Rachel Zegler Faces Backlash as Theaters Pull ‘Snow White’ from Screens

Rachel Zegler, the star of Disney’s controversial Snow White remake, has once again found herself at the center of online discourse after a video she posted in defense of the film ignited a fresh wave of criticism. What was meant to be a heartfelt response to the backlash quickly spiraled into a public relations disaster, exacerbating the already embattled film’s reception.

A Viral Response Gone Wrong

In a now-viral video, Zegler, speaking from what appeared to be her bedroom, attempted to address the negativity surrounding the film. Her tone wavered between frustration, vulnerability, and passive-aggressive defiance as she insisted that, despite the widespread criticism, people still supported her work.

“I can only hope that despite my flaws, despite my cracks and breaks, people will still wait in line to see me,” she said, referencing the famous Winged Victory of Samothrace statue at the Louvre.

However, rather than shifting the narrative in her favor, Zegler’s remarks only intensified the backlash. Within minutes, the internet exploded with reaction videos, memes, and harsh critiques. Social media users accused her of being out of touch and self-centered, with hashtags like #SnowFlop trending as audiences ridiculed both the film and its lead actress.

A Troubled Production and Poor Box Office Performance

From the beginning, Snow White had been plagued by controversy. Zegler’s previous comments, where she dismissed the 1937 classic as outdated and mocked its romantic storyline, had already alienated many Disney fans. When the film finally premiered, the reception was anything but warm.

The movie’s opening weekend numbers were abysmal, grossing only $45 million domestically—a stark contrast to The Little Mermaid, which, despite its own controversies, opened with a robust $95 million. Box office analysts labeled Snow White one of Disney’s biggest miscalculations in years, and major theater chains began quietly pulling the film from premium screens, relegating it to less desirable showtimes or dropping it entirely.

The Oscars Appearance That Made Matters Worse

In an attempt at damage control, Zegler appeared at the Oscars alongside co-star Gal Gadot. However, rather than presenting a united front, their body language spoke volumes. Observers quickly noticed the palpable tension between the two actresses, with Gadot appearing distant and uninterested. Insiders later confirmed that Gadot, while contractually obligated to promote the film, had since chosen to distance herself from both the project and its star.

Fallout and Industry Consequences

Zegler’s public image took a massive hit, with many questioning her future in Hollywood. Unlike other stars who have faced backlash, she received little support from her peers. No co-stars publicly defended her, no directors rallied behind her, and no industry figures offered words of encouragement. The silence was deafening.

Behind the scenes, this controversy began affecting Zegler’s career prospects. Reports surfaced that studios were reconsidering casting her in future projects. What was meant to be her breakout role had instead become a cautionary tale of how a star can fall from grace in the age of social media.

A Lesson in Public Perception

The Snow White debacle serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between modernizing beloved classics and respecting their legacy. While Disney aimed to create a progressive retelling, the approach, combined with Zegler’s dismissive attitude toward the original, alienated the very audience they hoped to attract.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Snow White has become more than just a box office failure—it’s a case study in how public perception can make or break a film’s success. For Rachel Zegler, the road to redemption in Hollywood may prove to be a difficult one.