Amid Controversy, Rachel Zegler Announces Departure from Disney Princesses Roles

This singer and actress is moving on to her most complex role yet. Rachel Zegler, known for her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and the upcoming live-action Snow White, is set to make her London theater debut in the highly anticipated revival of Evita.

Director Jamie Lloyd confirmed that Zegler will take on the iconic role of Eva Perón in the production, which will run for a limited 12-week engagement at the London Palladium from June 14 to September 6.

From the Silver Screen to the Stage

Zegler’s casting marks a major milestone in her rapidly rising career. Already recognized for her powerful vocals and on-screen presence, she will now bring her talents to the legendary West End stage in one of musical theater’s most challenging roles.

Director Jamie Lloyd, speaking from New York as he continues casting for other key roles, praised Ziegler’s talent, saying that Zegler will:

“blow the roof off the London Palladium.”

Lloyd, known for his bold and modern takes on classic productions (Sunset Boulevard, Cyrano de Bergerac), is expected to bring a fresh and innovative vision to Evita, a show that first premiered in London’s West End in 1978.

A Controversial Year for Zegler

Zegler’s casting comes at a time when the young actress has been at the center of significant controversy surrounding her upcoming portrayal of Snow White in Disney’s live-action adaptation.

Since being cast as the beloved princess, Zegler has faced criticism for her comments about the original 1937 animated film, including remarks suggesting that the classic fairy tale needed updating for modern audiences. Some Disney fans were unhappy with her stance, arguing that her comments disrespected the legacy of one of the studio’s most cherished films.

The backlash, which intensified on social media, led to Zegler addressing her statements publicly. Disney, meanwhile, delayed the film’s release from 2024 to 2025, further fueling speculation about potential behind-the-scenes changes.

Despite the online discourse, Zegler’s career continues to soar. With this new role in Evita, she steps into the shoes of another historical and complex figure, Eva Perón—a role that demands exceptional vocal ability, commanding stage presence, and deep emotional depth.

A New Challenge Awaits

Evita tells the story of Eva Perón’s rise from poverty to First Lady of Argentina, with a score that includes legendary songs like “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and “Buenos Aires.” Some of the most celebrated performers in theater history have played the role, including Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone, and Madonna, in the 1996 film adaptation.

For Zegler, this will be her first professional stage role since gaining international fame. The London Palladium revival of Evita is set to be one of the summer’s biggest theatrical events, drawing both musical theater fans and those eager to see how Zegler handles the transition from film back to live performance.

With her Snow White debut looming closer, Evita offers Zegler a chance to reclaim the spotlight on her own terms—this time, from one of the world’s most famous stages.