Disney’s live-action Snow White, released in March 2025, has been a lightning rod for controversy since its inception, and the drama surrounding its lead actress, Rachel Zegler, shows no signs of slowing down. As of May 15, 2025, the $270 million remake, which reimagines the 1937 animated classic, has not only flopped at the box office but is now facing an uphill battle in the streaming landscape. With a global theatrical gross of just $194.5 million—far below the $540 million to $810 million needed to break even—and a recent Mother’s Day re-release that earned a mere $335,000, the film’s financial woes are undeniable. Now, new developments involving Zegler’s ongoing controversies, coupled with Disney’s reported decision to distance itself from her, have further jeopardized Snow White’s chances of finding a second life on Disney+. Despite Zegler’s resilience and undeniable talent, the unrelenting drama surrounding her has cast a long shadow over the film’s future, proving that even a star as unstoppable as Zegler cannot escape the consequences of a PR storm.
A Disastrous Theatrical Run Sets the Stage
The troubles for Snow White began long before its theatrical release. From the moment Zegler was cast in 2021, the film faced backlash. As a Latina actress of Colombian-Polish descent, Zegler’s casting as Snow White—a character traditionally described as having “skin as white as snow”—drew racist criticism from some fans who argued she wasn’t “white enough” for the role. Zegler addressed this early on, emphasizing the cultural significance of Snow White in Spanish-speaking countries and her pride in portraying a Latina princess. However, the backlash escalated when Zegler made comments about the 1937 original during the promotional tour, calling its romance plot “weird” and the prince a “stalker.” She also noted that the remake would focus on Snow White’s agency rather than her love story, a decision that alienated fans who cherished the nostalgia of the classic.
The film’s creative choices added fuel to the fire. Disney replaced the Seven Dwarfs with CGI “magical creatures” after actor Peter Dinklage criticized the original portrayal as stereotypical, a move that angered dwarf actors like Jason Acuna, who felt excluded. Zegler’s political activism further complicated matters. In August 2024, she posted on X, “and always remember, free Palestine,” alongside a promotional tweet for Snow White, prompting a spike in death threats against her co-star Gal Gadot, who is Israeli. Disney reportedly paid for additional security for Gadot and sent producer Marc Platt to New York to address Zegler’s post, though she refused to take it down. Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Zegler’s Instagram post—“May Trump supporters… never know peace”—drew further ire, with some arguing she was alienating half of the film’s potential audience.
The theatrical release in March 2025 was a disaster. Snow White opened with just $43 million domestically, dropping 66% in its second weekend to $14.2 million. By late April, its global total was $194.5 million, leaving Disney with an estimated $115 million loss. The film earned a 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes and was review-bombed on IMDb, holding a 1.6/10 rating from over 343,000 user votes. A Mother’s Day re-release in May 2025 across 1,330 theaters grossed only $335,000, averaging $252 per theater—a humiliating result for a Disney production. Critics panned the film’s lackluster script, subpar CGI, and forgettable music, though many praised Zegler’s luminous performance as a highlight.
New Drama: Disney Distances Itself from Zegler
As Snow White prepares for its streaming debut on Disney+, fresh drama has emerged that threatens its prospects. Reports surfaced in April 2025 that Disney has “benched” Zegler from promotional activities, with some outlets claiming the studio has “canceled” her as a “brand risk.” Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with users stating that Disney has cut Zegler out of her own press tour, citing her as a “PR nightmare” whose political comments and perceived attitude have cost the studio financially. One user remarked, “Disney finally realized putting a mic in front of Zegler is a financial risk,” while another claimed, “Rachel Zegler is now kryptonite to all the major studios.”
Disney’s decision to distance itself from Zegler is a stark contrast to its initial support. During the film’s theatrical rollout, the studio scaled back the premiere to a small, press-free event, a move some attributed to Zegler’s controversies. After her political posts, Disney hired a social media guru to vet her content, a clear sign of the studio’s concern over her public statements. Now, with the streaming release looming, Disney appears to be minimizing Zegler’s involvement to avoid further backlash. This move, however, may backfire, as Zegler’s performance has been widely praised as the film’s saving grace, with critics noting her charisma and vocal talent as the only reasons to watch.
Streaming Challenges in a Polarized Landscape
The drama surrounding Zegler has significant implications for Snow White’s streaming performance on Disney+. The platform has been a lifeline for Disney’s live-action remakes, with films like The Little Mermaid (2023) finding success through streaming despite mixed theatrical results. However, Snow White faces unique challenges. The film’s poor critical reception and review-bombed IMDb rating may deter casual viewers, while the ongoing controversies could further polarize audiences. Zegler’s political comments, particularly her support for Palestine and criticism of Trump supporters, have made her a target for conservative audiences, a demographic Disney has historically relied on for its family-friendly content.
Social media sentiment on X highlights the divide. Some users blame Zegler for the film’s failure, with one stating, “Snow White tanked because Rachel Zegler selfishly sabotaged a $270m project with her smug attitude and snarky remarks.” Others defend her, arguing that Disney is scapegoating her for broader issues with the remake. Film critic David Ehrlich wrote on X, “Rachel Zegler RULES and so obviously has a lifetime of incredible roles & performances ahead of her,” while journalist Mark Harris called Variety’s coverage of Zegler a “hit job” designed to blame her for the film’s failure. Over 50 journalists signed an open letter condemning the narrative that Zegler’s politics were the sole reason for the flop, pointing to structural issues with Disney’s live-action remake strategy.
The cultural climate adds another layer of complexity. Disney’s perceived “woke” agenda has been a point of contention, with Snow White becoming a battleground for culture wars. The film’s progressive changes—such as removing the traditional prince and focusing on Snow White’s empowerment—have been criticized as pandering, while Zegler’s casting and comments have been weaponized by those opposed to diversity in Hollywood. This backlash could discourage viewership on Disney+, where family audiences often seek nostalgic, uncontroversial content.
Zegler’s Resilience Amid the Storm
Despite the drama, Rachel Zegler remains a force to be reckoned with. Her talent is undeniable—she won a Golden Globe for West Side Story at age 20 and has been praised for her roles in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Broadway’s Romeo + Juliet. Critics of Snow White consistently highlight her performance as a bright spot, with her singing and charisma carrying the film through its many flaws. Zegler has also shown resilience in the face of criticism, refusing to back down from her views. In a 2024 interview with Variety, she addressed the backlash to her Snow White comments, stating, “I’ve watched women get torn down my whole life, my whole career,” and expressing sadness that her remarks were taken out of context.
Zegler’s career is far from over. She has already booked her next film, a comedy-drama titled She Gets It From Me with Marisa Tomei, and is set to star in a West End revival of Evita in July 2025, a role that could showcase her vocal talents and help her regain public favor. Her recent $1 million donation to Covenant House, a charity for homeless youth, announced on May 14, 2025, demonstrates her commitment to using her platform for good, though some have questioned whether it was a PR move to seek forgiveness from online critics.
Disney’s Dilemma: A Cautionary Tale
For Disney, the Snow White debacle is a cautionary tale about the risks of live-action remakes in a polarized cultural landscape. The studio’s decision to distance itself from Zegler may mitigate short-term backlash, but it risks alienating fans who see her as the film’s strongest asset. Streaming platforms thrive on word-of-mouth and social media buzz, and Snow White’s controversies could stifle its momentum. While the film may still generate revenue through merchandise and appeal to younger audiences on Disney+, its streaming performance is unlikely to match the success of previous remakes like Beauty and the Beast or The Lion King.
The drama surrounding Rachel Zegler also highlights the challenges young stars face in the digital age. Zegler’s authenticity and outspokenness have made her a target, but they are also what make her a compelling figure. At 23, she has time to recover, and her upcoming projects suggest she is far from finished. However, Disney’s handling of the situation—blaming Zegler for systemic issues with the remake—reflects poorly on the studio, which has struggled to adapt its nostalgic properties for modern audiences.
Conclusion
Rachel Zegler may be unstoppable, but the drama surrounding her has dealt a severe blow to Snow White’s streaming prospects on Disney+. The film’s theatrical failure, coupled with Disney’s decision to distance itself from Zegler and the ongoing cultural backlash, has created a perfect storm that could limit its appeal to streaming audiences. While Zegler’s talent and resilience offer hope for her future, the Snow White saga serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of navigating fame, politics, and nostalgia in an increasingly divided world. For now, Snow White’s fate on Disney+ remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Rachel Zegler’s journey in Hollywood is far from over.
