On June 20, 2025, Deadline reported that there were “intense talks” about American actress and singer Rachel Zegler being considered for the role of Maria von Trapp in an upcoming stage production of The Sound of Music at the Lincoln Theater in New York City. However, the outlet clarified that the casting was “not confirmed in any shape or form.”

Days later, Screen Rant reported on June 23 that Zegler would indeed portray the lead character Maria, originally played by Julie Andrews in the 1965 film adaptation. Although still unofficial, the rumor sparked a wave of online backlash.

Because Snow White didn’t lose enough money.

— MarcPatroneShow (@MarcPatrone) June 24, 2025

Radio host and podcaster Marc Patrone reacted to Oli London’s post on X (formerly Twitter), sarcastically referencing Zegler’s controversial role in Disney’s Snow White reboot earlier this year:

“Because Snow White didn’t lose enough money.”

Many echoed similar sentiments.

“Apologies to Julie Andrews, who may have to watch one of her best achievements going down,” one user commented.
“Seems like a weird choice,” another added.
“Doesn’t look very Von,” another user remarked, referencing the von Trapp family.

The criticism continued across social platforms:

“Grotesque. I will never attend.”
“They will never learn…”
“Audience singing: So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye. No one wants to watch it, surprise!”

So far, Rachel Zegler has not commented on the reports about her potential casting in The Sound of Music.

When you stand in the perfect spot for the eye contact.

Rachel Zegler in ‘Evita’ pic.twitter.com/MLOFO6qPfs

— UnBoxPHD (@UnBoxPHD) June 14, 2025

Rachel Zegler Currently Stars in Evita on Stage

Despite the intense backlash following Snow White, Rachel Zegler has continued to perform successfully in the theater scene. She currently stars as Eva Perón in the stage revival of Evita, which has received both critical and commercial acclaim.

Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the production is a revival of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic 1978 musical. Zegler recently performed at the London Palladium in front of a packed house.

According to Deadline, her performance in Evita has contributed to the production earning around $200,000 daily in ticket sales. The 12-week UK run, with a $6 million budget, has already generated an estimated $9 million in revenue. The play is also reportedly being considered for a 2027 Broadway transfer.

Rachel Zegler’s Musical and Stage Background

Rachel Zegler is no stranger to musical theater. Her breakout role came in 2021 when she portrayed Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, a role that earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress. She later made her Broadway debut as Juliet in a revival of Romeo and Juliet in 2024, followed by her West End debut with Evita in 2025.

Despite the controversy and box office disappointment surrounding Disney’s Snow White, Zegler remains active in the entertainment industry. She is currently filming the upcoming dramedy She Gets It From Me, directed by Julia von Heinz and co-starring Marisa Tomei.