5 Key Ways Rachel Zegler Reacted To The Snow White Live-Action Box Office Flop

The narrative surrounding Disney's live-action *Snow White* reached a critical peak following its theatrical release in March 2025, culminating in a widely reported box office flop that sparked intense scrutiny on its star, Rachel Zegler. As of today, December 13, 2025, months after the film's disappointing run, Zegler has offered several measured, yet candid, reflections on the intense backlash and the film's commercial failure, contrasting sharply with the sensationalized media headlines that claimed she "went off." Her responses, given across various high-profile interviews, reveal a complex mix of frustration, perspective, and a defense of the film's modern intentions. The film's performance—reportedly grossing only around $171.1 million worldwide against a production budget estimated to be over $250 million—solidified its status as a major financial disappointment for The Walt Disney Company. This commercial failure amplified the pre-existing controversies surrounding Zegler’s casting and her earlier, controversial comments about the original 1937 animated classic, forcing the young actress to directly address the "alarming" public outrage in the aftermath.

Rachel Zegler: A Quick Biography and Filmography

Rachel Anne Zegler is an American actress, singer, and content creator who rose to international fame with her debut film role. Her career trajectory has been defined by a rapid ascent followed by intense media focus, particularly regarding the Disney live-action remake.

• Full Name: Rachel Anne Zegler
• Date of Birth: May 3, 2001
• Place of Birth: Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.
• Ethnicity: Zegler is of Colombian descent on her mother’s side and Polish descent on her father’s side.
• Breakthrough Role: María in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of *West Side Story*.
• Major Awards: She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for *West Side Story*, making her the youngest winner in that category.
• Key Filmography:
  • *West Side Story* (2021) as María
  • *Shazam! Fury of the Gods* (2023) as Anthea
  • *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* (2023) as Lucy Gray Baird
  • *Snow White* (2025) as Snow White

1. Reflecting on the "Alarming" Nature of the Backlash

One of Zegler’s most significant post-release comments came in a detailed interview with *i-D magazine*, where she described the intensity of the public reaction as "alarming." The actress acknowledged the unprecedented level of scrutiny the project and her personal comments received, suggesting it went far beyond typical fan criticism of a Disney remake.

She specifically referred to the deluge of negative commentary that began long before the film's March 2025 release, fueled by resurfaced interviews where she had discussed modernizing the princess and moving away from the "damsel in distress" trope. Zegler’s use of the word "alarming" highlights the emotional toll of being the central figure in a major cultural controversy for over two years, positioning her reaction as one of genuine shock at the scale of the outrage.

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2. Attributing Criticism to "Passion" and Nostalgia

In another interview published in February 2025, just weeks before the film’s premiere, Zegler attempted to reframe the backlash as a product of intense fan devotion rather than pure negativity. She suggested that the widespread criticism was a result of fans’ "passion" for the original 1937 animated film.

This approach was seen by some as an attempt to "walk back" her earlier, more provocative statements, which critics had argued showed a lack of respect for the source material. By linking the negative reaction to a love for the classic, she sought to de-escalate the "woke casting" controversy and the subsequent media frenzy. This measured response contrasts sharply with the sensational headlines that later emerged claiming she "GOES OFF" after the box office numbers were tallied.

3. The Box Office Reality: A Financial Bomb

The core of the "flop" narrative is the undeniable commercial failure of the Disney live-action remake. Despite the presence of major co-star Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film failed to connect with the global audience.

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The film's high production budget, which one source placed at $270 million, meant it required a massive worldwide gross—estimated to be around $500 million—just to break even and reach its "box office safety net." With a reported final worldwide total of only $171.1 million, the film became one of Disney's most significant financial bombs of 2025. This failure provided a harsh, tangible validation for the widespread pre-release negativity.

The disappointment was a harsh reminder of the risks involved in modernizing beloved classics, especially following Zegler's previous box office disappointment with *Shazam! Fury of the Gods* (2023).

4. Defending the Modern Interpretation and New Origin Story

Throughout the controversy, Zegler consistently defended the creative decisions behind the new *Snow White*. She emphasized the importance of giving the princess a "modern edge" and a sense of agency, moving her away from the outdated tropes of the original.

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A key point of contention was the new origin story for the name "Snow White." Zegler confirmed that the remake provided a new explanation—that she survived a horrific blizzard—to justify her name, a detail that was mocked by some critics for being overly complicated and unnecessary. Zegler maintained that these changes were necessary to make the story relevant to a contemporary audience, a stance she held firm on even after the film’s commercial failure.

5. The Ongoing Media Narrative and Damage Control

The most dramatic element of the post-flop coverage was the media's portrayal of Zegler's emotional state. YouTube channels and news outlets frequently used clickbait headlines suggesting the actress "Completely LOSES IT" or was in "damage control" mode following the grim box office returns.

While Zegler has not had a public meltdown, her attempts to manage the narrative—such as her interview with *Vogue Mexico* where she rebranded the backlash—showed a clear effort by her and her team to mitigate the damage. The reality is that Zegler’s reaction has been a careful balance: acknowledging the "alarming" negativity while remaining professionally committed to the film's vision and attributing the criticism to passionate nostalgia. The true test for Zegler will be her performance in upcoming projects, such as her role in the *Paddington* franchise, which will determine if the *Snow White* controversy has any long-term impact on her career.