Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in March 2025, has been a lightning rod for controversy, with much of the discourse centered on its lead actress, Rachel Zegler. The film, which grossed a disappointing $43 million domestically and $87 million globally in its opening weekend against a $350 million budget, has been labeled a commercial and critical flop. Amid the backlash surrounding Zegler’s casting and her public comments, a persistent rumor has circulated: that Jenna Ortega, not Zegler, was Disney’s first choice for the role of Snow White. This article investigates the origins of this rumor, examines the evidence, and explores why Ortega was never cast, drawing on professional analyses and industry insights to provide a comprehensive look at the casting process and its fallout.

The Genesis of the Jenna Ortega Rumor

The rumor that Jenna Ortega was Disney’s first choice for Snow White emerged in 2023, fueled by social media speculation and amplified by entertainment news outlets. A key source was a TikTok account, @Celebrity_Corner, which posted a now-deleted three-part series in October 2023 claiming that Ortega was involved in reshoots for Snow White to replace Zegler. The posts suggested that Disney was concerned about Zegler’s public image and feared a “bad box office flop,” citing her controversial comments about the 1937 animated classic as a catalyst for the alleged recasting. A video titled “Jenna Ortega EXCITED to REPLACE Rachel Zegler From Snow White” further stoked the rumor, with some fans expressing enthusiasm for Ortega as a better fit for the role.

These claims were quickly picked up by outlets like Inside the Magic, which reported that Ortega was “excited” to take over the role. However, reputable sources, including The DisInsider and journalist Skyler Shuler, debunked the rumor within days, confirming with “reliable sources” that Zegler remained the lead and Ortega was not attached to the project in any capacity. Looper and ScreenRant further clarified that the rumor was “completely untrue,” noting that it stemmed from misinformation and fan-driven speculation rather than any official Disney statement.

Despite these rebuttals, the rumor persisted, resurfacing in 2024 and early 2025 with YouTube videos and social media posts claiming that Ortega had either replaced Zegler or was Disney’s original choice before Zegler was cast. For instance, a YouTube video titled “Rachel Zegler RAGES At Jenna Ortega After Being Replaced As NEW Snow White” in April 2025 reignited the narrative, though it lacked credible evidence. The rumor’s staying power can be attributed to the public’s fascination with the Snow White controversies and the rising stardom of both actresses, who are often compared as Latina talents in Hollywood.

Why Jenna Ortega Was Linked to Snow White

The association of Jenna Ortega with Snow White was not entirely baseless, as several factors made her a plausible candidate in the eyes of fans and rumor-mongers. Ortega, known for her roles in Wednesday and Scream VI, has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most bankable young stars, with a strong fan base and a knack for balancing modern sensibilities with nostalgic appeal. Her performance as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s hit series demonstrated her ability to embody iconic characters while bringing a fresh perspective, a quality that could align with Disney’s goal of reimagining Snow White for a contemporary audience. Inside the Magic noted that Ortega’s “ability to navigate both new and old storytelling traditions” made her a “safer bet” for studios aiming to appeal to diverse audiences.

Additionally, Ortega’s Latina heritage mirrored Zegler’s, which was significant given Disney’s push for diversity in its casting. Zegler, cast in 2021, faced backlash from some fans who argued that a Latina actress did not fit the traditional description of Snow White’s “skin as white as snow.” Ortega, also Latina, would have faced similar scrutiny, but her rising popularity and less polarizing public persona might have made her a more palatable choice for some fans. Social media posts on platforms like X speculated that Ortega’s casting could have mitigated the backlash Zegler faced, though no evidence suggests Disney considered her for the role.

Ortega’s busy schedule also fueled speculation about her potential involvement. In 2023, she was attached to high-profile projects like Beetlejuice 2 and Wednesday Season 2, which led some to question the feasibility of her taking on Snow White. However, Sportskeeda and The GWW pointed out that her packed schedule made it unlikely for her to participate in reshoots or assume a lead role in a project already in post-production, further debunking the rumor.

Disney’s Actual Casting Process for Snow White

Contrary to the rumor, Disney’s casting process for Snow White focused on a select group of actresses, none of whom included Jenna Ortega. According to posts on X from 2021, Disney executives met with Olivia Rodrigo and H.E.R. for the role before ultimately casting Rachel Zegler. Variety reporter Justin Kroll noted that Rodrigo, a pop star and actress, was considered due to her rising fame, while H.E.R., a Grammy-winning artist, was also in the mix. Zegler, who had recently gained acclaim for her role in West Side Story, was selected for her vocal prowess and on-screen charisma, qualities director Marc Webb deemed essential for the modernized Snow White.

Disney’s decision to cast Zegler was strategic, aligning with the studio’s efforts to diversify its princess lineup and appeal to younger, multicultural audiences. Zegler herself emphasized the importance of her role as a Latina princess, stating in The GWW that it was a “big step forward for diversity” and a chance for young girls in Spanish-speaking countries to see themselves represented. The casting was finalized in 2021, well before Ortega’s meteoric rise with Wednesday in 2022, suggesting that Ortega was not on Disney’s radar during the initial casting phase.

Why the Rumor Gained Traction

The rumor that Ortega was Disney’s first choice gained traction due to a combination of Zegler’s controversies and Ortega’s growing popularity. Zegler’s comments about the 1937 Snow White—calling it “strange” and emphasizing that her version would focus on leadership rather than romance—sparked significant backlash from fans who felt she disrespected the original. Her outspoken political views, including posts about Palestine and criticism of Trump, further polarized audiences, leading to speculation that Disney might seek a less controversial lead. ScreenRant noted that the Ortega rumor was “likely a result of Zegler’s comments criticizing the 1937 movie,” as fans and trolls latched onto Ortega as a potential replacement.

Ortega, by contrast, has maintained a relatively low-profile public persona, avoiding the kind of controversies that plagued Zegler. Her success in Wednesday and Beetlejuice 2—which outranked Snow White in fan polls for anticipated 2024 releases—positioned her as a rising star who could theoretically salvage a troubled project. Inside the Magic reported that Beetlejuice 2 consistently ranked higher than Snow White in popularity, fueling perceptions that Ortega was a stronger draw at the box office. The rumor also capitalized on the competitive narrative between the two actresses, with Inside the Magic describing them as “pitted against” each other at events like the 2024 People’s Choice Awards.

The Reality: Why Ortega Was Never Cast

Despite the rumor’s persistence, multiple sources confirm that Jenna Ortega was never considered for Snow White. Disney’s commitment to Zegler was evident from the start, with the studio standing by her through years of backlash and production challenges. The GWW reported that Disney confirmed Zegler’s role as late as March 2025, with no indication of a recasting. The film’s teaser trailer, released in 2024, prominently featured Zegler, solidifying her position as the lead. The DisInsider emphasized that Snow White was already in post-production by the time the Ortega rumor surfaced, making a last-minute recasting logistically and financially impractical.

Ortega’s career trajectory also made her an unlikely candidate. Her roles in darker, edgier projects like Wednesday and Scream contrast with the wholesome, fairy-tale aesthetic of Snow White. The GWW noted that Ortega’s “darker” style made her a “strange choice” for the romantic and optimistic Snow White, whose character required a delicate balance of innocence and strength. Additionally, the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023 would have prevented Ortega from participating in reshoots, as crossing the picket line could have jeopardized her union status. Inside the Magic comments highlighted fan concerns about Ortega’s potential involvement during the strike, further undermining the rumor’s credibility.

Conclusion

The rumor that Jenna Ortega was Disney’s first choice for Snow White is a fascinating case study in how misinformation spreads in the age of social media. While Ortega’s rising stardom and Latina heritage made her a plausible candidate in the eyes of fans, there is no evidence to suggest she was ever considered for the role. Disney’s casting process focused on talents like Olivia Rodrigo and H.E.R. before settling on Rachel Zegler, whose vocal abilities and vision for a modernized Snow White aligned with the studio’s goals. The Ortega rumor, fueled by Zegler’s controversies and amplified by outlets like Inside the Magic, reflects the public’s fascination with the Snow White remake’s troubled journey rather than any factual basis.

Ultimately, Snow White’s failure at the box office cannot be attributed to its casting alone. As discussed in professional critiques, the film’s creative missteps, poor CGI, and audience fatigue with live-action remakes played significant roles. The Ortega-Zegler narrative, while compelling, is a distraction from these deeper issues. As both actresses continue their careers—Zegler with her upcoming role in She Gets It from Me and Ortega with Wednesday Season 2—Hollywood’s competitive landscape will likely see them compared again, but for now, the Snow White casting saga remains firmly Zegler’s story.