In the whirlwind of Hollywood rumors, few have sparked as much intrigue in 2025 as the claim that Jenna Ortega has replaced Rachel Zegler as the lead in Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, set for release on March 20, 2026. The story, fueled by viral social media posts and sensational headlines, suggested that Ortega, the 22-year-old star of Wednesday and Scream, had swooped in to take over the iconic role, with reports claiming she was “loving” the opportunity. The rumor, which gained traction in late 2023 and resurfaced in mid-2025, has been debunked by reliable sources, yet its persistence reflects the intense scrutiny surrounding Zegler, the Snow White project, and the cultural dynamics of Disney’s high-stakes remake. This article explores the origins of the rumor, the context of Snow White’s troubled production, the careers of both actresses, and why this narrative has captivated fans and critics alike.

The Rumor’s Genesis: A TikTok Spark and Social Media Blaze

The claim that Jenna Ortega replaced Rachel Zegler first emerged in October 2023, when a TikTok account, @Celebrity_Corner, posted a now-deleted three-part series alleging that Ortega was involved in reshoots for Snow White. The posts cited Disney’s concerns over Zegler’s public comments and the film’s potential for a “bad box office flop” as reasons for the supposed recasting. The rumor gained momentum when Inside the Magic reported that Ortega was “appreciative” of the opportunity, with a fake announcement claiming Disney would confirm the switch alongside the trailer drop. A YouTube video titled “Jenna Ortega EXCITED to REPLACE Rachel Zegler From Snow White” further amplified the story, racking up thousands of views with fabricated fan reactions.

By mid-2025, as Snow White’s release loomed, the rumor resurfaced, fueled by netizens demanding Ortega take over due to her rising popularity and Zegler’s ongoing controversies. Social media platforms like X saw an influx of posts, with users citing Ortega’s ability to embody a “contemporary and relatable” Snow White. Comments like “Jenna would nail this role—Disney needs to wake up!” and “Rachel’s drama tanked the vibe, Jenna’s the perfect fix” trended briefly. However, reputable outlets like ScreenRant and TheDisInsider.com swiftly debunked the claims, confirming that Zegler remains the lead, with no evidence of Ortega’s involvement. Despite these clarifications, the rumor’s persistence highlights deeper tensions surrounding the film and its star.

The Snow White Context: A Fairy Tale Under Fire

Disney’s Snow White, directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man), is a reimagining of the 1937 animated classic, aiming to modernize the story with a feminist lens. Zegler plays Snow White as a proactive leader who allies with the Seven Dwarfs—rendered via CGI to address concerns about perpetuating stereotypes—and a new character, Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), to reclaim her kingdom from the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot). With a reported budget of $270 million, plus $100 million in marketing, the film features new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and script contributions from Greta Gerwig. Production faced significant hurdles, including a 2022 set fire, COVID-19 delays, and 2023 industry strikes, necessitating costly reshoots in 2024 after negative test screenings.

The film has been mired in controversy since its announcement. Zegler’s casting as a Latina actress sparked racist backlash from some fans who fixated on the character’s traditional “white as snow” description, though she countered this by emphasizing universal themes of kindness and resilience. Her 2022 comments criticizing the original film’s “weird” love story and her 2024 X post ending with “free Palestine” drew further ire, alienating conservative audiences and prompting Disney to intervene. A 2025 promotional gaffe, where Zegler was caught streaming Minecraft during a live Q&A, added fuel to narratives of unprofessionalism. These incidents, combined with backlash over the CGI dwarfs—criticized by Peter Dinklage as “backward”—have made Snow White a lightning rod for debate.

Why Ortega? The Appeal of a Gen Z Scream Queen

The rumor’s traction stems partly from Jenna Ortega’s meteoric rise. At 22, Ortega has become a household name, thanks to her roles as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday (2022), Tara Carpenter in the Scream franchise, and Astrid Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024). Her ability to blend intensity, vulnerability, and dark charisma has earned her the moniker “Gen Z scream queen.” Fans on X and TikTok championed her as a better fit for Snow White, citing her proven star power and ability to appeal to younger audiences. A now-viral fan edit juxtaposing Ortega in Wednesday with Snow White’s forest scenes garnered millions of views, amplifying calls for her casting.

Ortega’s busy schedule, however, makes the rumor implausible. In 2025, she’s juggling six projects, including Wednesday Season 2, Klara and the Sun, and Death of a Unicorn. Her IMDb page lists no involvement with Snow White, and sources like ScreenRant note that her commitments would preclude last-minute reshoots. Moreover, Ortega’s darker, edgier roles contrast with Snow White’s traditionally wholesome persona, making her an unlikely choice despite fan enthusiasm. Her silence on the rumor, coupled with her focus on upcoming releases, suggests she’s steering clear of the controversy.

Zegler’s Struggles: A Star Under Scrutiny

Rachel Zegler, 24, has faced unrelenting pressure since being cast in 2021. Her Golden Globe-winning performance in West Side Story and roles in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) showcased her vocal and acting prowess, but Snow White has tested her resilience. The racist backlash to her casting, combined with criticism of her political activism, has painted her as a polarizing figure. Her Minecraft incident, where she inadvertently shared her screen during a promotional event, was framed as unprofessional, though fans defended it as a relatable misstep. In a June 2025 i-D interview, Zegler revealed the toll of the scrutiny, crediting therapy for helping her navigate “vicious” attacks. “I’m not here to be a perfect princess,” she said. “I’m human, and I stand by my truth.”

Disney has stood by Zegler, with no official recasting plans. Insiders told TheDisInsider.com that she’s fully committed to promoting the film, and early screenings praise her “luminous” performance and vocal talent. Still, the studio’s reported frustration with her outspokenness—particularly her political posts—has fueled speculation that they’ve distanced her from future campaigns. A Variety source noted Disney hired a social media consultant to manage her online presence, reflecting internal concerns about her impact on the film’s reception.

The Cultural Backdrop: Hollywood’s Polarized Landscape

The Ortega-Zegler rumor reflects broader tensions in Hollywood. Disney’s live-action remakes, once box office juggernauts, are facing audience fatigue, with Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) and Peter Pan & Wendy (2023) underperforming. Snow White’s $370-million gamble, coupled with its cultural controversies, has amplified scrutiny. The decision to use CGI dwarfs, prompted by Dinklage’s critique, alienated fans who preferred practical effects, while Zegler’s and Gadot’s opposing political stances turned the film into a culture-war flashpoint. Social media amplified these divides, with X users split between defending Zegler’s authenticity and championing Ortega as a safer bet.

The rumor also highlights double standards for young female stars. Zegler’s outspokenness has been weaponized against her, while male actors’ quirks are often celebrated. Fans on X noted that Ortega, who’s also Latina, would likely face similar scrutiny if cast, underscoring the industry’s challenges for women of color. As Forbes observed, “Disney’s facing a reckoning with remakes, and pinning it on Zegler is an easy out.”

What’s Next for Ortega, Zegler, and Snow White?

Ortega’s career remains on an upward trajectory, with Wednesday Season 2 set to premiere in late 2025 and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice already a 2024 hit. Her silence on the Snow White rumor suggests she’s avoiding the drama, focusing instead on projects that align with her brand. Zegler, meanwhile, is rebounding with roles in A24’s Y2K and She Gets It From Me, plus a 2025 West End run as Eva Perón in Evita. Her IMDb Starmeter ranking at No. 1 in August 2025 reflects strong fan support, and her Snow White performance is expected to shine despite the film’s challenges.

For Disney, Snow White faces an uphill battle. The August 2025 trailer drop garnered 50 million views, but box office projections remain uncertain given the pre-release controversies. The studio is banking on streaming to recoup losses, with CEO Bob Iger hinting at a shift toward original content. Whether Snow White can overcome its rocky road remains to be seen, but the Ortega-Zegler rumor has only heightened anticipation—and skepticism.

Conclusion: A Tale of Rumor and Redemption

The claim that Jenna Ortega replaced Rachel Zegler in Snow White is a baseless rumor, born from fan speculation and amplified by social media’s echo chamber. Yet, its staying power reveals the intense pressure on Zegler, the fragility of Disney’s remake formula, and the allure of Ortega as a rising star. As Snow White heads to theaters, Zegler’s resilience and talent will likely outshine the noise, while Ortega continues her ascent unbothered by the drama. In a Hollywood where fairy tales meet modern scrutiny, this saga proves that truth is often stranger—and more compelling—than fiction.