Rachel Zegler Backlash, Box Office Collapse, and PR Fallout

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Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Controversy Sparks Backlash and Box Office Struggles

Disney’s Snow White has become one of the biggest box office disasters in recent memory, plagued by controversy, social media backlash, and internal studio turmoil. What was meant to be a highly anticipated remake of the beloved classic instead turned into a PR nightmare, with leading actress Rachel Zegler at the center of the storm.

On August 12, 2024, Zegler took to social media to celebrate the release of the film’s first trailer, which had racked up 120 million views. However, her follow-up post, “and always remember, free Palestine,” quickly overshadowed the film’s promotion, drawing nearly 8.8 million views – far more than her original post. Disney executives were blindsided by the political statement and immediately intervened. Producer Marc Platt personally reached out to Zegler, urging her to take down the post, but she refused. This defiant stance only further strained her already rocky relationship with the studio, which had been dealing with backlash over her previous comments criticizing the original Snow White film.

As tensions mounted, Zegler’s co-star Gal Gadot, who is Israeli, became the target of online threats. The situation escalated so rapidly that Disney was forced to increase security for the Wonder Woman actress and her family.

What had started as a film promotion had spiraled into a crisis management situation for the studio, adding another layer of chaos to the already troubled production. Things worsened three months later when Zegler once again made headlines for another social media outburst, this time targeting the U.S. political landscape. Her posts, which read “F*** Donald Trump” and “May Trump supporters … never know peace,” alienated a significant portion of the potential audience for Snow White. With the film’s release approaching, Disney had no choice but to take action, hiring a social media consultant to monitor and approve Zegler’s posts in an effort to prevent further controversy.

Despite the studio’s attempts at damage control, the damage was done. When Snow White finally debuted in March 2025, the numbers were disastrous. The film opened to just $87 million worldwide, with only $43 million coming from domestic audiences – far below expectations. With a staggering $270 million budget and extensive reshoots, these figures signaled a complete financial failure.

Hollywood insiders quickly pointed to multiple factors contributing to the flop. The negative pre-release buzz, production delays caused by COVID and industry strikes, and ongoing social media controversies had all played a role. Meanwhile, industry analysts criticized Disney’s handling of the situation, arguing that the studio should have taken control of the narrative much earlier.

Zegler’s history of clashing with Disney dates back to her 2022 Oscars snub, when she complained about not being invited despite starring in West Side Story, a Best Picture nominee. She also criticized the original Snow White, calling the prince “a stalker” and dismissing the classic as outdated. Disney remained silent at the time, but industry insiders believe the controversy could have been mitigated had they addressed her comments early on.

Despite reports of tension between Zegler and Gadot, sources say the two actresses got along during filming. However, Disney’s PR team scheduled them for separate promotional events, further fueling speculation of a feud. By the time the film premiered on March 15, Disney had largely given up hope of reversing the negative press.

What do you think – did controversy sink Snow White, or was the film doomed from the start? Share your thoughts below.

Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.

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