Rachel Zegler remains a hot topic today, but not for good reasons. Though she made a promising start in Steven Spielberg’s critically acclaimed remake of West Side Story, she has since experienced a series of setbacks with multiple box office disappointments and growing backlash.
For one, the drama surrounding her latest movie, Disney’s live-action Snow White, continues and even fails to make a significant impact at the box office as expected.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Zegler has experienced a box office bomb, as all of her movies are considered flops.
As Zegler has yet to see a significant hit at the box office, here’s a look at the trajectory of her film career, from her first movie down to her latest, showcasing her ongoing box office woes
West Side Story
Premiering in December 2021, critics hailed Spielberg’s West Side Story as a stunning remake of the 1961 original.
Zegler gained wide recognition for playing Maria, receiving praise for her fresh and heartfelt portrayal and even winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.
However, despite the honors and accolades, the musical film struggled financially, grossing just $76 million worldwide against its reported $100 million budget.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic and the decline of musical films at the box office were cited as reasons for the movie’s box office failure, there is no denying that it affected Zegler’s career.
“Putting aside the Spielberg factor, a star-free remake of West Side Story wasn’t surefire commercial dynamite even in a non-COVID time,” film analyst Scott Mendelson explained. “While this doesn’t necessarily end the film’s pursuit of Oscar glory (every Spielberg-helmed drama since Saving Private Ryan in 1998 has nabbed a Best Picture nomination), it sure as hell doesn’t help.”.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Zegler’s next major movie came in 2023 with Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Sadly, what was supposed to be her entry into the blockbuster franchise world became a superhero flop after it suffered from poor marketing, lackluster critical reception, and general superhero fatigue.
It was a huge financial failure for Warner Bros., earning only $133 million worldwide against its $125 million budget.
Add to that Zegler’s revelation that she “needed a job” when asked what made her step into the world of DC heroes during the film’s red-carpet premiere in LA in March 2023, her attempt at humor fueled criticism that she had little passion for the role.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Also in 2023, Zegler starred in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a prequel to the hit Hunger Games franchise.
Sure, the film performed moderately, grossing over $337 million worldwide, but it failed to reach the franchise’s popularity.
Zegler also received mixed responses for her performance as Lucy Gray Baird. Though some critics praised her musical talents, others criticized her for lacking the screen presence to carry the movie.
“Rachel Zegler, I don’t think connects to the 99% like Jennifer Lawrence did,” entertainment journalist Grace Randolph commented. “…She did do a nice job. I don’t think she could have carried this movie herself like Tom Blyth does and Viola Davis … But I think Zegler is an okay supporting it as a female lead.”
Snow White
So far, Zegler’s most contentious role is Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White.
From the moment it was announced, the movie has been mired in controversy, from the actress’s comments regarding the original 1937 animated movie to the review bombs and more.
“It’s no longer 1937,” Zegler said at the 2022 D23 Expo Variety interview clip when asked how the movie would modernize the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tale.
While Disney has increasingly leaned into modern reinterpretations of its princesses, Zegler’s comments were met with backlash from traditional Disney fans who felt she was dismissive of the beloved classic.
Not only that, but it also received criticisms for its color-blind casting, changes in the storyline, her and Gal Gadot’s (who plays the Evil Queen) differing views on Israel-Palestine, and the reimagining of the Seven Dwarfs.
These controversies are believed to have contributed to Snow White’s review bombing, only receiving a 1.5 user rating on IMDb and making the site release a disclaimer warning of “unusual voting activity.”
Rotten Tomatoes, on the other hand, gives it $42%.
Despite that, though, Snow White has become Zegler’s second-highest-grossing movie, with earnings of $142.7 million globally.
Anyhow, it still needs to make $500 million to reach its “box office safety net” due to its big estimated production of $240-270 million, making it one of the expensive movies ever made.
What’s Next for Rachel Zegler?
Despite the controversies, it cannot be denied that Zegler is one of the rising stars in Hollywood today.
Though she has no movie coming up so far, she is set to do Jamie Lloyd’s West End production of Evita, which will prove she is an incredibly talented singer and actress.
For now, Zegler’s Hollywood journey remains unpredictable. While her early career has been marked by box office struggles, the right project may still establish her as a prominent leading actress in the industry.