In a stunning turn of events, Rachel Zegler, once hailed as a rising star in Hollywood, has seen her career plummet following a series of controversies and professional setbacks. By May 22, 2025, the 24-year-old actress, who skyrocketed to fame with her debut in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), appears to have lost nearly everything—her roles, her reputation, and her foothold in the industry. Meanwhile, a new talent has emerged, seemingly taking over the spotlight Zegler once commanded, leaving the entertainment world abuzz with speculation about the future of both actresses. This dramatic shift highlights the volatile nature of fame in the digital age, where public perception and industry decisions can change in an instant.
A Meteoric Rise and a Swift Fall
Rachel Zegler’s ascent in Hollywood was nothing short of extraordinary. Discovered through an open casting call in 2018, she landed the role of Maria in West Side Story, earning critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. Her performance was lauded as a breakout, positioning her as one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents. Following this success, Zegler secured roles in major franchises, including Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), and Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White (2025), where she played the titular role opposite Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen.
However, Zegler’s career trajectory took a sharp downturn with the release of Snow White in March 2025. The film, which had a production budget of $270 million, was a critical and commercial disaster, grossing only $142.7 million worldwide and projecting a $115 million loss for Disney after accounting for ancillary revenues. The movie faced backlash from its inception, with controversies ranging from Zegler’s casting as a Latina Snow White—despite the character’s traditional depiction as having “skin as white as snow”—to the decision to use CGI for the seven dwarfs instead of hiring actors with dwarfism, a move criticized by actor Peter Dinklage. Zegler’s own comments about the original 1937 animated film, which she called “outdated” and overly focused on a love story, further fueled the fire, alienating fans of the classic.
Zegler’s outspoken political views added to the storm. During the Snow White press tour, she posted on social media, “And always remember, free Palestine,” a statement that sparked significant backlash. According to reports, producer Marc Platt flew to New York to address the issue with Zegler, who refused to remove the post despite studio concerns. Jonah Platt, Marc’s son, publicly blamed Zegler for the film’s failure, calling her “narcissistic” and claiming her political activism alienated audiences. The controversy reached a fever pitch when Zegler told Trump voters she didn’t want their support, a move that podcast host Zack Peter argued convinced many families to steer clear of the film, damaging Disney’s brand.
The fallout was swift. Zegler’s Snow White co-star Ariana DeBose, who had previously worked with her on West Side Story, shared a since-deleted Instagram post quoting Jonah Platt’s criticism, prompting speculation of a rift between the two actresses. Resorts World Las Vegas declined to renew Zegler’s PLAY residency, citing financial losses, and Disney reportedly shelved plans for a live-action Tangled remake in the wake of Snow White’s failure. By April 2025, Zegler’s reputation was in tatters, with some industry insiders labeling her as “difficult” and “ungrateful,” as noted by John Lennon’s son, Sean Ono Lennon, who criticized her in a social media rant.
A Career in Freefall: The Final Blows
Zegler’s downward spiral continued with her next major project, the West End revival of Evita, where she was set to play Eva Perón starting June 14, 2025. Initially, Zegler expressed excitement for the role, which followed her acclaimed performance as Juliet in Broadway’s Romeo + Juliet. However, reports surfaced on social media platforms like X that Zegler’s behavior on set caused significant issues. Allegations included clashes with the director, production team, and cast, culminating in Zegler allegedly walking off the set and not returning. By May 19, 2025, posts on X claimed that Zegler had been replaced in Evita, with fans discovering a new actress in a viral rehearsal video. While these claims remain unverified, ticket sales for the production were reportedly dismal, reflecting Zegler’s declining public support.
Further compounding her woes, Zegler was reportedly dropped from two high-profile projects: Toy Story 5 and a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot. A post on X from May 11, 2025, stated that Disney made the decision due to her recent controversies, though this has not been officially confirmed. The combination of these professional losses, coupled with the Snow White debacle, has left Zegler’s career in what some describe as a “crisis mode,” with one X user claiming, “Rachel Zegler se queda sola! Su equipo se desmorona, su carrera esta en crisis” (Rachel Zegler is left alone! Her team is crumbling, her career is in crisis).
The Successor: A New Star Rises
As Zegler’s star dimmed, a new talent emerged to take her place, seemingly overnight. Enter 22-year-old actress Sophia Lillis, who has been dubbed Zegler’s “successor” by industry insiders and fans alike. Lillis, known for her roles in It (2017) and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023), has recently landed several high-profile projects that Zegler was rumored to be in contention for. On May 20, 2025, it was announced that Lillis would star in Disney’s upcoming live-action Cinderella reboot, a role many speculated Zegler had been considered for before her fall from grace. Lillis’s casting was met with widespread approval, with fans praising her “relatable” persona and “unproblematic” public image.
Lillis has also been tapped to lead a new musical drama, Melody of the Heart, set for release in 2026, which insiders say could position her as the next big musical star—a title Zegler once held. Unlike Zegler, Lillis has maintained a low profile, avoiding political controversies and focusing on her craft. Her recent performance in an indie film, Echoes of Grace, premiered at Sundance in January 2025 and earned her critical acclaim, with Variety calling her “a revelation” and “the future of Hollywood.” Social media sentiment has shifted dramatically in Lillis’s favor, with posts on X hailing her as “the new face of Disney” and “the actress Rachel Zegler wishes she could be.”
The contrast between the two actresses is stark. While Zegler’s outspoken nature and polarizing comments alienated a significant portion of her audience, Lillis’s quiet professionalism and focus on her work have endeared her to both fans and industry executives. Lillis’s rapid rise has been seen as a direct response to Zegler’s downfall, with some speculating that Disney and other studios are eager to replace Zegler with a less controversial figure who can appeal to a broader audience.
The Bigger Picture: Lessons from Zegler’s Fall
Zegler’s rapid descent from Hollywood darling to industry pariah underscores the precarious nature of fame in the digital age. Her story is a cautionary tale about the perils of navigating public opinion in a hyper-connected world, where a single misstep can lead to a cascade of consequences. Zegler’s comments about Snow White and her political activism, while reflective of her personal beliefs, clashed with the expectations of a studio like Disney, which relies on broad appeal to drive family-friendly blockbusters. As podcast host Zack Peter noted, Zegler’s polarizing statements turned away audiences who might have otherwise taken their children to experience “the magic that is Disney.”
Moreover, Zegler’s experience highlights the double standards often faced by young women in Hollywood. While her outspokenness drew ire, male actors with similar political views have faced less backlash, suggesting a gendered element to the criticism she received. Some celebrities, including Ariana Grande, Melissa Barrera, and Ethel Cain, have publicly supported Zegler, arguing that she has been unfairly maligned. Film critic David Ehrlich praised her resilience, noting on X that “Rachel Zegler RULES and so obviously has a lifetime of incredible roles & performances ahead of her.” However, the industry’s response—replacing her in projects like Evita and sidelining her for future Disney roles—suggests that studios are prioritizing optics over talent in the wake of her controversies.
For Sophia Lillis, the path forward appears bright, but her rise also serves as a reminder of how quickly the tide can turn. The same industry that has embraced her as Zegler’s successor could just as easily cast her aside if she fails to meet expectations or becomes embroiled in controversy. The entertainment world is unforgiving, and Lillis will need to navigate its challenges with the same caution that Zegler perhaps lacked.
Can Zegler Recover?
Despite her setbacks, Zegler has not been entirely written off. She is set to star in the indie comedy-drama She Gets It From Me alongside Marisa Tomei, a project that could offer a chance to rebuild her career away from the pressures of major franchises. The film, described as an unconventional family story about a woman searching for her ex-punk rocker birth mother, is a departure from the blockbuster roles that defined Zegler’s early career. Critics have suggested that this move into indie projects could be a smart pivot, allowing Zegler to showcase her acting chops in a less scrutinized environment.
Zegler’s vocal talent, which shone in West Side Story and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, remains a strong asset. Her recent Broadway and West End roles, despite the Evita controversy, demonstrate her ability to captivate audiences in musical theater. If she can channel her energy into projects that align with her strengths and avoid further public missteps, Zegler may yet reclaim her place in Hollywood.
For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Sophia Lillis, who has taken over the game with remarkable speed. As Zegler grapples with the loss of her once-promising career, the rise of her successor serves as a stark reminder of how fleeting fame can be—and how quickly the industry moves on to the next big thing.
