Importance Score: 6 / 100 🟠
Actress Rachel Zegler, despite facing prior criticism and starring in Disney’s ‘Snow White’ amidst its disappointing box office performance, secured a coveted invitation from Anna Wintour to the Met Gala in New York City on May 5. However, her commitment to another project will prevent her attendance at the prestigious fashion event.
Met Gala Conflict: West End Debut Prevents Attendance
The ‘Snow White’ star, who will soon celebrate her 24th birthday, will be unable to attend the ‘Oscars of Fashion’ due to rehearsals in London. According to reports, Zegler is preparing for her leading role in the West End production of ‘Evita’.
Excitement for ‘Evita’ Role
Zegler has expressed immense enthusiasm for portraying Argentine figure Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s reimagining of the iconic 1978 musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The revival of ‘Evita’ is scheduled for a 12-week run, commencing June 14 at the London Palladium.
Past Met Gala Appearances
Attending this year’s Met Gala would have marked Zegler’s third appearance at the high-profile event. She previously graced the red carpet in a striking blue Michael Kors gown in 2024 and a gold-patterned Dior haute couture dress in 2021.
Met Gala 2025: Theme and Guest Highlights
“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
This year’s Met Gala theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The event will be co-chaired by prominent figures including Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams. NBA legend LeBron James will serve as honorary chair.
Celebrity Guest List
The anticipated guest list for the annual Costume Institute benefit reportedly includes a diverse array of talent:
- Singers: Doechii, Shakira, Lizzo, and Mary J. Blige
- Models: Amelia Gray and Ashley Graham
- College Basketball Star: Paige Bueckers
Host Committee Members
The distinguished host committee features a wide range of influential personalities such as André 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jordan Casteel, Dapper Dan, Ayo Edebiri, Edward Enninful, Jeremy O. Harris, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Rashid Johnson, Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, Audra McDonald, Janelle Monáe, Jeremy Pope, Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, Tyla, Usher, and Kara Walker.
Notable Absences
Among those who will not be attending this year’s Met Gala are celebrity couples Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, amid ongoing legal matters, and new parents Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente.
‘Snow White’ Box Office and Reception
Disappointing Box Office Performance
Marc Webb’s live-action ‘Snow White’ adaptation has underperformed at the box office, earning only $148.7 million globally since its March 21 release. The film reportedly had a production and marketing budget of at least $350 million.
Critical and Audience Reception
The reimagining of the classic 1937 animated film ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ has received a 40% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 248 reviews). However, it garnered a more favorable 74% audience score on the same platform. On IMDb, the film has a significantly lower rating of 1.6 out of 10, based on over 316,000 ratings.
Controversy Surrounding ‘Snow White’ and Zegler’s Comments
Casting Backlash
Zegler’s casting as Snow White drew criticism, with some objecting to her ethnicity. She also sparked debate by expressing critical views on the original 1937 animated film, deeming it “extremely dated” in its portrayal of women and their roles in society.
Comments on Original Film
“The original cartoon came out in 1937, and very evidently so,” Zegler stated in a 2022 interview. She further commented on the film’s themes, saying, “There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird. So we didn’t do that this time.”
Past Controversial Remarks on Social Media
Pro-Palestinian Tweet and Political Comments
Zegler previously faced scrutiny for refusing to remove a pro-Palestinian social media post. She also generated controversy following the re-election of President Donald Trump, expressing strong opinions online.
Tweets on Political Division
“May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace,” Zegler tweeted at the time. “There is a deep, deep sickness in this country that is shown in the sheer amount of people who showed up for this man who threatens our democracy.”
Apology for “Negative Discourse”
Two days later, Zegler acknowledged her remarks, stating, “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.”