Rachel Zegler, the lead actress in Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White,” is reportedly shifting blame for the film’s underwhelming box office performance onto her co-star, Gal Gadot. Despite a staggering production budget of $270 million, “Snow White” has only managed to gross $87 million worldwide, leading to speculation about the reasons behind its failure.
Sources suggest that Zegler has been vocal about her belief that Gadot’s acting and political views contributed to audience backlash. Tensions have risen significantly since Zegler’s controversial social media posts advocating for a “Free Palestine” campaign, which many perceived as insensitive given Gadot’s Israeli background. This public discord has reportedly caused significant strain between the two actresses and Disney executives, who are now scrambling to manage the fallout.
The film’s troubles began long before its release. Zegler has faced intense backlash for her unfiltered comments regarding the original “Snow White,” where she dismissed its central love story as outdated, labeling Prince Charming a “stalker.” Her remarks alienated traditional Disney fans and drew ire from audiences who felt she disrespected the legacy of the beloved classic.
As the marketing campaign unfolded, Gadot’s frustrations reportedly peaked when she learned that many of her key scenes as the Evil Queen had been cut. Feeling sidelined, she has distanced herself from Zegler, refusing to participate in joint promotional events and expressing dissatisfaction with Disney’s handling of the project.
The situation escalated after the film’s teaser trailer received a record-breaking number of dislikes on YouTube, further tarnishing the film’s reputation before its release. Disney now faces a critical decision: whether to push forward with a film that has already turned into a public relations nightmare or to consider a major overhaul, which could be costly.
In a time when Disney seeks to balance progressive storytelling with audience expectations, the “Snow White” controversy encapsulates the challenges facing the studio. As Zegler and Gadot’s feud continues to unravel, the future of the film remains uncertain.