Rachel Zegler is once again at the center of online discourse as she embarks on the international press tour for Disney’s live-action adaptation of Snow White. The actress, who has been a lightning rod for controversy since being cast as the iconic princess, was seen en route to Spain for the film’s premiere, as shared by her stylist Sarah Slutsky on Instagram.

While one might expect excitement surrounding the release of a Disney classic, the reaction on social media has been anything but celebratory.

Online Backlash Intensifies

As images of Zegler traveling to Spain circulated online, users flooded comment sections with scathing remarks. One user wrote, “My god, she really needs to win the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress! That’ll bring her down a peg…” Another added, “This movie gonna bomb so hard.” 

Some critics speculated that the film’s performance at the box office would be catastrophic. One user commented, “The only revenue this film is gonna get is from its premiere, and that’s for free.” Another stated, “Ha ha ha! Have fun, Rachel Zegler. Can’t wait to see you arrive to an empty theater. And if it’s full, then clearly Disney paid people off.”

The sentiment wasn’t just about the film’s commercial prospects. One commenter criticized Zegler’s public statements, saying, “I kind of felt bad for her at one point, as being cast is Disney’s doing, not hers. I can even look past silly comments. We were all young once. The problem is, she kept it up. Actors should know when to be silent on things.”

A Project Plagued by Controversy

From the moment Zegler’s casting was announced, Snow White has been at the center of an ongoing debate. Critics have questioned the decision to cast a Latina actress as the fair-skinned princess, a move Zegler defended by highlighting the story’s popularity in Spanish-speaking countries.

But her comments about the original 1937 animated film added fuel to the fire. Zegler described it as “extremely dated” and pushed for a modern retelling that eliminates the traditional love story. Her remarks were met with significant backlash, with some accusing her of misunderstanding feminism and disrespecting the legacy of one of Disney’s most beloved classics.

Disney’s Attempt to Contain the Damage

The controversy surrounding Snow White has only intensified in recent months, forcing Disney to recalibrate its promotional strategy. The studio has reportedly scaled back its marketing efforts and opted for a low-key premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood rather than a traditional grand red carpet event.

Additionally, the film’s creative choices have sparked criticism. Disney’s decision to replace the seven dwarfs with “magical creatures” came after actor Peter Dinklage called the concept of the original dwarfs “backward.” However, this change alienated some audiences who viewed it as unnecessary and counterproductive.

Zegler’s Response and the Future of Snow White

Despite the wave of criticism, Zegler remains publicly optimistic. In a recent interview, she attempted to reframe the backlash, stating, “People are passionate about this character and this legacy. I just want to be a part of it.” With Snow White set for release on March 21, 2025, all eyes are on its box office performance. If the social media reaction is any indication, Disney may be bracing for one of its biggest misfires in recent history. Whether Zegler can weather the storm remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the internet has already made up its mind.