Rachel Zegler, known for her breakout role in “West Side Story,” was cast as Snow White in Disney’s live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale. However, her journey with this role has been anything but smooth, marked by controversies, rumors of firing, and legal actions.

The Firing Rumors

In late 2023, the internet was abuzz with rumors that Zegler had been fired from the Snow White project. These rumors were fueled by a combination of factors, including Zegler’s own comments about the original Snow White story and her portrayal of the character. She had expressed a desire to modernize Snow White, moving away from the traditional love story and focusing on Snow White’s leadership qualities. This approach received mixed reactions from the public, with some criticizing her for being dismissive of the original tale.

A summary from a YouTube video on Eightify suggested that Disney considered replacing Zegler with Lily Collins due to Zegler’s negative behavior and lack of enthusiasm for the original story. This led to speculation about reshooting the entire movie, a move that could have significant financial implications for Disney.

Legal Actions

Amidst these controversies, Zegler reportedly took legal action against Disney and Paramount, citing fan toxicity as a reason for her dismissal from multiple roles. This move indicated the depth of the conflict and the impact it had on her career.

The Truth Behind the Rumors

Despite these widespread rumors, Zegler’s representatives firmly denied that she was fired from the Snow White project. A report from The Mirror clarified that there was “absolutely no truth” to these claims. Additionally, Snopes, a fact-checking website, investigated the rumors and found them to be unfounded. They noted that there was no evidence to support the claim that Zegler had been fired or that she had reacted negatively to any competing Snow White projects.

Conclusion

The Rachel Zegler controversy highlights the complexities of modernizing classic tales in today’s cultural landscape. While her approach to Snow White was met with both support and backlash, the rumors of her firing and the subsequent legal battles underscore the challenges actors face in navigating public and studio expectations. As of now, Zegler remains the face of Disney’s upcoming Snow White adaptation, set for release in March 2024, amidst a backdrop of controversy and speculation.