In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, Rachel Zegler, the once-celebrated star of West Side Story and Disney’s Snow White, is grappling with a career-defining crisis. Her latest venture, a highly anticipated Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita at the London Palladium, has reportedly collapsed into a financial and critical disaster. Ticket prices for the production, in which Zegler stars as the iconic Eva Perón, have plummeted to an unprecedented $0 in some instances, as audiences have failed to materialize. The fallout has left the 24-year-old actress in tears, marking a stark contrast to her earlier triumphs and raising questions about her future in the industry.

A Promising Star’s Meteoric Rise

Rachel Zegler burst onto the scene in 2021 with her breakout role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe and widespread acclaim, positioning her as one of Hollywood’s brightest young talents. With a powerful voice, undeniable charisma, and a knack for connecting with audiences, Zegler seemed destined for superstardom. She quickly landed high-profile roles, including Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and the titular role in Disney’s live-action Snow White. Her casting as Eva Perón in Evita, a role immortalized by figures like Patti LuPone and Madonna, was seen as a natural progression for the theater-trained actress.

The Evita revival, which opened on June 14, 2025, at the London Palladium, was billed as a bold reimagining of the classic musical. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the production promised to blend Zegler’s vocal prowess with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Industry insiders and fans alike anticipated a triumphant return to the stage for Zegler, who had often spoken of her love for musical theater. In an interview posted on Evita’s official Instagram, Zegler shared her deep connection to the show, recalling how her father used to sing “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” around the house during her childhood.

Yet, despite the initial buzz, the production has been plagued by challenges that have culminated in what many are calling one of Broadway’s most spectacular flops in recent memory.

The Collapse of Evita: A Perfect Storm

The unraveling of Evita began even before its opening night. Reports surfaced in April 2025 that ticket sales were struggling, with rows of seats remaining unsold weeks before the premiere. The Daily Mail noted that the production’s ambitious pricing—tickets initially ranged up to $500—failed to attract audiences, leading to a drastic reduction in prices. By mid-July, some performances were offering tickets on a “pay what you want” basis, with reports of seats being given away for free in a desperate bid to fill the theater.

Several factors contributed to the production’s struggles. Critics pointed to logistical issues, including a lack of effective marketing and a failure to capitalize on Zegler’s star power. While her vocal performance as Eva Perón received praise—described as “solid” and “captivating” by some reviewers—the production itself was criticized for its sparse staging and unconventional direction, which alienated traditional theatergoers. Social media posts on X highlighted mixed reactions, with some users praising Zegler’s emotional delivery, while others called the production “underwhelming” and “disjointed.”

Adding to the woes, Zegler faced a personal setback during the run. On July 25, 2025, she was forced to exit a performance mid-show due to a mystery illness, leaving her understudy, Bella Brown, to take over. Brown’s performance of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” earned a five-minute standing ovation, a moment that, while celebrated, underscored the production’s reliance on Zegler’s star power. Zegler later thanked the cast and crew in an emotional social media post, praising their unity and resilience.

Echoes of Snow White: A Pattern of Controversy

The Evita flop comes on the heels of another high-profile disappointment for Zegler: Disney’s Snow White remake, which bombed at the box office earlier in 2025, reportedly costing the studio over $115 million in losses. The film faced intense scrutiny from the outset, fueled by Zegler’s comments in a 2022 interview with Extra, where she criticized the 1937 animated classic for its outdated portrayal of Snow White’s love story. Her remarks, including calling the prince a “stalker,” sparked backlash from fans who accused her of disrespecting the Disney legacy.

Zegler’s vocal political activism also played a role in the Snow White controversy. Her outspoken support for Palestine, including a 2021 X post stating, “It will always be free Palestine,” drew polarized reactions. While some praised her for taking a stand, others, including producer Marc Platt’s son Jonah, blamed her activism for alienating audiences and contributing to the film’s failure. Jonah’s now-deleted Instagram rant called Zegler “immature” and “narcissistic,” accusing her of “hijacking” the film’s narrative for personal gain.

The parallels between Snow White and Evita are striking. Both projects were heavily promoted as vehicles for Zegler’s talents but were undermined by external controversies and internal missteps. In the case of Evita, the production’s inability to sell tickets mirrors the audience boycott that plagued Snow White. Social media platforms like Reddit and X have been abuzz with discussions, with some users arguing that Zegler’s public persona—described as “cringe” or “overly dramatic” by detractors—has made her a lightning rod for criticism. Others, however, defend her, pointing out that the hate she receives is disproportionate and often tinged with racial and gendered undertones.

Zegler’s Emotional Response and Industry Fallout

The toll of these setbacks was evident in Zegler’s emotional response to the Evita crisis. Eyewitness accounts and viral videos captured her breaking down in tears during a curtain call in late June, overwhelmed by a standing ovation from a supportive audience. The moment, shared widely on Instagram and X, was described by fans as a testament to her resilience in the face of adversity. One Instagram user commented, “This must’ve meant so much more to her after the Snow White movie’s backlash.”

However, the positive moments have been overshadowed by the production’s broader failure. Reports suggest that Zegler’s departure from performances on several Mondays—replaced by Bella Brown—further frustrated audiences who had purchased tickets specifically to see her. The combination of poor ticket sales, critical lukewarmness, and Zegler’s health scare has led to speculation that the show may close early, despite its planned 12-week run.

The industry fallout has been swift. Sources indicate that Zegler is now “off Disney’s radar,” with future projects postponed or canceled. Studios are reportedly hesitant to cast her in leading roles, wary of her polarizing public image. Vocal Media’s Confessions column described her trajectory as a “cautionary tale of fame without humility,” suggesting that her outspokenness and perceived lack of tact have eroded her brand trust.

A Path to Redemption?

Despite the setbacks, Zegler’s supporters argue that her talent remains undeniable. Her performances in West Side Story and The Hunger Games prequel earned critical acclaim, and even in Evita, her vocal abilities have been a highlight. On Reddit, fans have rallied to her defense, arguing that she has been unfairly scapegoated for the failures of poorly executed projects. One user wrote, “Rachel is not getting white woman privilege. … The studio hasn’t done anything to protect its star.”

The question now is whether Zegler can recover from this double blow. Industry observers suggest that a return to smaller, theater-focused projects could help her rebuild her reputation. Her emotional connection to Evita—evident in her tearful performances and heartfelt social media posts—demonstrates a passion for the stage that could resonate with audiences if given the right vehicle. A more strategic approach to public relations, including a focus on humility and audience engagement, could also help repair her image.

For now, Zegler faces an uphill battle. The empty seats at the London Palladium and the echoes of Snow White’s failure serve as stark reminders of the fragility of fame. Yet, at just 24, she has time to rewrite her story. As one X user put it, “She’s a once-in-a-generation talent. She just needs the right project to shine again.”

Conclusion

Rachel Zegler’s journey from Hollywood’s golden girl to the center of a Broadway disaster is a tale of talent, ambition, and missteps. The collapse of Evita, with tickets dropping to $0, marks a low point in her career, compounded by the earlier Snow White flop. While her emotional breakdowns have humanized her to some, they have also fueled narratives of a star in crisis. As the industry watches closely, Zegler’s next moves will determine whether she can reclaim her place in the spotlight or remain a cautionary tale of fame’s fleeting nature.