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Credit: Marvel Studios (left), Disney (right)In recent years, two actresses have perhaps faced more online scrutiny than others: Rachel Zegler and Brie Larson.
Both major stars in their own right, the two have individually been unfairly lambasted by keyboard warriors determined to scrutinize their every interview and statement under a microscope, often for reasons that many critics can’t even properly explain.
This rising tide of criticism is not just about their performances or career choices, but instead a complicated web of misogyny, unfair expectations, and unrealistic standards.
As public opinion continues to shift like a pendulum, could a redemption arc be on the horizon for these two incredibly talented stars? Here’s why we believe it’s not only possible—but why they don’t even need one to begin with.
The Rise of Rachel Zegler and Brie Larson
Rachel Zegler and Brie Larson are no strangers to massive fan followings and equally massive public backlash. From their blockbuster roles in highly anticipated projects to their outspoken opinions on gender and diversity, Zegler and Larson have become lightning rods for both praise and vitriol. This dynamic has made them polarizing figures in entertainment, even when their careers have only just begun to take off.
Brie Larson rose to fame with her critically acclaimed performance in Room (2015), where she won an Oscar for Best Actress, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in Hollywood. Following her breakthrough, she took on blockbuster roles, including Captain Marvel in the MCU, which is when the hate train for Larson really started gaining steam.
Meanwhile, Rachel Zegler captivated audiences with her stunning performance as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), which led to her casting as Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) and, most notably, as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake.
Why the Hate? Exploring the Criticism of Zegler and Larson
Brie Larson Becomes the Internet’s Lightning Rod
Before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Brie Larson was already well-established as a critically acclaimed actress. Post-Academy Award, she starred in films like Kong: Skull Island (2017) and Short Term 12 (2013).
Yet, the moment she was cast as Captain Marvel, the internet’s tone shifted dramatically. Despite raking in over $1 billion at the box office, fans found the film’s pacing slow and its storyline lacking, with many critics blaming Larson’s performance, which was far from the root of the problem.
The complaints about Larson were not only unfounded but also tinged with sexist undertones. Fans criticized her appearance, particularly her short haircut in Avengers: Endgame (2019), despite it being a faithful representation of the character from the comics.
Additionally, her serious demeanor sparked absurd accusations about her not smiling enough—a complaint all too familiar to many women.
Larson’s comments on the importance of diversity in cinema in 2018—where she noted that films should be critiqued by those for whom they were made—were also met with backlash. “I do not need a 40-year-old white dude to tell me what didn’t work for him about A Wrinkle in Time,” she said. “It wasn’t made for him.”
Her comments were misinterpreted and distorted by detractors, despite being a valid point in the discussion about representation in media.
The internet also had a field day with theories that Larson was hated by the rest of the Avengers cast, using a few brief comments in interviews as the basis of a relatively shaky thesis. For one thing, Larson’s humor is notably extremely dry in these interviews. Most importantly, even if Larson didn’t get along with her co-workers, she would hardly be the first (or worst) person in the world to do so.
The Backlash Against Rachel Zegler
To say that Rachel Zegler’s casting as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake of the classic animated film was met with controversy would be an understatement. Zegler, who has been highly vocal about her opinions on the film, found herself at odds with Disney purists long before the movie’s release.
Not only were some outraged by the concept of Disney hiring a Latina actress for the role of Snow White, but Zegler’s (very valid) comments about the portrayal of the prince in the original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) as a “stalker” and her claims that the remake would be more “progressive” also didn’t sit well with those who held a deep attachment to the classic.
Her criticism was further fueled by her statements about the film’s departure from traditional tropes, including the assertion that Snow White would not be saved by a prince in the new version.
Add to this the fact that Zegler openly admitted to rarely watching the original Snow White as a child due to finding it too scary, and the internet storm was inevitable. This wasn’t helped by a comment she made while on the picket line for the SAG-AFTRA strike, where she stated that she should be paid for every hour of streaming when wearing the iconic princess dress.
Despite these comments being relatively tame, they were twisted by critics who accused her of disrespecting the original film, ultimately leading to calls for her recasting. Some took Disney delaying the film’s release to 2025 as a sign that it lacked faith in Zegler, with the movie’s toned-down press tour not doing much to improve this conception.
What’s Next for Zegler and Larson? Could Redemption Be on the Horizon?
The big question here is whether the internet’s harsh treatment of both Zegler and Larson will ever be reversed. We’ve seen social media users U-turn on “hated” female celebs many times in the past (Taylor Swift circa. 2017 is proof).
In reality, both actresses are more than capable of redeeming their public image—not because they need to change, but because public opinion is, as always, prone to fluctuation, and we’re fairly convinced that the tide is already turning on the duo.
Brie Larson’s Path to Redemption
Larson’s last major appearance in the MCU came in the form of The Marvels (2023), where she once again stepped into the shoes of Carol Danvers. The film, which also stars Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan and Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, focuses on the trio’s mysterious ability to swap places whenever they use their powers.
While The Marvels wasn’t exactly a smash at the box office, reactions to Larson’s performance were positive. Critics were particularly impressed by her strong chemistry with her co-stars, Vellani and Parris.
The movie’s Rotten Tomatoes score sits at a mediocre 62%, but the conversation around Larson did shift slightly. A recent stint on London’s West End as Elektra has also revived praise for her skills as an actress. As The Guardian raved, “Larson shines, dangerously.”
Rachel Zegler’s Triumph in Snow White
Just like The Marvels, Snow White has hardly set the box office alight. If there’s one thing that’s impressed critics, however, it’s Zegler.
Variety described her as a “shining supernova,” applauding the depth and ambition she brought to the character. IGN called the film “the best Disney live-action remake in a decade,” crediting Zegler with adding nuance to Snow White’s role.
Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter noted that while the film mostly uses the “standard female-empowerment template that’s almost obligatory in contemporary fairy-tale retreads,” it thought that Zegler was “incandescent” and delivered her performance with “conviction and heart,” providing the film with emotional depth.
Maybe we’ve found ourselves in a pro-Zegler echo chamber, but recently, social media has been flooded with a steady stream of praise and support for the actress. She never needed—or asked for—redemption, but with performances as dazzling as this, Zegler is well on her way to moving past the controversies tied to her earlier remarks.
Like Larson, Zegler also has a role lined up on London’s West End this summer, where she will star as the lead in Evita. This, much like Larson’s previous successes, is sure to earn her even more recognition from critics—because, as if it wasn’t already clear, Zegler is incredibly talented.
What the Future Holds for These Two Talented Actresses
In the end, both Brie Larson and Rachel Zegler are more than capable of rising above the negativity thrown their way. For Larson, The Marvels may have marked the start of a new chapter in her MCU journey, potentially securing her place as a key player in the franchise’s future. As for Zegler, her turn as Snow White is just the latest in what promises to be a standout career – one that we’re all too willing to defend.
Do you believe that Rachel Zegler and Brie Larson will eventually win over their critics?