Rachel Zegler Comedy Movie Rebrand Moves Forward In First Post-Snow White Project

Rachel Zegler is starting a new movie project, marking the next step in her career. However, this opportunity comes at a different time and under different circumstances than when she first gained attention as a rising star in Hollywood.

Rachel Zegler will star in the upcoming comedy-drama She Gets It From Me, her biggest film role since the live-action Snow White for Disney. Production on the movie, which also features Ed Helms, Marisa Tomei, and Nat Wolff, is expected to start later this month.

The project appears to be a more intimate, character-focused story about family and adoption, a shift in direction for Zegler, who is known for her work in big franchise films. Frankly, this feels like a move towards more substantial roles after a period of less fulfilling ones.

However, people in the industry see this change as a complete rebranding effort.

And perhaps even more telling — a recalibration.

From Breakout Hopeful To Career Course Correction

Zegler’s arrival in Hollywood initially carried significant momentum.

Her first role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story quickly made her a rising star, attracting awards buzz and support from the studio. Although reviewers loved her acting, the movie wasn’t a financial success, earning only $76 million worldwide despite its high production cost of $100 million.

That disconnect between critical reception and audience turnout would quietly become a pattern.

I was really excited to see Rachel Zegler in Shazam! Fury of the Gods – it was a big DC sequel and seemed like it would be huge! Unfortunately, it didn’t really take off. It was a bit of a letdown, honestly, and didn’t do as well at the box office as everyone hoped. It only made $134 million worldwide, but remember, the studio doesn’t get to keep all of that – they usually only get about half, and the movie cost $125 million to make in the first place.

Although Zegler appeared as part of a larger cast instead of as the main star, being connected to another film that didn’t do well commercially didn’t strengthen the idea that she’s a reliable draw for studios looking to invest in up-and-coming actors.

The Hunger Games Asterisk

Fans often point to her appearance in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes as evidence she can draw audiences to theaters. The film earned between $347 and $349 million globally, despite costing $100 million to make.

But context matters.

The movie made money, but it earned less than any other film in the Hunger Games series. This is a significant decrease from the earlier films starring Jennifer Lawrence, which were the most popular installments.

In franchise terms, it represented contraction rather than expansion.

As a critic, I’ve seen how studios love to talk about ‘generational talent,’ and believe me, that label isn’t just for show. When an actress is being touted as someone who will define a generation, that really matters behind closed doors – it influences budgets, marketing, and everything else, even if the public doesn’t always hear about it.

Smaller Projects, Smaller Impact

Rachel Zegler also starred in the thriller Y2K, which didn’t make much of an impact and earned only $4.48 million worldwide.

The film didn’t become a hit, generate buzz online, or offer a turning point for her career.

Instead, it confirmed the idea that the actress was still looking for a role or film that could both impress critics and connect with general audiences.

The Snow White Shadow

And then there’s the project that changed the conversation entirely: Disney’s Snow White.

I was so excited for Rachel Zegler to play this role – it felt like the perfect part to launch her into superstardom, the kind of princess role that really makes an actress a household name. But honestly, the movie got caught up in a lot of trouble and bad press way before anyone even got to see it, which was really disappointing.

Online reactions to early looks at the remake, including interviews and public statements, sparked a lot of negative feedback and debate. Rachel Zegler, the lead actress, found herself at the center of this discussion.

Furthermore, her controversial and often inflammatory posts and comments on social media quickly made her a target of public criticism and debate.

The film’s marketing campaign created more conflict than enthusiasm, which is a bad sign for a major blockbuster. The box office numbers reflected this, with a total of $205.7 million earned despite the movie costing over $300 million to make, largely due to expensive reshoots.

The situation created a challenge for Disney in how they promoted the film, and it changed how the public viewed Rachel Zegler.

And in Hollywood, perception often becomes reality when casting decisions are made.

Enter The Comedy Pivot

Which brings us to the next Rahcel Zegler movie, She Gets It From Me.

The movie is built around a touching story of an adopted woman finding her birth mother, and while it’s emotionally driven, it also has moments of humor.

It’s intimate, character-driven, and very low-stakes compared to franchise spectacle.

It’s typical for actors who used to be in big hits to start taking on different kinds of roles when their popularity dips. Film studios usually like to see if an actor can handle diverse parts and connect with audiences in smaller projects before investing heavily in them again.

This project serves a dual purpose: it’s a fresh start and a test of its potential. It allows us to reshape how people see us, and demonstrates whether it can succeed in the long run.

The Industry Question Nobody Wants To Ask

This rebrand raises a key question: can Rachel Zegler become a consistently successful leading actor in Hollywood?

It’s not a question of talent. It’s more a question of marketability and trajectory.

Studios track three things above all else:

Box office performance
Audience connection
Controversy risk

Right now, Zegler’s career includes:

Critically praised performances
Multiple franchise affiliations
Several financial disappointments
A highly publicized PR backlash cycle

That combination doesn’t close doors outright — but it does make studios cautious.

And caution changes casting math fast.

Reinvention Or Retrenchment?

Hollywood has always been a town built on reinvention.

An actor’s career can bounce back when they choose the right role at the right moment, and public opinion can change as a result. However, a successful comeback depends on audiences being open to seeing the actor in a new light.

The success of She Gets It From Me is now crucial – it’s more than just a movie, it’s a key indicator of whether Rachel Zegler can successfully transition into a leading star. If the film connects with audiences, it will support the idea that she has a promising future. But if it doesn’t perform well, doubts about her lasting appeal will likely increase.

Rachel Zegler faced criticism online after some comments she made about the original Snow White were perceived as jokes. This could potentially harm her chances of a successful career in comedy.

2026-02-14 01:02