Rachel Zegler is in crisis mode after Mark Webb, the director who once hailed her as a “generational talent,” dramatically retracted his praise following the disastrous performance of Disney’s live-action “Snow White.” Insiders report that Zegler broke down in tears upon learning of Webb’s about-face, feeling personally betrayed at a time when her career was already spiraling due to negative press and backlash.
Webb’s initial endorsement had been a crucial lifeline for Zegler, expected to quiet critics and bolster her Hollywood standing. Instead, after “Snow White” suffered a staggering 66% drop in its second-week box office, Webb confided to studio insiders that he regretted his earlier comments, fearing they would tie him to the film’s failure. This retreat came just as Zegler was reeling from a tense meeting with Disney’s legal team over accusations of damaging the film’s reputation with her outspoken comments.
The fallout has been swift and brutal. Zegler’s emotional turmoil was compounded by the fact that Webb’s distancing felt like a final betrayal, leaving her to grapple with the realization that allies can vanish when a project falters. Reports indicate she was visibly shaken after receiving the news, with one witness claiming she stared blankly at the wall for a full minute before leaving the room.
Critics have pounced on Zegler, blaming her for the film’s woes, with even co-star Andrew Bernap expressing concerns over the potential fallout on his own career. The backlash has reached a fever pitch, with social media rife with memes mocking her attempts to promote the film amid empty theaters. Meanwhile, Disney executives scramble to mitigate losses, fearing “Snow White” could become a historic box office bomb.
As tensions mount, Zegler reportedly considers pursuing a staggering $200 million in damages, alleging she has been scapegoated for the film’s failures. This latest twist in the saga underscores a stark reality: in Hollywood, praise is contingent on profit, and Zegler’s fall from grace is a painful reminder of the volatile nature of fame.