Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old Golden Globe-winning actress known for her breakout role in West Side Story (2021), is once again making headlines—this time with a rumor that Marvel Studios is eyeing her for a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As of today, June 2, 2025, the buzz around Zegler’s potential MCU casting has sparked a polarized reaction among fans, reigniting debates about her controversial career trajectory following the disastrous reception of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake. With Zegler preparing for her West End debut in Evita on June 14 at the London Palladium, the timing of this rumor raises questions: Is Marvel genuinely considering Zegler for a role, or is this speculation a distraction from her recent struggles? Let’s dive into the rumor, examine its credibility, and explore what it could mean for Zegler’s future in Hollywood.

The Rumor: Zegler on Marvel’s Radar

The rumor that Marvel Studios is interested in casting Rachel Zegler for an MCU role first surfaced in November 2024, when industry scooper MyTimeToShineHello posted on X, stating, “Marvel Studios wants Rachel Zegler for a role. Which role do you think she should play?” The post, reported by outlets like Heroic Hollywood and SuperHeroHype, quickly gained traction, with fans speculating about potential characters Zegler could portray, from Songbird in the Thunderbolts to Firestar, Dazzler, or even X-23. The rumor resurfaced in March 2025, when MyTimeToShineHello doubled down, claiming that both Zegler and her Snow White co-star Gal Gadot were being considered for “big roles” in the MCU. Another post on X by @update_marvel on March 11, 2025, credited scooper DanielRPK with confirming Marvel’s interest, further fueling the speculation.

However, as with many Hollywood rumors, there’s no concrete evidence to support these claims. Neither Marvel Studios, Disney, nor Zegler’s team at ICM Partners has issued an official statement, and the scoopers have not disclosed specific roles or evidence of formal talks. The lack of specificity—coupled with the fact that MyTimeToShineHello’s posts are often engagement-driven—casts doubt on the rumor’s validity. Some fans on X have dismissed it as a publicity stunt, with one user noting in November 2024 that such rumors are “likely just made up to get attention.” Others, however, see potential in Zegler joining the MCU, pointing to her prior superhero experience as Anthea in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) and her vocal talents as a fit for Marvel’s expanding roster.

Zegler’s Career: A Rollercoaster of Success and Controversy

To understand why this rumor is so polarizing, we must first examine Zegler’s career trajectory. She burst onto the scene in 2021 as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, a role that earned her a Golden Globe and critical acclaim, though the film underperformed at the box office with $76 million against a $100 million budget. She followed this with roles in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), which grossed $349 million worldwide, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods, a DC Extended Universe (DCEU) film that struggled commercially. Her Broadway debut in 2024 as Juliet in a modernized Romeo + Juliet opposite Kit Connor drew a young audience, but she was snubbed for a Tony Award nomination, as reported by the Daily Mail in May 2025.

Zegler’s most significant setback came with Disney’s live-action Snow White, released on March 21, 2025. The $270 million film was a commercial and critical flop, grossing just $225 million globally and earning a 1.6 out of 10 rating on IMDb due to review-bombing campaigns. Zegler faced intense backlash for her comments during the press tour—calling the 1937 animated classic “weird” and the prince a “stalker”—which alienated fans of the original. Her political stances, including a “free Palestine” tweet at Disney’s 2024 D23 expo and anti-Trump remarks after his 2024 reelection, further fueled controversy, drawing criticism from conservative audiences. Disney insiders blamed Zegler for the film’s failure, with some reports suggesting the studio quietly severed ties with her, though no official statement has confirmed this.

The Snow White fallout has had a tangible impact on Zegler’s reputation. A Yahoo source in May 2025 labeled her “too dangerous to touch,” claiming studios are now cautious about hiring her due to her outspokenness. This narrative has followed her to her latest project, the West End revival of Evita, where she plays Eva Perón. Despite early praise from director Jamie Lloyd, the production has struggled with ticket sales, with the Daily Mail reporting on April 23, 2025, that “rows of seats remain unsold” for the 12-week run at the 2,286-seat London Palladium. Some attribute the poor sales to Zegler’s tarnished reputation, while others point to broader issues like targeted backlash from conservative groups and a lack of robust marketing.

Fan Reactions: A Polarized Response

The rumor of Zegler joining the MCU has elicited a mixed response from fans, reflecting the broader divide in her public perception. Some fans are enthusiastic about the idea, citing her talent and versatility as a fit for Marvel’s expanding universe. Heroic Hollywood reported in November 2024 that fans suggested roles like Songbird, Firestar, or Dazzler, while a CinemaBlend article from 2021 proposed Squirrel Girl or Gwen Stacy/Spider-Woman as ideal characters for Zegler, noting her ability to bring positivity and resilience to the screen. These fans see Zegler as a fresh face who could inject new energy into the MCU, especially as the franchise seeks its next generation of heroes following the success of Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024.

However, others are skeptical—or outright opposed—to Zegler’s potential casting. Posts on X from March 2025, as reported by Pirates and Princesses, reveal harsh criticism, with users calling Zegler “box office poison” and warning that she could “destroy the MCU.” One user, @Harden_TF_Up, tweeted on March 27, 2025, “Be smart @MarvelStudios. Look how @rachelzegler destroyed a Disney IP. If you think she learned her lesson you’re severely misjudging her arrogance and narcissism.” Another user, @BradleysFunFam, called her “literally box office poison,” reflecting a sentiment that her controversies make her a liability. On Reddit, a thread on r/LeaksAndRumors from November 2024 highlighted similar concerns, with some users pointing to her political comments and the Snow White backlash as reasons Marvel should steer clear.

This polarized response underscores the challenges Zegler faces. While her talent is undeniable—she has a cumulative box office total exceeding $700 million, according to The Numbers—her outspokenness has made her a lightning rod for criticism. The MCU, already under pressure to regain momentum after recent underperformances, may be hesitant to take on a star with such a divisive reputation, especially given its ownership by Disney, the same company that reportedly distanced itself from Zegler post-Snow White.

A Critical Perspective: Is Zegler Being Unfairly Targeted?

The narrative that Zegler is a liability deserving of being “left alone” by Hollywood warrants scrutiny. Young actresses, particularly women of color, often face disproportionate backlash in the entertainment industry, as noted by film critics like Anna Smith of the Girls On Film podcast. Zegler’s casting in Snow White sparked racist attacks from conservative Disney fans, who criticized her Latina heritage despite her suitability for the role. Her political views—supporting Palestine and criticizing Trump—have made her a target for right-wing outrage, with figures like Megyn Kelly and Sean Ono Lennon publicly berating her. Yet this criticism often ignores the systemic issues that contributed to Snow White’s failure, such as Disney’s $270 million budget, controversial CGI dwarfs, and lackluster marketing.

The MCU rumor itself may be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it suggests that Zegler’s talent is still recognized by major players like Marvel, despite her controversies. Her prior superhero experience in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and her vocal abilities make her a plausible candidate for roles like Dazzler, a musically inclined mutant, or Songbird, a key member of the Thunderbolts. On the other hand, the rumor’s timing—amidst Evita’s struggles and lingering Snow White backlash—raises questions about its authenticity. Some fans on X have speculated that the rumor is an engagement tactic, designed to capitalize on Zegler’s polarizing status rather than reflecting genuine interest from Marvel.

Moreover, the MCU’s own challenges may factor into Marvel’s decision-making. The franchise has faced criticism for recent underperformances, though Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024 marked a resurgence, and the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom has generated excitement. Marvel is under pressure to find breakout stars for its next phase, but public opinion matters more than ever. Casting Zegler could be a risk, but it could also be a chance to harness her talent and appeal to a younger, more progressive audience—provided Marvel is willing to navigate the inevitable backlash.

What’s Next for Zegler?

Regardless of whether the MCU rumor proves true, Zegler’s immediate focus is on Evita, where she’ll take the stage as Eva Perón in just 12 days. The production offers a chance to showcase her vocal and acting abilities, potentially shifting the narrative in her favor if the reviews are positive. However, the reported ticket sales struggles suggest she’ll need to deliver a standout performance to win over audiences and critics alike. Her upcoming film, She Gets It From Me, opposite Marisa Tomei, slated for release later this year, could also serve as a comeback vehicle if well-received.

Zegler’s career at 23 is a testament to her resilience. Despite the Snow White fallout, she has continued to secure high-profile roles, from Broadway to the West End, and her cumulative box office total reflects her draw as a leading actress. Her supporters argue that her challenges stem from systemic biases rather than personal failings, pointing to her authenticity and principles as qualities that resonate with her Gen-Z fanbase. As one Reddit user on r/Fauxmoi noted in March 2025, “Rachel is grace under fire. She’s navigating an industry that wants to silence her, and she’s doing it with integrity.”

A Broader Reflection on Hollywood’s Dynamics

The Zegler-MCU rumor highlights the precarious position of young stars in Hollywood, particularly those who don’t fit the traditional mold. The expectation that Zegler should remain silent on political issues or conform to studio expectations ignores the reality of the social media age, where authenticity often matters more to audiences than polished PR. Disney’s failure to support Zegler during the Snow White press tour—through media training or a robust defense against racist backlash—left her vulnerable, yet the studio has largely escaped accountability, instead allowing her to take the fall.

As Marvel continues to build its next generation of heroes, Zegler could be a bold choice—a talented actress with the potential to bring fresh energy to the MCU. But the decision to cast her would require Marvel to weigh the risks of her polarizing reputation against the rewards of her undeniable talent. For now, the rumor remains just that—a rumor. Whether Zegler joins the MCU or not, one thing is clear: her journey in Hollywood is far from over, and the spotlight isn’t moving anytime soon.