The West End revival of Evita at the London Palladium, set to premiere on June 14, 2025, under the direction of Jamie Lloyd, was expected to be a highlight of the summer theater season, with Rachel Zegler stepping into the iconic role of Eva Perón. However, recent reports of the 24-year-old actress’s alleged behavior during rehearsals have left the cast and crew stunned, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated production.
Sources suggest that tensions have been simmering behind the scenes since rehearsals began in May 2025. According to posts found on X and several YouTube videos uploaded between May 13 and May 18, Zegler’s conduct has been described as disruptive, with claims of heated clashes with director Jamie Lloyd and other cast members, including Diego Andres Rodriguez (Che) and James Olivas (Juan Perón). One particularly striking allegation involves Zegler being forcibly removed from a rehearsal space by security, with leaked footage purportedly showing her being “dragged out” after refusing to cooperate. These accounts, though unverified, paint a picture of a chaotic environment, leaving the production team grappling with uncertainty just weeks before opening night.
Zegler, known for her breakout role in West Side Story and her recent turn in Disney’s Snow White, had expressed enthusiasm for the role in a March 2025 Variety interview, calling Evita a lifelong passion. Her casting was met with excitement, bolstered by her vocal talent and stage presence, as noted by producer Michael Harrison, who praised her “sensational” audition tape. Yet, the reported incidents suggest a stark contrast to that initial optimism. Some insiders have hinted that Zegler cited a “toxic rehearsal culture” as the cause of her outbursts, but this explanation has done little to quell the growing backlash. Speculation on X even suggests she may have been replaced, with a new actress spotted in rehearsal photos, though the production’s official website, EvitaTheMusical.com, still lists Zegler as the lead.
The cast and crew’s reaction has been one of shock, with reports indicating that the rehearsal disruptions have tested the patience of a team accustomed to Lloyd’s disciplined approach, honed during his acclaimed 2019 Regent’s Park staging of Evita. The creative team, including choreographer Fabian Aloise and set designer Soutra Gilmour, has remained silent, but the alleged incidents have raised questions about Zegler’s professionalism. This comes amid her already tumultuous year, marked by the Snow White box office flop and public controversies over her political statements, including a pro-Palestine post that drew significant criticism.
As of 8:40 PM on May 23, 2025, neither Zegler nor the production team has issued an official statement to address the allegations. With performances scheduled through September 6, the situation remains fluid, leaving fans and critics to wonder whether Zegler can regain her footing or if this will mark a turning point in her career. The stunned silence from those involved underscores the gravity of the situation, turning what should have been a celebratory debut into a theater scandal in the making.
