Rachel Zegler’s journey from high school to Broadway

A modern twist on a classic tale

Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress, is set to make her Broadway debut as Juliet in director Sam Gold’s revival of Shakespeare’s timeless romance. The production, which opens on October 24 after a month of previews, promises an intense experience for both Zegler and her Romeo, played by Kit Connor of “Heartstopper” fame. The tagline for the production, “The youth are f**ked,” hints at the modern and edgy interpretation Gold has envisioned.

Gold’s approach to this classic play is far from traditional. Instead of Elizabethan costumes, the cast will embrace contemporary Gen Z culture. Zegler describes Gold’s pitch as “‘Romeo and Juliet’ if it was set in Troye Sivan’s ‘Rush’ music video.” Despite this modern twist, the production remains faithful to Shakespeare’s original text, maintaining the iambic pentameter that defines his work.

Rising star in Hollywood

Since being discovered by Steven Spielberg for the role of Maria in the 2021 remake of “West Side Story,” Zegler has quickly become one of Hollywood’s brightest new stars. Her filmography includes roles in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” and the upcoming “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” Zegler is also set to play the title role in Disney’s live-action “Snow White,” slated for release in March 2025. This role marks a significant milestone in her career, symbolizing both an end and a new beginning.

Navigating fame and criticism

Zegler’s rapid rise to fame has not been without its challenges. She has faced relentless criticism, ranging from petty jokes about her “theater kid energy” to more severe accusations. When she expressed disappointment about not being invited to the 2022 Oscars despite “West Side Story” receiving seven nominations, she was labeled ungrateful. Her candid admission that she took a role in the “Shazam!” sequel for financial reasons was met with disdain. Additionally, her outspoken stance on issues like racism and sexism in the entertainment industry has led to her being dismissed as merely a “DEI hire.”

Despite the vitriol, Zegler maintains a sense of humor. When a social media user suggested she should be killed, she wittily responded by inviting them to watch her die eight times a week on Broadway, even tagging the FBI in her reply. “Being famous isn’t for the faint of heart,” she admits.

A love for New York

Zegler’s affection for New York City has only grown stronger after spending six months filming “Snow White” in the U.K. and “The Hunger Games” in Poland. She appreciates the city’s diversity and the freedom it offers. “When I came home from my year in Europe, going to my bodega, where people speak in Spanish to me, I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I missed you, Enrique!’” she says, laughing.

Her love for New York is evident in her casual, effortless style. On a sunny Saturday in August, she was seen wearing a floral maxi dress and a “Sesame Street” fanny pack, blending in seamlessly with the locals. Zegler dreams of one day starring in a Muppets production, following in the footsteps of Michael Caine and Tim Curry.

Embracing her heritage

Zegler’s casting as Snow White has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that her Colombian heritage disqualifies her from playing the iconic princess. However, Zegler remains unfazed. “She was my mom’s favorite princess,” Zegler explains, noting that Snow White’s dark hair made her relatable to her mother. Director Marc Webb, who cast Zegler in the role, praises her for her inherent grace, poise, and goodness, qualities essential to Snow White.

Zegler is focused on making a children’s movie that resonates with a diverse audience. She doesn’t dwell on the negativity, instead choosing to embrace the opportunity to bring a beloved character to life for a new generation.

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A childhood dream come true

Rachel Zegler’s casting as Snow White has sparked a whirlwind of emotions and opinions. For Zegler, this role is more than just a job; it’s a dream come true. Growing up, she was captivated by the 1997 TV movie featuring Whitney Houston as the fairy godmother and Brandy as Cinderella. “I grew up in a house where that was Cinderella,” she recalls. “But the blond-haired, blue-eyed, blue-dress Cinderella from the 1950s cartoon is also Cinderella. Also, Hilary Duff is Cinderella in ‘A Cinderella Story.’ I was able to comprehend those things at a young age.”

Brandy’s words of wisdom

Brandy, who played Cinderella in the 1997 adaptation, has some heartfelt advice for Zegler. “You’re not taking on this role to fit the mold of the critics,” she writes. “You’re doing this for every little Colombian girl who has yet to see themselves in a role like a Disney princess. You’re doing this for the little girl that you once were, who grew up without that representation of her Colombian culture. You are showing her that anything is possible for someone who looks like her, and that is the most important job in the world.”

A new origin story

The new Snow White film offers a fresh take on the character’s name. “It fell back to another version of ‘Snow White’ that was told in history, where she survived a snowstorm that occurred when she was a baby,” Zegler explains. “And so the king and queen decided to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience. One of the core points in our film for any young woman or young person is remembering how strong you actually are.”

Facing the critics

The social media backlash against Zegler’s casting has been intense. She began addressing the controversy in red-carpet interviews in the summer of 2022, stating that her version of Snow White wouldn’t spend her days pining over a man. She called aspects of the original story “weird” and said that the 1937 film’s prince “literally stalks” Snow White. This led to online trolls attacking her for her “disdain” for the animated classic.

The importance of context

Zegler reflects on the hate she received during that time. “In all honesty, it made me sad that it was taken in such a way, because I believe that women can do anything. But I also believe that they can do everything,” she says. “The love story is very integral. A lot of people wrote that we weren’t doing [that storyline] anymore — we were always doing that; it just wasn’t what we were talking about on that day.”

The challenges of being outspoken

Zegler is no stranger to criticism, especially as an outspoken young woman in the public eye. “I’ve watched women get torn down my whole life, my whole career,” she says. “We’ll watch it in the election that’s upcoming. We’re gonna witness that for a long time, I fear. Sometimes it can feel like we’re going back; it certainly felt that way when that was happening.”

Staying strong on social media

Despite the harsh criticism, Zegler remains active on social media. “I don’t like to give them the satisfaction of knowing they hurt me in the moment,” she says. “You give them a lot of power by taking a social media break.” Logging off would also make it harder to speak up for the causes she cares about.

Advocating for change

During the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023, Zegler championed protections against the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. “I was really scared of being replaced by an artificial intelligence version of myself that they scanned when I was 18 and then never being able to work on a set again,” she says. “What was stopping them from using that for the rest of my life?”

A voice for the voiceless

Zegler has also been an advocate for Palestinians, despite the backlash. “I can’t watch children die,” she says. “I don’t think that should be a hot take.” She knows that it’s not that simple, but she tries to tune out all the noise that blares around her every time she speaks out. “I’m only responsible for what I feel. And then I’m also responsible for how I act upon it,” she says.

Moving forward

Despite the blowback, Zegler wants to continue to use her platform to advocate for the Palestinian people. “I don’t have the answers,” she says. “I don’t think any celebrity making a political statement has the answers. But we have the platform to share a donation link to make sure that these people get the money, the care and the aid that they need that people in power aren’t giving them.”

A new chapter

Zegler was initially hesitant to accept the role on Broadway, worried that playing Juliet would just feel like doing Maria again. “And I didn’t want to be boxed into that part for the rest of time,” she says. The Spielberg film, Zegler adds, has defined the past five years of her life. “Thankfully so,” she says. “It’s an amazing piece, and it was an amazing job. But you’re ready to move on at some point.”

Embracing new opportunities

There have been momentary departures from traditionally girly roles: A24’s upcoming disaster comedy “Y2K” offered Zegler the chance to “flex the comedy chops and curse on film.”

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Embracing diverse roles in a budding career

Rachel Zegler, a name that has quickly become synonymous with talent and versatility, continues to break the mold in Hollywood. Known for her breakout role in “West Side Story,” Zegler has been determined to avoid being pigeonholed into a single type of character. Her recent roles reflect this ambition, showcasing her ability to bring depth and nuance to a variety of characters.

In her latest project, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” Zegler plays Lucy Gray Baird, a character who is as fierce as she is enchanting. Describing Lucy as “iron-fisted” and “a little bit terrifying,” Zegler brings a new dimension to the romantic lead, proving that she can handle complex and demanding roles.

Challenging the status quo

Despite her early success, Zegler has faced challenges in finding roles that allow her to showcase her full range of talents. “I feel like nobody wanted me to do anything different,” she admits. Offers for roles similar to her previous work, such as playing Guenevere in “Camelot,” were tempting but ultimately not fulfilling her desire for career longevity.

Zegler’s determination to diversify her portfolio led her to the role of Juliet in an upcoming production of “Romeo + Juliet.” Director Gold’s advice to “keep it in mind that 13-year-olds are way older than they used to be” resonated deeply with her. Reflecting on her own teenage years, Zegler found a new understanding of Juliet, bringing a fresh perspective to the iconic character.

Balancing career and personal life

Living in New York, Zegler shares an apartment with her miniature goldendoodle, Lenny, named after the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein. Her boyfriend, Josh Andrés Rivera, who co-starred with her in both “West Side Story” and “The Hunger Games,” is another significant part of her support system.

Zegler’s commitment to her craft is evident as she prepares for her role in “Romeo + Juliet.” Despite the anxiety that comes with starting a new project, she remains focused on delivering a performance that is both authentic and compelling. “I just want to be good. I just want to be enough, and I want to be right for it,” she says.

A vision for the future

While Zegler’s career is on an upward trajectory, she also envisions a future where she can balance her professional and personal aspirations. Contrary to some interpretations of her comments about “Snow White,” Zegler values traditional milestones like marriage and motherhood. “Honestly, my goal is to get married, have kids, and retreat at some point,” she shares. This vision includes making occasional, impactful appearances in the industry while enjoying a quieter life.

Zegler’s grounded approach to life and career is a testament to her resilience and self-awareness. “What I’ve learned, if I’ve learned anything in the past couple years, is that the love I have in my life is way more important than any accolade,” she reflects. This perspective has kept her focused and motivated, even during challenging times.

The importance of quiet moments

Despite the hustle and bustle of her career, Zegler cherishes the quiet moments. She dreams of one day owning a house in New Jersey or upstate New York, with a yard for Lenny to run around in. “My family raised me to just be grateful for the quiet,” she says. These moments of tranquility are when she feels most like herself, providing a necessary balance to her dynamic career.

Rachel Zegler’s journey is a compelling blend of ambition, talent, and authenticity. As she continues to navigate the complexities of Hollywood, her commitment to diverse roles and personal fulfillment sets her apart as a truly unique voice in the industry.

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