Rachel Zegler nearly dropped from 'Snow White' as Disney execs fear her Trump comments could harm movie

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rachel Zegler's image as a "loose cannon" almost cost her the lead role in 'Snow White', with sources alleging that Disney executives considered the actress a "nightmare."

The 23-year-old actress stars in the title role of the live-action remake, scheduled for release in March 2025.

Zegler's outspoken views have previously caused controversy, and her recent comments may jeopardize the film's release as she openly criticized Donald Trump's supporters, leading to their calls for a boycott.

Rachel Zegler’s controversial comments leave Disney executives frustrated

Although the young actress has apologized for her comment wishing that "Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace," the ensuing outrage has left studio executives frustrated, believing it is "too late" to replace her in the project.

An insider provided exclusive details to the Daily Mail, stating, "They would love to be able to tell her to stop talking, but it is simply too late. They had talked about removing Rachel from the role several times when it was shooting in 2022."

The insider added, "She is a loose cannon and caused issues during the production because she didn’t agree with how the film plot strayed from the classic movie's plot."

The insider noted that the actress had the option to decline the role if she had numerous concerns with the plot, and then continued, "She read the script. If she didn’t like it then she should have not taken it. It wasn’t until after the film was wrapped that she really started creating drama."

They stated, "She has been a nightmare but there is nothing they can do to control what she says. Everyone is well aware of how difficult she is."

The insider detailed that studio executives were optimistic that Zegler's outbursts might ultimately benefit them, noting, "Right now, it is way too late to shelve the film. As much as people think that her recent comments and controversies will hurt the film, it is not likely the case."

They went on to say, "If anything, it generates more publicity and attention to the film, which leads to increased ticket sales. The film is Snow White, and it could really sell with anyone in the lead."

Rachel Zegler apologizes for controversial Donald Trump comments

After Trump's decisive election victory last week, Rachel Zegler posted a series of distraught messages to her 2.3 million followers.

"I find myself speechless in the midst of this," she said. "May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace. Another four years of hatred, leaning us towards a world I do not want to live in. Leaning us towards a world that will be hard to raise my daughter in."

She went on to say, "There is a deep sickness in this country, shown in the sheer amount of people who showed up for this man who threatens our democracy. It is terrifying the number of people who stand behind what this man preaches."

Zegler described the support for Trump as a "foolish subscription to a false sense of security, masculinity, intelligence, patriotism and humanity."

She then targeted billionaire Elon Musk, who emerged as one of Trump's most vocal and substantial contributors during his campaign.

"Get off of Elon's app," she said to her followers. "I don't use that app for a reason. He helped get that man elected and you're giving him business."

Hours after her comments became widespread, Zegler took to Instagram to offer a public apology, acknowledging, "I let my emotions get the best of me."

"Hatred and anger have caused us to move further and further away from peace and understanding, and I am sorry I contributed to the negative discourse."

Disney executives worry Rachel Zegler's outburst could hurt 'Snow White' success

A second source has indicated that the latest public outburst by Rachel Zegler has caused concern among executives regarding its potential effect on the movie's success.

"It has just been one disaster after another," the source expressed lamentation. "And now that she has called out Donald Trump, Disney execs and those who are supporting the film are now scared that a huge audience will steer clear from the film as their own boycott, costing the film tons of money."

The article went on to say, "Bosses would love their stars, especially Rachel, to not cause any more controversies, but everyone will be holding their breath as we get closer to the release date."

The source pointed out a potential silver lining amid the current controversy cloud, "The one saving grace for the film is that it still has the Disney machine behind it, it is a story that has been around forever and beloved and it comes out against nothing in particular that should chip away at their box office potential. So, it could be saved."