In a shocking twist that has sent ripples through Hollywood, Rachel Zegler, the lead actress of Disney’s beleaguered “Snow White” remake, faces intense backlash from co-stars and industry insiders alike following a series of controversial missteps. What was meant to be a triumphant reimagining of a beloved classic has spiraled into a public relations nightmare, with a dismal $270 million investment yielding a mere $88 million in its opening weekend.
Zegler’s unfiltered comments during promotional interviews have drawn ire, as she dismissed the original 1937 film, labeling the iconic prince a “stalker” and branding the love story “creepy.” This approach, which alienated core Disney fans, fueled calls for boycotts even before the film’s trailer dropped. The tension escalated significantly when Zegler posted “Free Palestine” online, igniting a firestorm with co-star Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress who faced online threats as a result. The fallout prompted Disney to bolster security for Gadot, marking the beginning of a public relations catastrophe.
As the premiere approached, reports revealed Zegler’s dismissive remarks about co-star Andrew Bernap’s role, suggesting his scenes could be cut. This behavior has raised concerns about her professionalism in an industry that values collaboration and team spirit. The situation reached a boiling point when Jonah Platt, son of the film’s producer, publicly criticized Zegler for her self-absorption, highlighting the impact of her actions on the entire cast and crew.
In a startling development, Zegler is now reportedly considering legal action against Disney, asserting mistreatment during the promotional cycle. The potential lawsuit adds another layer of complexity to a already tumultuous situation. As the industry grapples with the fallout, questions arise about how this will affect Zegler’s future and Disney’s approach to managing talent and brand alignment.
The saga of “Snow White” serves as a cautionary tale for Hollywood, underscoring the frailty of major studio projects in an era where personal expression can clash violently with corporate interests. As discussions about the balance between authenticity and responsibility continue, one thing is clear: the drama behind the scenes has become far more compelling than the film itself.