In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, a persistent phenomenon occurs as seasoned stars gradually fade away, making way for the vibrant, emerging talents who captivate the younger generation. Among these rising stars, Rachel Zegler has emerged as a standout figure, showcasing her remarkable skills in both acting and singing, solidifying her status as one of the most influential Gen Z actresses of our time. Her journey to fame began with a public casting call for Steven Spielberg‘s acclaimed film West Side Story, where her extraordinary vocal talent earned her the lead role, marking the beginning of her illustrious career.

Since her initial breakthrough, she has swiftly ascended to become one of the defining young actresses of the 2020s, appearing in multiple blockbuster films and firmly establishing herself as a prominent figure in Hollywood. Despite having only six feature films to her name, Rachel Zegler has cultivated an undeniable star power that has propelled her into the limelight of contemporary cinema. Although her outspoken political views have stirred mixed reactions among audiences, her undeniable talent and screen presence render her a relatable and appealing star for younger viewers, illustrating her multifaceted appeal.

6

‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ (2023)

Directed by David F. Sandberg

In today’s cinematic landscape, the pervasive trend of vast superhero film universes has become an unavoidable aspect for actors aiming to make their mark. While many superhero films are at least somewhat enjoyable, a select few, including Zegler’s participation in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, have become notorious for their lack of quality and memorability. This film struggles to capture the magic of its predecessor, ultimately failing to deliver the same charm and surprise that made the original a beloved success.

In her role as Athena, one of the daughters of Atlas and sibling to the film’s primary antagonists, Hespera (Helen Mirren) and Kalypso (Lucy Liu), Zegler’s character serves as a crucial link between the Shazam Family and the daughters of Atlas. Through her unique abilities and understanding of the fantasy realm, she endeavors to thwart her sisters’ nefarious plans. Although she performs adequately in the film, she remains somewhat forgettable, as the film does not fully capitalize on her talents as an actress, instead utilizing her primarily for her notable star power and youthful appearance.

5

‘Snow White’ (2025)

Directed by Marc Webb

Rachel Zegler’s latest project, the live-action adaptation of Snow White, has sparked extensive debate and controversy even before its official release, making it challenging to engage in constructive discussions about the film. Contrary to what the film’s dismal IMDb rating might suggest, it is not among the worst films ever made; nonetheless, it exhibits several flaws that have plagued many of Disney’s recent remakes, such as unconvincing visual effects, Gal Gadot’s lackluster performance, and numerous deviations from the original fairy tale, all of which deterred potential viewers from considering it worthwhile.

Despite the surrounding negativity, Rachel Zegler shines as a remarkable talent amidst an otherwise mediocre experience. Her dedication to her craft as both an actress and a singer is evident as she breathes new life into the character of Snow White for a contemporary audience. Whether performing classic Disney songs or enhancing newer compositions, Zegler’s presence is a delight to behold, which is a rarity in the film. It is unfortunate that she has faced undue criticism and blame for the film’s shortcomings, as her performance is a key factor in preventing this adaptation from being one of the worst Disney films in recent memory.

4

‘Spellbound’ (2024)

Directed by Vicky Jenson

In her first foray into voice acting, Spellbound stands out as a charming, underrated animated film that cleverly addresses the theme of divorce through a child’s perspective. The film’s unique approach to tackling such a complex subject matter is commendable, as it provides a thoughtful and healthy exploration of divorce while remaining an enjoyable animated musical. Despite being somewhat overlooked amid a sea of original animated films produced by Netflix, it contains numerous delightful moments that make it worth watching, even if the pacing feels slightly off.

In her role as Princess Ellian, Zegler showcases her vocal prowess and acting skills, delivering a performance that resonates deeply throughout the film. Her ability to sing across a spectrum of emotions enhances the already exceptional songwriting from the legendary Alan Menken. Although the film grapples with pacing issues—introducing key plot points and character dynamics too late while sidelining other significant characters—it shines in moments where it fully realizes its potential, marking it as one of the most underrated animated features Netflix has ever released.

3

‘Y2K’ (2024)

Directed by Kyle Mooney

Amidst Rachel Zegler’s impressive portfolio, Y2K stands out as her only independent film, showcasing a quirky sci-fi comedy produced by A24. Set in an alternate New Year’s Eve 1999, the film explores a reality where the anticipated Y2K bug manifests itself, causing technology worldwide to come alive and wreak havoc, leading to a grim fate for humanity. The plot centers around a group of high school students who must not only survive this technological apocalypse but also find a way to fight back and save the world.

In her portrayal of Laura, Zegler takes on the role of the female love interest of the main character Eli, who becomes a co-lead after Eli’s best friend Danny meets a tragic end at a New Year’s party. Although Zegler doesn’t showcase her singing talent in this film like in many of her other projects, her performance brings depth and intelligence to Laura, making her a compelling and multi-dimensional horror protagonist. This role offers a humorous perspective, especially given that Zegler was born after the era in which the film is set, adding a unique layer to her performance and the comedic elements of the story.

2

‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ (2023)

Directed by Francis Lawrence

Having already demonstrated her impressive talent as a blockbuster star through her acting debut, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes showcased that Zegler’s abilities were far from a mere coincidence, establishing her as a legitimate rising star in the film industry. This prequel to the immensely popular Hunger Games franchise not only honors the legacy of the original films but arguably reaches the same heights of excellence. The narrative delves into the early life of Coriolanus Snow, set 64 years before he would rise to power as the tyrannical president of Panem, as he mentors a female tribute from District 12 during the 10th annual Hunger Games.

Zegler portrays Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from District 12, who forms an unexpected bond with Snow throughout the tumultuous events of the film. Given the substantial legacy Zegler had to uphold, stepping into the shoes of Jennifer Lawrence‘s iconic performance as Katniss Everdeen, Zegler manages to transform Lucy Gray Baird into a character of her own. She skillfully channels her strengths as an actress to infuse life into Lucy Gray, incorporating her singing talents into the character’s memorable musical moments. It’s hard to envision anyone else embodying this role, as Zegler profoundly enhances both the character and the film through her captivating performance.

1

‘West Side Story’ (2021)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Although Rachel Zegler has significantly advanced her career and solidified her status as a Hollywood star since her acting debut, West Side Story remains a pinnacle achievement, showcasing her exceptional acting and singing abilities. As a remake of one of the most celebrated musicals in cinematic history, the film’s success hinges on the performances and storytelling approach that elevate it to a level worthy of comparison with the original masterpiece. Without a doubt, it stands out as one of the most defining musical films of the 2020s, emphasizing what a mesmerizing cinematic musical can achieve when treated with the utmost care and artistry.

In West Side Story, Zegler’s portrayal of Maria captures the essence of innocence paired with a compelling sense of determination, perfectly embodying the character’s complexities. Her selection for the role of Maria, amidst a competitive pool of thousands of applicants, highlights her unique ability to blend powerful vocals with emotional depth in every scene. As Zegler’s career continues to flourish, West Side Story will undoubtedly remain a significant milestone, forever linked to her identity as a remarkable actress.

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