Rachel Zegler, star of Disney's 2025 Snow White remake, speaks out about the intense backlash she faced after the film's release, which became a massive box office failure losing over $300 million. Despite criticism over her political statements and the film's reception, Zegler discusses her mental health struggles and refuses to retract her comments, highlighting the complex intersection of celebrity, politics, and public perception.
It may feel like ages ago, but Disney's Snow White remake starring Rachel Zegler was released less than a year ago, on March 21, 2025. The film quickly became known as a massive box office disaster for Disney, losing nearly $300 million. This article explores the reasons behind the film's failure, the backlash Rachel Zegler faced, and her response to the criticism.
From the outset, the Snow White remake struggled to find favor with audiences. Several factors contributed to its poor performance:
However, the most significant factor in the film's failure was its star, Rachel Zegler.
When Disney announced Rachel Zegler as the first Latina Snow White, it sparked controversy. Zegler's public statements during the film's promotion further fueled the backlash:
These actions made Zegler a polarizing figure, and many considered her "toxic" in the lead-up to the movie's release. Disney reportedly struggled with how to handle the situation due to the negative attention surrounding her.
Initial reports suggested the film lost $170 million, but this figure only accounted for box office revenue against the production budget. The actual budget ballooned to over $336 million, excluding marketing costs, which likely added at least $100 million more. Taking all expenses into account, the total loss is estimated to be around $300 million, making it one of Disney's biggest financial failures.
Nearly a year after the film's release, Rachel Zegler addressed the backlash in an interview with Harper's Bazaar. She revealed the personal toll the criticism took on her:
Zegler also discussed her cultural identity, explaining the confusion she felt being both Colombian and Polish and how the public perceived her heritage.
Throughout the interview, Zegler rejected the victim mindset, stating she chooses positivity and happiness despite the challenges. However, critics point out that she previously engaged in cancel culture and did not shy away from controversy, which complicates her claims of positivity.
Despite the backlash, Rachel Zegler has never retracted her comments about the film or her political views. She stands by her statements as a testament to her core beliefs. However, she acknowledged the difference between intent and impact, suggesting that sometimes it might be better to refrain from speaking out impulsively.
The Snow White remake's failure was multifaceted, involving creative decisions, technical execution, and the star's public persona. Rachel Zegler's outspoken nature and political commentary played a significant role in the film's reception and financial losses. While she has sought to address the personal impact of the backlash, her refusal to back down from her views continues to fuel debate.
What do you think about Rachel Zegler's response to the backlash and the Snow White remake's failure? Share your thoughts below.
