Rachel Zegler, the star of Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Snow White,” is facing severe backlash as independent stores begin to pull merchandise related to the film. This turmoil follows reports of dismal box office performance, with the film achieving a lowly rating of 1 out of 10 on IMDb and suffering a staggering 66% drop in ticket sales after its second weekend. Critics are attributing much of the film’s failure to Zegler’s controversial public statements and behavior, which many believe have alienated potential audiences.
The controversy began when Zegler announced that the film would portray a modernized Snow White, devoid of traditional romantic elements, including the character of Prince Charming. Her comments about the original story, which she described as problematic, have drawn ire from fans and industry insiders alike. Compounding the issue, Zegler’s decision to publicly criticize her co-star Andrew Bernap’s role as a “weird stalker” further fueled public disdain.
As the film flounders, reports suggest that Disney executives are increasingly frustrated with Zegler, with some insiders claiming the company is considering severing ties with her. The film’s budget reportedly exceeded $250 million, making the financial implications of its failure particularly dire for Disney. Additionally, Zegler’s social media posts, including controversial political statements, have led to calls for boycotts from various groups, intensifying the backlash against her and the film.
Amidst the turmoil, Zegler attempted to rally support by bringing friends to see “Snow White,” only to be met with nearly empty theaters, further highlighting the film’s poor reception. With the film now holding the record for the worst second-week drop in Disney’s live-action history, questions loom over Zegler’s future in Hollywood. The situation has raised concerns over how her actions and comments may have irreparably impacted her career and the viability of future projects, leaving many to wonder if she can recover from this significant setback.
