Zegler's recent career move includes flying to London to headline the West End production of "Evita" at the Palladium. This transition to the stage comes at a time when her film career appears uncertain. Zegler's outspoken nature has not only shaped her career path but also stirred significant discourse in the industry.

Up until recently, Zegler was celebrated for her performances. However, her approach to public issues and comments about industry standards have sparked backlash and intense conversations about her place in Hollywood.

Controversial Comments Preceding Film Releases

Just before the premiere of Disney's live-action "Snow White," Zegler made headlines by criticizing the original 1937 film's portrayal of women and its antiquated love story. Her remarks at a 2022 interview with "Extra" highlighted her concerns about the original narrative's focus on what she described as a questionable love story.

"The original cartoon came out in 1937, and very evidently so. There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who stalks her. Weird. So we didn’t do that this time… We have a different approach to what I’m sure a lot of people will assume is a love story just because we cast a guy in the movie," Zegler explained during the interview. This perspective was intended to draw attention to the updated depictions in the new "Snow White," though it also attracted criticism.

This wasn't the first time Zegler's comments have stirred the pot. She has openly criticized the expectations and experiences surrounding her casting in big roles, particularly discussing the racial identity checks during her audition for "West Side Story" in Allure magazine. She expressed frustration over having to prove her ethnicity: "When I was in the running for María, they kept calling to ask if I was legit. I remember thinking, Do you want me to bring my ‘abuelita’ in? I will. I’ll bring her into the studio if you want to meet her."

Political Statements Further Complicate Matters

Apart from film-related controversies, Zegler has also been vocal about political issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict. Her comments have included pleas for peace and humanitarian concerns, which she shared across her social media platforms and in interviews. "I can’t watch children die. I don’t think that should be a hot take… We’re nearing one year since the horrendous attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, but I’ve been following this conflict for so many years. Like so many people, I’m so heartbroken by the loss of life that we’re seeing with these insane death tolls coming out of both regions," she stated.

These remarks were met with mixed responses, including criticism from her "Snow White" co-star Gal Gadot who reportedly took issue with Zegler's public support for Gaza amidst the ongoing geopolitical strife.

Amidst this backdrop, Disney, according to an insider speaking to Page Six, finds itself in a difficult position trying to manage the fallout from Zegler’s public persona. "Disney’s lead actress is out of control. They don’t know what to do," the insider reported, highlighting the tension between the studio's image management and Zegler's forthrightness.

Industry Reaction and Future Prospects

A source close to industry decision-makers conveyed the prevailing sentiments about hiring Zegler for future projects: “She is too dangerous to touch. She doesn’t know when to shut up. After this and what happened to ‘Emilia Perez,’ studios are going to be a lot more careful hiring lead actresses.” This reflects a broader hesitation within Hollywood to engage with talents who are as outspoken as Zegler, potentially jeopardizing their mainstream appeal and box office prospects.

Despite these trials, Zegler actively engages with her audience and critics, embracing the discussions her comments spark. Whether this engagement will impact her long-term career in Hollywood remains uncertain, as she currently shifts her professional journey to the London stage, stepping away from the immediate glare of Hollywood.

As Rachel Zegler advances in her career, she exemplifies the complexities of navigating stardom in the modern age, where people closely scrutinize personal convictions and public personas under an ever-intensifying spotlight.