Rachel Zegler embarks on a quest to assemble her very own circle of female friends in Hollywood. The burgeoning star of the live-action "Snow White" revealed in a recent interview that despite the fiercely competitive nature of the entertainment industry, she harbors a heartfelt desire for sisterhood among women, refusing to perceive them as rivals. "All I truly seek in this realm is a sisterly bond, yet such connections are rarely effortless to secure," she confessed to Allure for their March 2025 cover story, which debuted on Tuesday. "We're often prompted to view other women as adversaries, Yet, I resolutely decline to adhere to such a mindset."
Though the 23-year-old actress is still on the lookout for strong, supportive friendships, a handful of women have already extended their hands to mentor her. "Jameela Jamil is akin to a big sister to me," she enthusiastically shared. "I admire her unapologetic outspokenness, her firm will, and her unwavering resolve." Her co-stars Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu from "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" have also played pivotal roles in her career journey. "They've been my steadfast guardians throughout, offering me a sense of security and support," Zegler expressed.
Ariana Grande recently lent her support as Zegler gears up for the release of the Disney remake, which hits theaters on Friday. "She unexpectedly reached out and said, 'If you need anything, I'm here,'" Zegler unveiled. The "West Side Story" star noted Grande's profound kindness, marveling at her courage despite the scrutiny she faces in the public eye.
As Zegler searches for female camaraderie in the ruthless industry, she's realized that "there's ample space for all of us [women], regardless of what others might suggest." "I firmly believe in supporting your friends and colleagues, regardless of your closeness," she emphasized. "So whenever there's any hint of intimidation or competition, just put on 'Girl, So Confusing' by Charli XCX and hash it out."
However, not all conflicts can be resolved with a song. Earlier this month, Variety reported that Disney was scaling down the promotion of "Snow White" amidst backlash and rumored tension between Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot. A source later told People that Zegler and Gadot, who is 16 years her senior and a mother of four, "have nothing in common."
"Moreover, their differing political views have exacerbated the tension," the insider added. Gadot, who enjoyed filming but wasn't friends with Zegler, was reportedly annoyed by the "drama" Zegler caused by speaking negatively about the 1937 original film. Their vastly different political views were pinpointed as the primary factor behind their rift, with Zegler being a vocal supporter of Palestine during the Israel-Hamas conflict, while Gadot, born in Israel and a former Israeli army member, holds contrasting views.
Both women have been vocal about their differing political stances online, with Zegler even integrating her "free Palestine" messaging into the movie's promotion. Disney execs reportedly felt that Zegler was "out of control" and didn't know how to handle her posts. "They've directly called her and asked her to tone down her messages. They've even reached out to her management, but she won't budge," an insider told Page Six earlier this month.
Despite the rumored behind-the-scenes issues, the two actresses came together for the 2025 Oscars and recently posed together at the Hollywood premiere, presenting a united front.
