Disney’s live-action Snow White, featuring Rachel Zegler, has stumbled both critically and commercially. What implications do these developments have for Zegler’s career trajectory, and what projects could be next for her? Zegler burst onto the Hollywood scene with immense promise in 2021, thanks to Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story. This pivotal role established her as a new star in the industry, subsequently leading her to significant roles in projects linked to DC, the Hunger Games franchise, and Disney’s ambitious retelling of the classic tale. Expectations ran high ahead of Snow White; however, the reality has not aligned with those ambitions.
The film’s box office figures have fallen short of expectations, marking it as a financial disappointment for Disney, with predictions indicating that it may never recover its reportedly hefty budget. The critic consensus has compounded the film’s woes, as Snow White currently holds a mere 42% on Rotten Tomatoes, marking Zegler’s third consecutive film to receive negative reviews. Despite her potential, it seems Zegler is entering a challenging phase in her career, raising the question of how the industry will respond to her current setbacks.
Rachel Zegler’s Upcoming Career Plans
A Relatively Quiet Schedule
Image via Disney
Following her initial breakout success, Zegler has been involved in several high-profile projects from 2021 to 2025, including notable films such as Shazam: Fury of the Gods and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. However, she recently had to step back from a role in Paddington in Peru due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. After the whirlwind of opportunities post-West Side Story, Zegler’s involvement in Snow White appears to mark the end of that initial surge of interest. At present, she does not have any confirmed attachments to upcoming films or television series.
However, Zegler is set to showcase her talents in a different arena as she stars in Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Evita on the West End from June to September this year, playing the role of Eva Perón. This production continues to allow her to pursue her craft amid a lack of film projects, signaling that while she may not have cinematic commitments right now, her passion for performance remains undeterred. This also marks a return to the stage for Zegler following her Broadway debut in 2024’s Romeo + Juliet.
Is Rachel Zegler Taking a Break from Acting?
Future Plans Still Uncertain
With no forthcoming movie or television roles currently in the pipeline, many are left wondering whether Zegler plans to take a hiatus from acting or if she is simply reassessing her career path post-Snow White. The gap in her filmography does not suggest that she is stepping away entirely, as her continued involvement in stage productions indicates her commitment to acting remains strong. It is reasonable to anticipate that she will re-enter the cinematic landscape once her theatrical commitments conclude.
Moreover, it has been nearly a year since her work on Snow White wrapped, during which time she engaged in stage performances to maintain her artistic pursuits. Given the challenges Zegler has faced, including online harassment linked to her casting decisions and outspoken advocacy, a break from the Hollywood limelight might be well-deserved. This unfavorable attention only amplifies the importance of allowing her space to navigate her next moves.
The Future is Bright for Rachel Zegler
Recognizing Her Talent and Promise
Image via Disney
While Snow White has not achieved the acclaim that Zegler may have hoped for, it undeniably showcases her exceptional talent. Critiques of the film often credit her performances as standout moments, which reflects her ability to elevate material, regardless of the film’s overall reception. Time and again, Zegler proves her capability in breathing life into her roles, effortlessly combining emotional depth with impressive musicality.
The public scrutiny she faces is unjust, especially considering her track record from West Side Story through to Snow White. Hollywood should be fostering young talents like Zegler, rather than retreating from them amid controversy or disappointing box office returns. It would be disappointing if Snow White’s shortcomings hindered her future opportunities.
Potential Future Projects for Rachel Zegler
Exploring Exciting New Ventures
With no projects lined up following Snow White, Zegler has the opportunity to explore diverse roles that resonate with her artistic vision. The possibilities are vast, and a wise strategy may involve embracing a broad selection of genres while collaborating with up-and-coming filmmakers on original stories, steering clear of established intellectual properties. Upcoming projects from visionary directors such as The Daniels or Wes Anderson could be excellent avenues for her.
Additionally, collaborating again with Steven Spielberg would be highly anticipated, even if his next cinematic endeavor is already cast. Spielberg has a history of creating unique films, and Zegler reuniting with him would be a welcome prospect. Furthermore, Zegler’s celebrated vocal capabilities could lead her back to musicals, perhaps in a sequel to Mamma Mia or a prospective animated feature like Frozen 3.
As we move beyond the dust of Snow White‘s release, it is hopeful that announcements regarding Rachel Zegler’s future will emerge soon. Her undeniable talent positions her for significant success, and it’s up to both her and the industry to ensure she finds projects that align with her talents, turning near-misses into distant memories.