Jonah Platt Slams Rachel Zegler After "Snow White" Box Office Flop
Disney's "Snow White" remake, boasting a massive $270 million budget, has become a box office disappointment, grossing a mere $87.3 million. Adding fuel to the fire, Jonah Platt, son of the film's producer Marc Platt, unleashed a scathing Instagram post criticizing lead actress Rachel Zegler for her outspoken political views, which he claims contributed to the film's failure.
Zegler's Political Statements Spark Controversy
Zegler's public support for Palestine and her critical comments about Donald Trump generated significant online buzz, causing friction with some viewers and allegedly prompting threats against co-star Gal Gadot. This controversy, according to reports, led Disney to increase security for Gadot and to hire a social media expert to review Zegler's posts before the film's release.
Platt's Fiery Response
Following a Variety report detailing Marc Platt's attempts to persuade Zegler to remove her "Free Palestine" post, Jonah Platt defended his father's actions. In a since-deleted Instagram comment, Jonah criticized Zegler for prioritizing her personal political views over her professional responsibilities. He argued that her actions jeopardized the livelihoods of thousands of people involved in the film's production, calling her behavior "immature" and "narcissistic." He emphasized that free speech does not negate professional accountability, especially in a high-stakes Hollywood production.
The "Snow White" Box Office Debacle
The film's poor performance against its massive budget has sparked debate about the influence of Zegler's political statements on its reception. While some argue her activism shouldn't affect her professional life, others believe that her outspokenness alienated potential viewers and contributed to the film's underwhelming box office numbers. The situation raises complex questions about the intersection of personal beliefs, professional contracts, and public perception in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
The "Snow White" controversy involving Rachel Zegler and Jonah Platt highlights the complexities of navigating social media in the age of heightened political polarization. While the extent of Zegler's statements' impact on the film's box office performance remains debatable, the incident underscores the importance of considering the potential consequences of public pronouncements, particularly for those in high-profile roles within the entertainment industry. The debate also throws light on the challenges faced by actors in balancing personal convictions with professional obligations.