Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old dynamo behind Disney’s Snow White and the West End’s Evita, is at the center of a tantalizing new rumor: she’s reportedly in talks to play Christine Daaé in a forthcoming revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, potentially hot on the heels of her acclaimed run as Eva Perón. The buzz, sparked by industry whispers and amplified by posts on X, has sent fans into a frenzy, with some hailing Zegler as the perfect choice for the iconic role and others questioning whether directors are risking overexposure by casting her in yet another high-profile musical. As Zegler navigates a whirlwind of professional triumphs and personal controversies, the question looms: Are directors making a series of bold bets on her talent, or are they setting her up for failure with relentless pressure?
The Rumor: Zegler as Christine Daaé
The speculation about Zegler’s potential casting as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera began circulating on X in early July 2025, with users like @AaronRFernandes posting, “Rachel Zegler as Christine after Evita? She’s about to dominate musical theater!” While no official confirmation has come from Zegler, Lloyd Webber, or the Phantom production team, sources close to the West End suggest that discussions are underway for a new staging of the 1986 musical, possibly directed by Jamie Lloyd, who has guided Zegler to critical acclaim in Evita. The timing aligns with Evita’s run at the London Palladium, set to conclude on September 6, 2025, potentially freeing Zegler for rehearsals by late fall.
The Phantom of the Opera, one of Lloyd Webber’s most enduring works, follows the mysterious Phantom, a disfigured musical genius, who mentors and obsesses over the young soprano Christine Daaé. The role, originated by Sarah Brightman, demands a crystalline vocal range and emotional depth, qualities Zegler has demonstrated in West Side Story and Evita. Her ability to belt “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from the Palladium’s balcony, drawing crowds of up to 1,000 nightly, has solidified her reputation as a vocal powerhouse, making her a natural fit for Christine’s iconic numbers like “Think of Me” and “The Music of the Night.”
Zegler’s Evita Triumph: A Springboard to Phantom?
Zegler’s performance as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s Evita has been a career-defining moment, earning rave reviews and positioning her as a leading lady in musical theater. Critics have praised her “astonishingly assured” vocals and “white-hot presence,” with The Guardian describing her as a “consummate ice queen” who balances Eva’s conniving charm with vulnerability. The production’s innovative staging, particularly Zegler’s balcony performance of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” has become a cultural phenomenon, though it sparked controversy among ticket holders who felt short-changed watching it via livestream.
The success of Evita, which is eyeing a 2026 Broadway transfer, has elevated Zegler’s profile, making her a prime candidate for another Lloyd Webber classic. Deadline reported that Lloyd, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Tim Rice are eager to bring Evita to New York, with Zegler confirmed to reprise her role, suggesting directors see her as a bankable star. A Phantom casting would capitalize on this momentum, leveraging her vocal prowess and stage charisma. Rosie O’Donnell, a vocal supporter, praised Zegler’s Evita performance, calling her “the moment,” while The Standard hailed her as a “once-in-a-generation talent.”
Are Directors Making Mistakes?
The rumor of Zegler’s Phantom casting has sparked debate about whether directors are overextending her. Critics argue that casting her in back-to-back high-profile roles risks burnout and overexposure, especially given her recent controversies. Zegler’s outspoken political comments, including her November 2024 Instagram rant against Donald Trump, drew conservative backlash, with calls from figures like Megyn Kelly to fire her from Snow White. Her subsequent apology, reported by Variety, mitigated some damage, but the incident highlighted the scrutiny she faces.
Additionally, Zegler’s Snow White role has been divisive, with criticism over her dismissal of the 1937 film’s “stalker” prince and her pro-Palestine advocacy clashing with co-star Gal Gadot’s pro-Israel stance. The film’s $16 million global box office haul, against a $270 million budget, has raised concerns about Zegler’s ability to carry a blockbuster. Casting her as Christine, a role requiring emotional nuance and vocal perfection, could amplify these pressures, especially if the production follows Lloyd’s avant-garde style, which has divided audiences in Evita. The Guardian noted that Lloyd’s “rock show” approach sometimes “drowns out the story,” raising questions about whether a similar treatment of Phantom could overshadow Zegler’s performance.
Skeptics also point to Zegler’s limited stage experience. Despite her West Side Story film success and Broadway debut in Romeo + Juliet (2024), Evita marks only her second major stage role. Variety critiqued her Evita performance for lacking introspection in quieter moments, suggesting she may struggle with Christine’s vulnerability. The role of Christine, unlike the bold Eva Perón, demands a delicate balance of innocence and strength, a challenge for an actress still early in her stage career. On Reddit’s r/Broadway, users debated her readiness, with one commenting, “Rachel’s vocals are insane, but Christine needs more than power—she needs fragility. Is she ready?”
The Case for Zegler: A Star on the Rise
Supporters argue that Zegler’s casting is a stroke of genius, not a mistake. Her Evita performance has proven her ability to command a stage, with The New York Times calling her “a delight” and The Stage labeling her “astonishing.” Her vocal range, honed in West Side Story’s “I Feel Pretty” and Romeo + Juliet’s ballads, aligns with Christine’s operatic demands. Andrew Lloyd Webber himself praised Zegler’s Evita work, telling Deadline she’s “one of the most talented artists” he’s seen, bolstering her case for Phantom.
Zegler’s personal connection to musical theater also supports her suitability. She told i-D that she grew up singing Evita songs with her father, a passion that likely extends to Phantom, a staple of musical theater repertoires. Her ability to draw crowds, evidenced by the thousands who gather nightly for her Evita balcony scene, mirrors Christine’s role as a performer captivating audiences. EasternEye noted her “commanding vocals and presence,” suggesting she could bring a fresh, youthful energy to Phantom.
Moreover, Jamie Lloyd’s track record with bold casting choices—such as Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard—suggests he’s unlikely to misjudge Zegler’s potential. What’s On Stage praised Lloyd’s ability to assemble “a stellar line-up,” with Zegler acting as a “pillar of hope” for her co-stars. A Phantom production under Lloyd’s direction could leverage Zegler’s star power to reimagine the classic, much like his Evita balcony scene turned a traditional number into a cultural flashpoint.
Public and Media Reactions
The rumor has divided fans and critics. On X, supporters are ecstatic, with one user writing, “Rachel Zegler as Christine would be a dream. Her voice is perfect for it!” Others are skeptical, citing her packed schedule and recent controversies. “She’s doing too much too fast,” a Reddit user on r/musicaltheatre commented. “Evita was a hit, but Phantom is a different beast.” Media outlets have leaned into the speculation, with The Express Tribune noting that Zegler’s Evita success makes her a “natural choice” for Lloyd Webber’s next project.
Zegler’s personal life, including her new romance with Evita dancer Nathan Louis-Fernand, has also fueled discussion. Their public display of affection at BST Hyde Park on July 6, 2025, reported by The Sun and IBTimes UK, has kept her in the headlines, potentially adding pressure to her professional commitments. Some fans worry that her rapid rise, coupled with personal and political scrutiny, could lead to burnout, while others see her as unstoppable.
The Bigger Picture: A Star Under Pressure
Zegler’s potential casting as Christine reflects the high stakes of her career trajectory. At 24, she’s already tackled iconic roles across film (Snow White), Broadway (Romeo + Juliet), and the West End (Evita), earning comparisons to legends like Patti LuPone, who originated Eva Perón. Yet, her outspokenness—on issues like Palestine and Trump—has made her a polarizing figure, with conservative backlash threatening her commercial appeal. Disney Dining noted her Evita role as a “robust comeback” after Snow White’s controversies, but another high-profile role could amplify both her triumphs and her risks.
Directors like Lloyd are betting on Zegler’s talent, but the question of “mistakes” hinges on execution. A Phantom production that plays to her strengths—vocals, charisma, and youthful energy—could cement her as a musical theater icon. However, a misstep in direction, as some critics felt with Evita’s narrative clarity, could expose her inexperience. Variety’s critique of Evita’s flattened storytelling serves as a cautionary tale for Lloyd’s ambitious vision.
Looking Ahead: A Star or a Risk?
As Evita runs through September, the Phantom rumor keeps Zegler in the spotlight. Whether she takes on Christine or not, her trajectory is clear: she’s a force in musical theater, capable of drawing crowds and sparking debate. If Lloyd and Lloyd Webber move forward with her casting, they’ll need to balance innovation with the classic’s emotional core to avoid the pitfalls seen in Evita’s divisive staging. For Zegler, the role could be a crowning achievement or a test of her resilience under pressure.
As one X user put it, “Rachel as Christine? Iconic if it works, risky if it doesn’t. Either way, she’s fearless.” With her Evita triumph still resonating and a Broadway transfer looming, Zegler’s next move will be watched closely, proving that in the world of theater, every role is a chance to shine—or stumble.
