Los Angeles, California – Rachel Ziegler, the rising star famous for her roles in “West Side Story” and “Snow White,” found herself in hot water after making political statements on social media. Her actions not only sparked backlash but also caused turmoil within the entertainment industry, particularly at Disney, where she was set to star in the live-action remake of the classic fairytale.
Following the release of the first official trailer for “Snow White” at Disney’s D23 fan event, Zegler took to social media to thank her fans for their support, but also added a controversial statement supporting Palestine. This move garnered immense attention and further fueled the firestorm surrounding the actress and the film.
The studio was quick to address the issue, with tensions escalating when Zegler continued to make political statements, including derogatory remarks about former President Donald Trump. Concerned about the impact on the film’s box office performance and potential audience, Disney took steps to manage Zegler’s social media presence, underscoring the challenges studios face in navigating talent’s public statements.
Despite efforts to contain the controversy, the live-action remake of “Snow White” underperformed at the box office, leading industry insiders to question what went wrong. The film’s lackluster debut highlighted the challenges of adapting beloved classics and managing stars who court controversy on social media.
Zegler’s public comments strained her relationship not only with Disney but also with her co-star Gal Gadot, leading to tensions and awkward moments during the film’s promotional events. While reports of a feud between the two actresses circulated, sources close to the production indicate that they worked well together on set, with any discord arising during the lead-up to the film’s release.
In the aftermath of the film’s disappointing performance, industry analysts pointed to a combination of factors, including production delays, reshoots, and broader shifts in the market for family-friendly films. For Disney, the challenges posed by “Snow White” underscored the risks of adapting classic properties and managing talent in an era of heightened scrutiny and social media influence.