Disney’s live-action Snow White has drawn considerable criticism, establishing itself more as a misstep than a success. Premiering in March 2025, the film faced backlash due to a combination of controversies both on and off-screen, as well as public dissatisfaction with its deviations from the beloved original story and the CGI portrayal of the seven dwarfs. This subpar performance has prompted Disney to reconsider upcoming adaptations like Tangled.
The fallout from Snow White has placed both Disney and its stars in a precarious situation. The company is now compelled to reassess the standards of its live-action projects, while stars like Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot face intense scrutiny regarding their public statements and personal beliefs. Nonetheless, amidst the turmoil, Zegler has emerged as a bright spot, hinting at a promising future in both music and acting.
Rachel Zegler’s Musical Journey
Zegler Shines Regardless of Film Reception





Despite the poor reception of Snow White, it marks Rachel Zegler’s fourth musical in just four years. Beginning her cinematic career in 2021 with a captivating role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, Zegler has quickly established herself in the film industry. Her filmography now includes six movies, with four showcasing her musical talent: West Side Story, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Spellbound, and Snow White.
Rachel Zegler Movies |
Release Year |
---|---|
West Side Story |
2021 |
Shazam! Fury of the Gods |
2023 |
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes |
2023 |
Y2K |
2024 |
Spellbound |
2024 |
Snow White |
2025 |
A common thread in Zegler’s musical endeavors is her ability to captivate audiences, irrespective of the films’ critical reception. Although Spellbound was met with mixed reviews, Zegler’s performance shone through, earning praise for her vocal talent despite the project’s overall shortcomings. Similarly, her portrayal of Lucy Gray Baird in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes showcased her prowess alongside an ensemble of acclaimed actors.
Musical Performances in Snow White
Zegler’s Role is Vital to Snow White

Image via Disney
In the context of Snow White, Rachel Zegler represents a significant asset. Despite the controversies surrounding the film, she genuinely brings life to the character of the Disney princess, adding layers of complexity to Snow White that resonate with modern audiences. Zegler’s vocals combine traditional and contemporary styles, delivering a performance that enhances the film’s emotional depth.
It is evident that without Zegler, Snow White could have fared much worse. While Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen lacked believability and the dwarfs felt more like digital constructs, Zegler’s captivating performance stands out and elevates the overall experience of the film. Although far from flawless, it is clear that Zegler’s dedication shines through and that she continues to impress amid the chaos.
Zegler’s Vocal Talent in Non-Musical Roles
Zegler: A Strong Actor Beyond Her Singing

Zegler’s musical abilities extend beyond her starring roles, making a notable impact even in non-musical films. In The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, her character is a singer, and Zegler fully embraces this aspect, delivering an impactful performance that enhances the narrative. Similarly, her brief singing moment in the 2024 film Y2K adds a delightful touch, showcasing how her vocal talent elevates any project she undertakes.
While Zegler’s career has prominently featured musical roles, her acting prowess should not be overlooked. She displays remarkable versatility, transitioning from the fierce Lucy Gray Baird to the more innocent Snow White. This adaptability reveals that while music is a strong suit, her capabilities as an actress play a crucial role in her rapid ascent in the industry.
Future Musical Projects for Rachel Zegler
What’s Next for Zegler?

Image via Disney
In summary, Rachel Zegler should undoubtedly pursue more musical projects following Snow White. Although the film has faced numerous challenges, her talent shines through, suggesting she could uplift future productions, regardless of their reception. There’s hope that Zegler can secure roles in upcoming musical adaptations such as Gypsy, Spring Awakening, or Bare: A Pop Opera, which could further establish her reputation after the uneven release of Snow White.
Currently, Zegler does not have additional film roles lined up. However, she is set to portray Eva Perón in the West End revival of the musical Evita, a significant milestone for an actress of her age. Given the acclaim she garnered for her recent portrayal of Juliet in Broadway’s Romeo + Juliet, Evita presents an exciting opportunity for further growth. In conclusion, while Snow White may have posed challenges for Zegler, her future is undoubtedly bright with a wealth of potential performances on the horizon.