In a stunning turn of events, Rachel Zegler has ignited a firestorm online, allegedly demanding that studios like The Simpsons and South Park ban episodes mocking her beleaguered Snow White remake. The controversy comes on the heels of Disney’s latest live-action film suffering a catastrophic box office failure, raking in a mere $8 million globally and marking the lowest opening for any Disney remake in history. With losses projected to soar up to $600 million, the stakes have never been higher for the studio.
The uproar centers on a resurfaced Simpsons episode that eerily parallels Disney’s controversial decisions in the Snow White remake, including the removal of classic dwarves in favor of CGI characters. Critics have pounced on the parallels, suggesting Zegler’s film is ripe for ridicule, especially as the character in the old clip declares, “A woman doesn’t have to depend on a man.” This sentiment mirrors Zegler’s own promotional remarks about the film, further fueling public outcry.
Despite rampant online speculation about Zegler’s alleged push for censorship, credible reports indicate no formal demands have been made. Instead, the narrative continues to spiral, fueled by her history of engaging with critics and the meme culture that saturates social media. Images of Zegler sitting alone in a nearly empty theater have become symbols of her film’s downfall, while clips from The Simpsons have resurfaced, reinforcing the perception that Disney’s storytelling is out of touch.
As the internet buzzes with every new viral meme and parodied clip, the controversy has transformed into a broader cultural clash over storytelling, leaving Disney’s future direction in a precarious position. With industry analysts questioning the viability of their modern adaptations, the question remains: will Disney pivot to appease audiences or double down on its current strategy? One thing is clear: the fallout from this debacle is far from over, and the public’s memory is long.