Why Is Rachel Zegler Getting All the Blame When She Delivered the Best Performance in Snow White?

Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White in Disney’s latest live-action remake has been widely praised. Critics and audiences who have seen the film agree that her performance was the highlight, with her exceptional singing ability and compelling screen presence bringing the beloved princess to life in a fresh way. Despite this, Zegler has become the center of controversy, receiving an overwhelming amount of criticism that seems to overshadow her talent.

So why is she bearing the brunt of the backlash? The film’s struggles at the box office, controversial production decisions, and external political debates have all contributed to the ongoing narrative, placing an unfair amount of responsibility on Zegler’s shoulders.

Rachel Zegler’s Performance: The Film’s Brightest Spot

From the moment Rachel Zegler was cast as Snow White, there was little doubt that she had the vocal prowess to bring the character to life. As the lead in West Side Story, Zegler captivated audiences and proved she was more than capable of carrying a major film. Those same talents were on full display in Snow White, with reviewers commending her for breathing new life into the role.

Many critics who reviewed the film highlighted that her voice was stunning, her acting was emotionally resonant, and her chemistry with the rest of the cast was undeniable. Even those who were skeptical about the film’s changes found her performance to be one of its strongest aspects.

Yet, instead of celebrating Zegler’s efforts, much of the conversation has been dominated by external controversies.

Box Office Disappointment: A Costly Production Gamble

One of the biggest talking points surrounding Snow White has been its disappointing box office performance. With a production budget exceeding $270 million, expectations were high for the film to be a financial success. However, its opening weekend brought in only $87 million globally, making it one of Disney’s weaker live-action openings in recent years.

Financial underperformance often leads to scrutiny, and many have looked for a scapegoat. Rather than analyzing broader industry trends or marketing missteps, much of the blame has unfairly fallen on Zegler.

Numerous factors, including audience fatigue with Disney remakes, the crowded movie release schedule, and shifts in consumer behavior influence box office results.

However, social media conversations have disproportionately centered on Zegler as if she alone were responsible for the film’s outcome.

The Casting Controversy: A Debate Beyond Performance

Zegler’s casting as Snow White sparked a heated debate from the moment it was announced. Some audiences questioned the decision to cast an actress of Colombian and Polish descent in the role of a character traditionally described as having “skin as white as snow.”

This discourse quickly escalated beyond simple casting discussions into a broader cultural debate about representation in Hollywood. While many supported the inclusive casting choice, others accused Disney of straying too far from the original story. Zegler, despite having no control over casting decisions, became the face of the controversy.

This backlash was exacerbated by resurfaced interviews in which Zegler discussed the need for a modernized version of Snow White. Her comments about avoiding outdated tropes and reimagining the story for a contemporary audience were met with resistance from traditionalists. In many ways, she became an easy target for those who felt that Hollywood was moving too far away from its roots.

Political Controversy: A Divisive Climate in Hollywood

Beyond the film itself, Zegler has faced scrutiny for her political stances. As an outspoken advocate for various social causes, including her support for Palestine, she has found herself at odds with certain industry figures and audiences.

This became even more complicated when co-star Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, expressed pro-Israel sentiments. Their differing political stances led to online discourse that overshadowed the film entirely, with some audiences choosing to boycott the movie based on these external issues.

While actors have always had personal beliefs that may not align with every audience member, social media has amplified these discussions to an unprecedented degree. Zegler’s activism has been used against her, even though it has no bearing on her performance in the film.

Industry Response: Support and Criticism

Despite the backlash, Zegler has received support from notable figures in the entertainment industry. Celebrities like Ariana Grande, Helen Mirren, and Melissa Barrera have spoken out in her defense, emphasizing the need for empathy and fairness in how actors are treated online.

At the same time, others within the industry have added to the criticism. Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt, suggested that Zegler’s social media activity negatively impacted the film’s success. This further fueled the narrative that she was to blame for the film’s struggles, despite the many external factors at play.

A Reflection on the Larger Issue

The backlash against Rachel Zegler is not just about Snow White. It is a reflection of a larger pattern in Hollywood where female leads, particularly those who speak out on social issues, face disproportionate criticism. The industry has seen this happen before with actors like Brie Larson and Daisy Ridley, both of whom faced similar treatment after starring in major franchises.

What makes this situation particularly frustrating is that Zegler delivered exactly what was expected of her: a stellar performance. She brought emotion, talent, and a fresh perspective to a character loved by generations.

Yet, instead of celebrating that, the conversation has been dominated by external factors. This raises an important question: why do audiences and media narratives so often shift blame onto the actors rather than looking at the broader industry decisions that shape a film’s success or failure?

A Talented Actress Caught in the Storm

Rachel Zegler should be recognized for her contributions to Snow White and not blamed for the controversies surrounding it. Her performance has been widely praised, proving that she was the right choice for the role. However, the film’s reception has been clouded by discussions about casting, modernized storytelling, and political debates that extend far beyond her control.

Instead of scapegoating an actress who poured her heart into the project, perhaps the focus should shift toward the real issues affecting the industry. How are films marketed? How are budgets managed? How do cultural shifts influence audience reception? These are the questions that should be asked, rather than unfairly placing blame on a single performer.

Rachel Zegler gave the film its most compelling element: her talent. The backlash against her says more about the state of online discourse and industry politics than it does about her ability to lead a film. The real question remains: will Hollywood and its audiences learn from this pattern or will another actor soon find themselves in the same position?