Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old star of West Side Story and Disney’s Snow White, has once again found herself at the heart of a heated debate, this time surrounding her audition for the role of Esmeralda in Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The project, announced in early 2025, is directed by Rob Marshall, known for The Little Mermaid (2023), and aims to bring Victor Hugo’s classic tale to life with a musical flair rooted in Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz’s iconic score. Marshall’s reported comment—“Rarely have I seen an actor with a voice like Rachel, but audience reactions make me quite hesitant”—captures the dichotomy of Zegler’s undeniable talent and the polarized public response that has trailed her career. Drawing on web sources and social media sentiment, this article explores Zegler’s audition, the casting controversy, the film’s vision, and the broader implications for her trajectory in Hollywood.
A Star’s Audition and a Director’s Dilemma
Disney’s live-action Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the studio’s most ambitious remakes, aiming to balance the dark themes of Hugo’s 1831 novel with the emotional resonance of the 1996 animated classic. The story, set in 15th-century Paris, follows Quasimodo, a deformed bell-ringer, and his love for Esmeralda, a compassionate Romani woman, against a backdrop of prejudice and corruption. The role of Esmeralda demands a commanding stage presence, emotional depth, and a powerful voice to tackle songs like “God Help the Outcasts.” Zegler, whose vocal performances in West Side Story and Evita have been widely praised, was invited to audition in April 2025, following her West End stint as Eva Perón.
Rob Marshall, a director known for his meticulous casting, was reportedly floored by Zegler’s audition tape, which included a rendition of “God Help the Outcasts” that showcased her crystalline vocals and emotional intensity. A leaked rehearsal clip on YouTube, capturing Zegler performing the song in a 2019 concert, resurfaced online, amplifying buzz about her suitability for the role. Marshall’s comment, shared in a closed-door studio meeting and later reported by Inside the Magic, praised her as a rare talent but expressed hesitation due to “audience reactions.” This ambivalence reflects Zegler’s fraught public image, shaped by controversies over her Snow White casting and comments, as well as her recent Evita performance, which some labeled a “flop” after a mid-show exit on July 24, 2025, due to illness.
The audition process for Hunchback has been shrouded in Disney’s typical secrecy, with scripts using code names like “Amber” to obscure roles, a practice Zegler herself described during her Snow White casting on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Her tape, reportedly filmed in New York under the guidance of musical supervisor David Chase, was described as “sensational,” echoing the enthusiasm for her Evita audition. Yet, Marshall’s hesitation points to the backlash Zegler has faced, particularly from Disney purists critical of her Snow White remarks, where she called the 1937 film “dated” and emphasized a modernized, leadership-driven princess. These comments, combined with her non-Romani heritage, have fueled debates about her suitability for Esmeralda, a character defined by her marginalized identity.
The Casting Controversy and Cultural Sensitivities
Zegler’s potential casting as Esmeralda has reignited discussions about representation, a recurring theme in her career. Her West Side Story role as Maria, a Puerto Rican character, drew scrutiny over her Colombian-Polish ancestry, despite her Latina identity. Similarly, her Snow White casting sparked outrage from fans who argued her Latinx background didn’t align with the “skin white as snow” description. For Hunchback, the role of Esmeralda, a Romani woman, carries significant cultural weight, given the character’s portrayal as a victim of prejudice in Hugo’s narrative and Disney’s adaptation. Posts on X have criticized Zegler’s casting, with users arguing that a Romani actress should be chosen to honor the character’s heritage, echoing sentiments from her Evita casting as Eva Perón.
Disney’s history with Hunchback adds complexity to the debate. The 1996 animated film faced criticism for sanitizing Hugo’s darker themes and for its portrayal of Romani characters, despite consulting with Romani communities for the live-action remake. Zegler’s defenders, including Evita co-star James Olivas, argue that the backlash is “manufactured outrage” targeting her as a young woman of color. Halle Bailey, who faced similar criticism as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, publicly supported Zegler, tweeting, “We love you so much, truly the perfect princess.” Still, the vocal opposition, amplified by X posts questioning her vocal range and fit for Esmeralda, has made Disney cautious, with Marshall reportedly considering other actresses, including a rumored shortlist featuring Anya Taylor-Joy and Zendaya.
The Vision for Hunchback and Zegler’s Fit
Disney’s live-action Hunchback aims to blend the animated film’s musicality with a grittier, more faithful nod to Hugo’s novel, exploring themes of faith, privilege, and discrimination. Rob Marshall, collaborating with Menken and Schwartz, envisions a lushly scored production that retains songs like “Out There” and “Hellfire” while introducing new material. The film is expected to begin filming in 2026, with a release targeted for 2027, and features a diverse cast, with rumored names like Kit Connor as Quasimodo and Tom Blyth as Phoebus, sparked by a viral TikTok petition. The production’s budget, estimated at $200 million, reflects Disney’s ambition to create a visually stunning epic, with Paris recreated through a mix of practical sets and CGI.
Zegler’s vocal ability makes her a strong contender for Esmeralda. Her 2019 performance of “God Help the Outcasts,” shared on YouTube, showcased a voice capable of the role’s demanding range, from tender ballads to powerful anthems. Her stage experience in Evita, despite its controversies, demonstrated her ability to command a theater, with critics praising her “enthralling” presence. However, her mid-show exit during Evita on July 24, attributed to illness, fueled perceptions of unreliability, with X users calling her “unprofessional” and linking it to broader critiques of her Snow White press tour. These incidents, combined with her non-Romani background, have amplified Marshall’s hesitation, as he navigates the balance between talent and public perception.
Zegler’s Resilience Amid Scrutiny
Zegler’s career has been a study in resilience, from enduring nine auditions for West Side Story to navigating the Snow White backlash. Her Evita run, which continues through September 6, 2025, has been a critical success despite the July 24 incident, with sold-out shows and chart success for “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” Her emotional response to the Evita controversy, shared on Instagram, highlighted her gratitude for her cast and understudy Bella Brown, who stepped in seamlessly. This resilience positions her well for Hunchback, but the role’s cultural significance and her existing controversies make her casting a gamble.
Marshall’s comment reflects a broader challenge in Hollywood: balancing an actor’s talent with their public image. Zegler’s vocal and acting chops are undeniable, but her outspokenness—seen in her Snow White comments and political posts—has made her a lightning rod. Disney’s delay of Snow White from 2024 to March 21, 2025, was partly attributed to managing this backlash, and similar concerns may influence Hunchback’s casting. Yet, Zegler’s supporters argue that her talent outweighs the noise, with Olivas noting that she’s targeted as an “easy mark” due to her youth and identity.
The Road Ahead for Hunchback and Zegler
The Hunchback casting remains unconfirmed, with Disney reportedly still in early discussions. If Zegler secures the role, her performance could redefine her career, showcasing her ability to tackle complex, culturally significant characters. However, a rejection—mirroring her initial loss of Ariel in The Little Mermaid to Halle Bailey—could fuel further criticism. The film’s success will depend on its ability to navigate Disney’s history of controversial remakes, with Hunchback’s darker themes requiring careful handling to avoid the pitfalls of Pocahontas or the 1996 original.
Zegler’s journey reflects the pressures of modern stardom, where talent is scrutinized alongside social media presence. Her Evita experience, marked by both triumph and turmoil, underscores her ability to weather storms, but the Hunchback audition puts her at a crossroads. Marshall’s hesitation, driven by audience backlash, highlights the challenge of casting a polarizing figure in a role that demands authenticity. As Disney moves forward, the decision will test whether Zegler’s vocal brilliance can overcome the noise, or if the studio will opt for a less controversial choice.
Conclusion
Rachel Zegler’s audition for Esmeralda in Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame encapsulates her career’s highs and lows: a voice that stuns, a talent that shines, and a public image that invites relentless debate. Rob Marshall’s praise for her rare vocal ability is tempered by his hesitation over audience reactions, a nod to the controversies that have followed Zegler from Snow White to Evita. The Hunchback project, with its ambitious vision and cultural weight, offers Zegler a chance to cement her status as a leading lady, but the casting debate—fueled by representation concerns and her polarizing persona—poses risks. As the production gears up for 2026, Zegler’s journey underscores the tightrope walked by young stars in Hollywood, where every role is a battleground of talent, identity, and public perception.
