Hollywood loves a villain, and right now, Disney seems determined to cast Rachel Zegler in the role. The Snow White remake—once a hopeful revival of a classic—has become a PR nightmare, and Disney, in true corporate fashion, is looking for someone to blame. But is Zegler really the problem, or is this just another case of a studio refusing to take accountability for its own missteps?
The Backlash: Zegler's Controversial Comments
Zegler, known for her outspoken nature, didn't hold back when discussing the original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), calling it “weird,” “creepy,” and criticizing the prince as a “stalker.” While her honesty might have been refreshing to some, Disney executives reportedly panicked—especially after her unexpected “Free Palestine” post during the film's D23 promotion.
Then came the political firestorm. After Donald Trump's 2024 election win, Zegler tweeted, “Fuck Donald Trump” and “May Trump supporters never know peace.” Disney, allergic to controversy unless it's carefully manufactured, scrambled to control the damage, hiring a “social media guru” to monitor her posts.
Disney's Damage Control – Or Scapegoating?
Anonymous sources (likely Disney insiders) told Variety that Zegler's behavior led to increased death threats against co-star Gal Gadot (who is Israeli), forcing Disney to pay for extra security. The narrative? Zegler was reckless, irresponsible, and jeopardized the film's success.
But let's be real—Disney has a history of deflecting blame. Remember how The Marvels director Nia DaCosta was painted as “inexperienced” after that film flopped? Now, Zegler is getting the same treatment.
The Sudden Reversal – PR or Genuine Change?
After Disney's intervention, Zegler's tone shifted dramatically. She backtracked on her Trump comments, calling his supporters “beautiful” and “passionate.” Was this growth, or corporate coercion?
The Bigger Problem: Disney's Identity Crisis
The real issue isn't Zegler—it's Disney's inability to commit to a vision. They want progressive reboots but panic when actors actually speak their minds. They want nostalgia but sanitize it beyond recognition. Snow White isn't failing because of Zegler; it's failing because Disney no longer knows who its audience is.
Disney's Snow White disaster is a symptom of a deeper issue: a studio torn between reinvention and fear. Zegler, whether you agree with her or not, is being used as a distraction from Disney's own creative failures. The real question is: When will Hollywood stop blaming individuals for systemic problems?
