversy, Zegler’s career continues to progress. She is set to star in the West End production of Evita this summer and recently appeared on CBeebies Bedtime Stories, delivering a message about self-empowerment. Industry experts believe that while she may not work with Disney again soon, her talent and accolades, including a Golden Globe win, will keep her in demand.

Box Office Struggles and Unexpected Competition

Adding to the discourse surrounding Snow White is its disappointing performance at the box office. In an unexpected turn, Jason Statham’s A Working Man overtook the film in its second weekend, signalling a rapid decline in audience interest. Disney’s remake suffered a 66% drop in earnings despite initial expectations that it would maintain dominance.

Produced with a budget exceeding $250 million, Snow White has struggled to recover its costs, with global revenue of just over $143 million in two weeks. Competing releases such as Death of a Unicorn and The Woman in the Yard did not make a significant impact, but The Chosen: The Last Supper performed well, securing $11.5 million. Meanwhile, the re-release of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke saw notable success on IMAX screens, highlighting the enduring appeal of classic animations.

A Shifting Landscape in Hollywood

The decline in Snow White’s earnings reflects broader trends in the film industry. Ticket sales for 2025 are down compared to previous years, with overall revenue dropping 11% from 2024 and nearly 40% from 2019. As Hollywood navigates these challenges, upcoming releases like A Minecraft Movie are expected to target family audiences and possibly reinvigorate the box office. The debate surrounding Rachel Zegler and Snow White extends beyond one film, touching on issues of race, politics, and the evolving nature of Hollywood storytelling. Whether or not the backlash against Zegler was justified, the situation underscores the growing complexities actors face in a highly politicised and socially divided entertainment landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, the conversation about representation, freedom of expression, and audience expectations is unlikely to fade anytime soon.