In the whirlwind of Hollywood’s spotlight, where stars often rise and fall with the tide of public opinion, Rachel Zegler has emerged as both a celebrated talent and a polarizing figure. The 23-year-old actress, best known for her role as Snow White in Disney’s 2025 live-action remake, recently made headlines for a heartfelt reunion with her former high school theater teacher—a moment that offered a glimpse into the roots of her journey to stardom. This reunion not only highlighted the personal influences that shaped Zegler’s career but also shed light on the challenges and controversies she faced while stepping into the iconic role of Snow White.
A Star’s Humble Beginnings and a Teacher’s Lasting Impact
Rachel Zegler’s story began in Clifton, New Jersey, where she was a self-described “theater kid” with big dreams. Long before she graced the silver screen, Zegler honed her craft in high school productions, guided by a teacher who recognized her potential early on. While specific details of this teacher remain private, sources indicate that Zegler’s theater mentor played a pivotal role in nurturing her vocal talent and stage presence—skills that would later catch the eye of Hollywood heavyweights like Steven Spielberg.
In a recent interview with Allure (published March 18, 2025), Zegler reflected on her audition for Snow White, noting that her ability to sing was the key to landing the role. She brought the casting team to tears with her rendition of “Waiting on a Wish,” a song from the film’s soundtrack, and performed scenes that showcased her emotional depth. But behind this polished performance was years of encouragement from her teacher, who instilled in her the confidence to pursue her dreams. Zegler’s reunion with this mentor, shared via a brief social media post in early May 2025, was a touching moment of gratitude. “Back where it all started,” she captioned a photo of the two, standing in what appeared to be her old high school auditorium. “Thank you for believing in me.”
This reunion underscored the foundational role that mentorship played in Zegler’s rise. Unlike many Hollywood stars who come from industry families, Zegler’s path was carved through talent and determination, with her teacher serving as a guiding light. However, as her career soared, Zegler would soon find herself navigating a storm of scrutiny that tested the very resilience her teacher had helped her build.
Stepping Into Snow White: A Role Fraught with Controversy
Zegler’s casting as Snow White, announced in June 2021, marked a significant milestone in her career. Fresh off her Golden Globe-winning debut in West Side Story (2021), she was poised to become Disney’s first Latina Snow White—a casting choice that was both celebrated and criticized. The decision aligned with Disney’s push for diversity, but it also ignited a firestorm of backlash from those who argued that Zegler, of half-Colombian descent, didn’t fit the traditional image of the character, often described as “white as snow” in the Brothers Grimm tale.
The controversy escalated when Zegler, during a 2022 interview at Disney’s D23 event, openly criticized the 1937 animated classic. She called the original Snow White’s love story “weird,” pointing out that the prince “literally stalks her,” and emphasized that the remake would focus on Snow White as a leader rather than a damsel in distress (Vanity Fair, March 29, 2025). While some praised her for advocating a modern, empowered take on the character, others accused her of disrespecting a beloved classic. Her comments, paired with her candid admission to Entertainment Weekly that she had only watched the original film once as a child because it scared her, fueled a narrative that Zegler was ungrateful for the role.
Critics on social media platforms like X and Reddit were quick to pounce. A user on r/disneyprincess in 2023 lamented, “Rachel Zegler admitting she didn’t like Snow White growing up… is so sad to me. Out of MILLIONS of women who loved the character, this is who we get.” Others framed her casting as part of a “woke” agenda, with some even mocking the film’s title in racially charged ways (Allure, March 18, 2025). Zegler, however, stood firm. In a 2023 Variety Actors on Actors interview with Halle Bailey, she expressed gratitude for the backlash, saying it made her feel “like solid Teflon” and prepared her for the harsh realities of fame.
Behind the Scenes: Tensions and Talents
The Snow White production was not without its behind-the-scenes drama. Zegler’s vocal political stance, particularly her support for Palestine in a 2024 social media post—“and always remember, free Palestine”—drew ire from Disney executives. According to Variety (March 26, 2025), producer Marc Platt flew to New York to discuss the ramifications of her post, which garnered 8.8 million views and was seen as mixing politics with the film’s promotion. The post remained, but the fallout was significant: death threats against Zegler’s co-star Gal Gadot, who is Israeli, spiked, prompting Disney to increase security for her (Just Jared, March 25, 2025).
Despite rumors of a feud, sources confirmed that Zegler and Gadot maintained a professional relationship during filming, though Disney’s decision to keep them apart at promotional events—like the March 15, 2025, premiere at El Capitan Theatre—fueled speculation of tension (Daily Mail, March 16, 2025). Zegler’s comments referring to Gadot as a “professional pageant queen” in an Instagram reply were interpreted by some as a slight, though others saw it as playful banter (Vanity Fair, March 29, 2025).
Amidst the controversies, Zegler’s talent remained undeniable. Director Marc Webb praised her “extraordinary vocal abilities” and “strength, intelligence, and optimism” (Daily Mail, August 20, 2023), qualities that shone through in her performance. The remake, released on March 21, 2025, featured original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with Zegler’s rendition of “Waiting on a Wish” earning particular acclaim. However, the film’s box office performance was dismal, grossing just $43 million domestically against a $350 million budget (Cosmopolitan, March 29, 2025). Critics pointed to the negative press as a contributing factor, but Zegler also became a scapegoat for Disney’s broader struggles with live-action remakes.
The Aftermath: Resilience and New Beginnings
The Snow White debacle didn’t dim Zegler’s star. In the wake of the film’s release, she received support from peers like Melissa Barrera, who called her “cool as hell and full of integrity” (Vanity Fair, March 29, 2025), and Renee Rapp, who defended her against the “hate campaign” (The Mirror US, April 4, 2025). Zegler’s reunion with her teacher served as a reminder of the support system that grounded her through the chaos.
Looking ahead, Zegler has already lined up her next project: a mother-daughter dramedy titled She Gets It From Me, co-starring Marisa Tomei (People, May 1, 2025). The film, which explores the “messy aftermath” of a family reunion, promises to showcase Zegler’s versatility. She’s also set to star in a limited run of Evita in London, beginning in June 2025, further cementing her status as a multifaceted performer.
A Critical Perspective: Beyond the Culture Wars
Zegler’s journey with Snow White highlights the broader challenges faced by young actors, particularly those from underrepresentedSnow White was more than a commercial failure—it became a battleground for cultural debates. While Zegler was often blamed for the film’s flop, the narrative overlooks Disney’s role in mismanaging the project. The studio’s decision to scale back the premiere and limit press access (Daily Mail, March 16, 2025) suggests they anticipated the backlash but failed to address it head-on. Moreover, the criticism of Zegler’s casting reflects a deeper resistance to diversity in Hollywood, often masked as a defense of tradition. Zegler’s teacher, who witnessed her growth from a shy student to a global star, likely saw the same spark that Disney initially did—a spark that deserves to shine, regardless of the controversies.
Rachel Zegler’s reunion with her former teacher was more than a nostalgic moment; it was a testament to her roots and resilience. As she continues to navigate Hollywood’s highs and lows, Zegler remains a symbol of talent and tenacity, proving that even in the face of adversity, a true star can rise above the noise.
