In the wake of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake bombing at the box office, a narrative shift has emerged, with media outlets seemingly scrambling to reposition the film—and its lead actress, Rachel Zegler—as a success story. Released in theaters on March 21, 2025, the $269 million production grossed a mere $205 million worldwide, marking one of Disney’s most significant financial missteps in recent years. Yet, just weeks after its theatrical flop, the film’s debut on Disney+ on June 11, 2025, propelled it to the top of streaming charts across 48 countries. This turnaround has sparked speculation: is the media working overtime to rescue Zegler’s career and salvage Disney’s tarnished investment?

A Rocky Road to Release

The Snow White remake, directed by Marc Webb and featuring Zegler as the titular princess alongside Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, was mired in controversy long before its premiere. From the outset, Zegler’s casting drew ire from some fans who felt her Colombian heritage deviated from the 1937 animated original’s depiction of a “snow-white” princess. Her public comments further fueled the fire, including remarks about the original film being “dated” and her hope that Trump voters “never know peace” following the 2024 election. These statements, coupled with Gal Gadot’s contrasting political views, ignited a social media storm, amplifying calls for a boycott.

Behind the scenes, the production faced additional hurdles. Multiple reshoots, a reported $300 million budget (including marketing), and criticism from actor Peter Dinklage over the decision to replace the seven dwarfs with CGI “magical creatures” added to the chaos. When the film hit theaters, it earned a dismal 39% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 1.8/10 on IMDb, with many accusing audiences of review-bombing. The $42.2 million domestic opening weekend was a far cry from the studio’s expectations, leaving Disney with an estimated $115 million loss.

The Streaming Pivot

The film’s swift move to Disney+ in June 2025 marked a strategic pivot. Within days of its streaming debut, Snow White climbed to the number one spot on global charts, a feat Disney quickly highlighted. Media outlets seized on this, framing the turnaround as evidence of a “comeback” for Zegler and the film. Headlines touted the streaming success, suggesting that home audiences were giving the movie a second chance, despite its theatrical rejection. The narrative hinges on the idea that convenience and curiosity about the controversy drove viewership, a tactic Disney has employed with other underperforming releases.

Yet, this success comes with caveats. Streaming numbers lack the transparency of box office data, and some argue the ranking reflects Disney+’s curated content rather than genuine audience enthusiasm. Critics point out that the film’s 71% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes suggests a divided reception, with many still viewing it as a misfire. Nonetheless, the media has latched onto the streaming bump, portraying it as a redemption arc for both Zegler and the studio.

Media’s Role in the Rescue

The media’s coverage has taken on a noticeable tone of damage control. Articles emphasize Zegler’s vocal talent and her performance in the film, often citing her Broadway roots and her role in West Side Story as proof of her potential. Outlets have highlighted new songs like “Waiting on a Wish,” penned by EGOT-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, as a bright spot, contrasting them with the film’s broader criticisms. This selective focus aims to shift attention from the production’s flaws to Zegler’s individual contributions.

Some reports suggest Disney intervened to manage Zegler’s public image, particularly after her social media posts drew backlash. Allegations of producers curbing her press appearances and guiding her statements hint at a coordinated effort to mitigate further damage. The studio’s decision to rush the film to streaming may also be part of this strategy, allowing Disney to reframe the narrative before the next wave of live-action remakes, such as the delayed Tangled project.

Online sentiment, particularly on platforms like X, has been mixed. Some users celebrate Zegler’s streaming success as a vindication, while others double down on their criticism, labeling her a “box office poison” and questioning Disney’s choices. The media has largely ignored these dissenting voices, instead amplifying stories of resilience and reinvention. This selective storytelling raises questions about whether the coverage is driven by genuine belief in the film’s merit or a desire to protect Disney’s brand and Zegler’s future prospects.

The Actress at the Center

Rachel Zegler, at 24, finds herself at a crossroads. Her casting in Snow White was meant to be a launchpad following her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Instead, it has become a lightning rod for debate about representation, political expression, and Hollywood’s approach to remakes. Zegler has remained largely silent on the film’s failure, sharing cryptic social media posts that hint at her frustration but stop short of addressing the backlash directly.

Her supporters argue that she’s been unfairly scapegoated, pointing to Disney’s creative decisions—such as the CGI dwarfs and the reimagined plot—as the true culprits. They note her vocal prowess and screen presence as strengths that deserve recognition, suggesting the media’s focus on her personal statements overshadows her talent. Critics, however, contend that her unfiltered comments alienated a significant portion of the audience, a misstep amplified by Disney’s inability to steer the narrative early on.

The media’s current approach seems designed to rehabilitate her image. By emphasizing her streaming triumph and downplaying the box office flop, outlets are positioning Zegler as a survivor rather than a liability. Whether this strategy will restore her standing remains uncertain, especially as her next project, the comedy-drama She Gets It From Me with Marisa Tomei, looms on the horizon.

Disney’s Bigger Picture

For Disney, the Snow White debacle is part of a broader trend of uneven success with live-action remakes. While The Lion King (2019) grossed over $1.6 billion, recent efforts like Mufasa: The Lion King and Pinocchio (2022) have struggled to replicate that magic. The studio’s $400 million investment in Snow White, coupled with its poor performance, has fueled speculation about a reevaluation of the remake strategy. The streaming success offers a lifeline, allowing Disney to recoup some losses and test audience appetite for future projects.

The media’s role in this narrative shift aligns with Disney’s history of turning flops into streaming hits. By promoting Snow White’s Disney+ performance, the studio can mitigate the financial blow and maintain its reputation as a cultural powerhouse. However, the move has drawn skepticism, with some accusing the company of manipulating perception to protect its bottom line and Zegler’s career.

A Cultural Flashpoint

The Snow White controversy transcends box office numbers, touching on deeper cultural tensions. The film’s attempt to modernize a 1937 classic—casting a diverse lead, reimagining the dwarfs, and empowering Snow White—clashed with nostalgia-driven expectations. Zegler’s comments about the original’s outdated themes became a lightning rod, reflecting broader debates about tradition versus progress in entertainment.

The media’s desperate pivot to save the film and its star mirrors these tensions. By framing the streaming success as a victory, outlets are attempting to rewrite the story, turning a perceived failure into a tale of resilience. Yet, this effort risks alienating audiences who feel the remake strayed too far from its roots, a sentiment echoed in online forums and reviews.

What Lies Ahead

As of mid-June 2025, the media’s campaign to salvage Snow White and Rachel Zegler appears to be in full swing. The film’s streaming dominance offers a glimmer of hope, but its long-term impact remains unclear. Zegler’s career hangs in the balance—will she emerge as a symbol of defiance or fade into obscurity? Disney, meanwhile, must decide whether to double down on remakes or chart a new course.

The saga of Snow White serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of high-stakes reboots and the power of public perception. Whether the media’s efforts succeed in rewriting this narrative will depend on how audiences ultimately judge the film—and its embattled star—in the months to come.