The West End revival of Evita, set to open at the London Palladium on June 14, 2025, has been one of the most anticipated theater productions of the year, with Rachel Zegler cast as Eva Perón and Diego Andres Rodriguez as Che. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical promised a fresh take on the iconic story of Argentina’s First Lady. However, recent rumors circulating on social media platforms like X and YouTube suggest tension between Zegler and Rodriguez, with claims that Zegler has displayed an uncooperative attitude toward her co-star during rehearsals. These allegations, though unverified, have sparked widespread speculation about the production’s behind-the-scenes dynamics and Zegler’s professionalism. This article investigates the origins of these rumors, examines Zegler and Rodriguez’s professional backgrounds, and assesses the potential impact on Evita, drawing on available web and social media sources.
The Rumors: Allegations of Uncooperative Behavior
The narrative of Zegler’s alleged uncooperative attitude toward Diego Andres Rodriguez first surfaced in mid-May 2025, as Evita rehearsals intensified. YouTube videos with titles like “Rachel Zegler REFUSES to Work with Diego Andres Rodriguez in Evita!?” and “Evita Drama: Zegler’s Diva Behavior Exposed!” began circulating, claiming that Zegler was dismissive or uncooperative with Rodriguez during rehearsals. Some videos alleged that she ignored his input, skipped joint scenes, or created a “toxic” rehearsal environment. On X, posts from accounts like @TheatreTea and @WestEndWhispers fueled the speculation, with one user claiming, “Rachel Zegler’s acting like she’s too big for Diego Rodriguez. Evita’s gonna flop if they don’t get it together.”
These claims, however, lack substantiation from credible sources. Mainstream theater outlets such as Playbill, BroadwayWorld, and WhatsOnStage have reported positively on the production, sharing rehearsal photos featuring Zegler and Rodriguez alongside co-stars James Olivas (Juan Perón), Aaron Lee Lambert (Agustín Magaldi), and Bella Brown (The Mistress/Alternate Eva). Playbill’s May 20, 2025, article noted that rehearsals were “underway” and highlighted the cast’s chemistry, with no mention of discord. Similarly, BroadwayWorld confirmed Rodriguez’s casting as Che and Zegler’s West End debut, framing the production as a collaborative effort under Lloyd’s direction.
The absence of official statements from Zegler, Rodriguez, Lloyd, or producers Michael Harrison and Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals further undermines the rumors. The claims appear to stem from unverified social media posts and sensationalized YouTube content, a pattern seen in prior controversies involving Zegler, such as her alleged meltdown over a Family Guy parody or backlash to her Snow White role.
Zegler and Rodriguez: A Tale of Two Rising Stars
To understand the context of these rumors, it’s worth examining the professional backgrounds of Rachel Zegler and Diego Andres Rodriguez. Zegler, 23, rose to prominence with her Golden Globe-winning role as María in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021). Her subsequent roles in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), and Disney’s Snow White (2025) cemented her as a Hollywood talent, though her outspokenness—particularly regarding Snow White’s “dated” 1937 original and political posts—has made her a polarizing figure. Her Broadway debut as Juliet in Romeo + Juliet (2024) was a commercial success, drawing the youngest ticket-buying audience in Broadway history, showcasing her star power.
Rodriguez, meanwhile, is a newer face, making his Broadway debut as Artie in Jamie Lloyd’s Sunset Blvd. revival in 2024, where he also understudied and performed the lead role of Joe Gillis. BroadwayWorld praised his versatility, noting that his casting as Che in Evita marks his West End debut. Rodriguez’s prior work with Lloyd suggests a trusted professional relationship, and his role as Che—a narrator and critic of Eva Perón—requires strong chemistry with Zegler to deliver the musical’s iconic duets like “Waltz for Eva and Che.”
The contrast between Zegler’s high-profile status and Rodriguez’s emerging career may fuel perceptions of a power imbalance, with some speculating that Zegler, as the bigger name, is overshadowing her co-star. However, there’s no evidence to suggest she’s been uncooperative. Zegler’s past experiences with co-stars, such as her frustration at being questioned about Ansel Elgort’s sexual assault allegations during West Side Story press in 2022, indicate she’s sensitive to being unfairly linked to others’ actions. Her positive collaboration with Kit Connor in Romeo + Juliet suggests she can work effectively with peers.
The Evita Production: High Stakes, High Scrutiny
Evita, which runs until September 6, 2025, is a high-stakes endeavor. The musical, chronicling Eva Perón’s rise and tragic death, demands vocal and emotional intensity, particularly from Zegler, who faces comparisons to legends like Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone, and Madonna (who starred in the 1996 film). Rodriguez’s Che, a revolutionary figure challenging Eva’s legacy, is equally pivotal, requiring a dynamic interplay with Zegler. Jamie Lloyd’s vision, described as an “evolution” of his 2019 Regent’s Park production, adds pressure to deliver a fresh interpretation.
Reports of sluggish ticket sales, noted by Cosmic Book News, and a £25 ticket scheme for under-30s and key workers indicate commercial challenges, which may amplify scrutiny of the cast. Zegler’s polarizing public image—stemming from her Snow White backlash and comments like calling Gal Gadot a “pageant queen” at the 2025 Oscars—has already drawn criticism, with some blaming her for Disney’s box office losses. The Evita rumors could be an extension of this narrative, portraying Zegler as a “diva” to undermine her credibility.
Evaluating the Rumors’ Credibility
The lack of verifiable evidence casts significant doubt on the claims of Zegler’s uncooperative behavior. No firsthand accounts from cast or crew have surfaced, and rehearsal photos shared by Playbill show Zegler and Rodriguez working together, suggesting a professional environment. Jamie Lloyd’s reputation as a meticulous director, evidenced by his Tony-nominated Sunset Blvd., makes it unlikely that significant discord would go unaddressed. Producer Michael Harrison’s claim that “ticket sales are through the roof” contradicts reports of empty seats, indicating efforts to maintain a positive narrative.
The rumors’ origins on X and YouTube align with patterns of misinformation targeting Zegler. For instance, claims of her “meltdown” over a Family Guy parody or “storming out” of Evita rehearsals were similarly unverified, driven by sensationalized content. Zegler’s history of facing racist and misogynistic backlash, as noted by critic Kelechi Ehenulo, suggests that these allegations may reflect broader biases against her as a Latina actress. Her 2022 Elle interview, where she expressed frustration at being held accountable for Elgort’s scandals, highlights how she’s often unfairly targeted.
Rodriguez, by contrast, has maintained a low profile, with no public comments fueling the narrative. His prior collaboration with Lloyd and lack of reported conflicts in Sunset Blvd. suggest he’s a professional focused on his craft. The absence of mutual social media engagement between Zegler and Rodriguez could be interpreted as a sign of tension, but it’s more likely a reflection of their differing public personas—Zegler’s active online presence versus Rodriguez’s minimal digital footprint.
Potential Impact on Evita and Zegler’s Career
The rumors, though unproven, pose risks for Evita’s public perception. Negative publicity could deter audiences, especially given reported ticket sale struggles. However, a successful run could silence critics, with Zegler’s vocal prowess and Rodriguez’s stage presence potentially delivering a standout production. The musical’s legacy and Lloyd’s innovative direction provide a strong foundation, and the cast’s diversity—Zegler as a Latina Eva and Rodriguez in a key role—aligns with modern theater’s push for inclusivity.
For Zegler, Evita is a critical opportunity to rebound from Snow White’s backlash and reaffirm her talent. Her Broadway success in Romeo + Juliet demonstrates her ability to draw crowds, and a triumphant West End debut could solidify her as a stage star. However, persistent rumors of unprofessionalism, even if false, could reinforce perceptions of her as “difficult,” a label often unfairly applied to young actresses. Cosmopolitan reported that studios view her as “unhireable” due to her outspokenness, and further controversies could limit future opportunities.
Rodriguez, as a rising talent, faces less scrutiny but could be indirectly affected if the production falters. His West End debut is a significant milestone, and a strong performance as Che could elevate his profile, building on his Sunset Blvd. success.
Why the Rumors Persist
The rumors’ persistence can be attributed to several factors. Zegler’s high-profile controversies, from Snow White to her political posts, make her a target for online outrage, particularly on X, where unverified claims spread rapidly. The lack of transparency from the Evita team, likely to avoid fueling speculation, creates a vacuum for gossip. Additionally, the musical’s cultural significance and Zegler’s casting as a Latina Eva invite scrutiny, with some fans questioning her suitability compared to past stars like Madonna.
The rumors also reflect broader industry dynamics, where young actresses, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, face disproportionate criticism. Zegler’s experiences with racism during her West Side Story casting and Snow White backlash underscore this pattern. The narrative of her being uncooperative may be an attempt to undermine her rising star, a tactic seen in past celebrity controversies.
Conclusion
The claim that Rachel Zegler has shown an uncooperative attitude toward Diego Andres Rodriguez in Evita lacks credible evidence, rooted in unverified YouTube videos and X posts rather than official sources. Rehearsal updates and the production’s positive framing suggest a professional environment under Jamie Lloyd’s direction. Zegler’s history of facing unfair scrutiny, combined with her proven talent, indicates that these rumors may be an extension of her polarizing public image rather than a reflection of reality. As Evita prepares to open, the focus should be on Zegler and Rodriguez’s performances, which have the potential to redefine the musical for a new generation. The controversy serves as a reminder of the challenges young stars face in navigating fame and the power of misinformation in shaping public perception.
