min read · October 11, 2025 · Entertainment

Disney Swings Back: From DEI to Diverse Casting Overhaul!

Disney's DEI Downfall: The Mouse House Ditches Woke Casting, Seeks a New Rapunzel

In a shocking turn of events, Disney has reportedly ditched its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) focused casting for its latest live-action reboot, opting instead to hire a white actress to play the lead role in the upcoming remake of Tangled. The move comes as the studio attempts to recover from a string of box office bombs that have left industry insiders scratching their heads.

At the center of the controversy is Disney's decision to cast Latina actress Rachel Zegler as Snow White earlier this year, which was met with widespread criticism and a $50 million loss for the company. The backlash was largely fueled by Zegler's outspoken pro-Palestine social media posts, which sparked a heated debate about the intersection of politics and Hollywood.

But it seems that Disney is now looking to distance itself from its woke rebranding efforts, which were launched in response to the election of Donald Trump and his anti-DEI crackdown. According to industry insider Matthew Belloni, Disney executives have made no secret of their desire to pivot away from DEI-focused casting, with some even going so far as to describe it as a "box office poison pill."

The news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many questioning whether Disney's decision will ultimately pay off at the box office. After all, Tangled was one of the most beloved animated films of the past decade, and its live-action remake had been eagerly anticipated by fans.

So who will be cast as Rapunzel? While Belloni stopped short of naming any names, Variety has reported that Scarlett Johansson is being eyed to star as Mother Gothel in the new movie. But one thing's for sure - Disney is going all-in on this reboot, with a rumored budget of over $200 million.

The move marks a significant shift for the company, which had previously been at the forefront of Hollywood's DEI movement. In fact, just last year, Disney was hailed as a leader in the industry for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. But it seems that those days are behind them now.

Industry insiders close to the situation have revealed that Disney's top HR executive, Sonia Coleman, sent out an email last week informing employees that DEI is no longer a priority at the company. The department has been rebranded as "Opportunity and Inclusion," which aims to "empower all through access, opportunity, and a culture of belonging." But many are left wondering if this new approach will be enough to win back fans who felt alienated by Disney's previous woke rebranding efforts.

Disney isn't alone in its pivot away from DEI. In recent months, several major studios have followed suit, including Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. According to Belloni, the shift is part of a broader trend that has seen many companies scale back or eradicate their DEI departments altogether.

But will this new approach pay off for Disney? Only time will tell. One thing's for sure - the Mouse House is taking a big risk by ditching its woke rebranding efforts and going all-in on a traditional, old-school Hollywood reboot. Will it be enough to save the company from its box office woes?

The Full Story Behind Disney's DEI Downfall

It all started with Snow White. When Latina actress Rachel Zegler was cast as the beloved princess earlier this year, many fans felt that she didn't quite fit the bill. But what really sparked controversy was her outspoken pro-Palestine social media posts, which some saw as a breach of Disney's own DEI guidelines.

As we reported last year, Disney had been praised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the wake of Donald Trump's election. The company had launched several initiatives aimed at increasing representation on screen and behind the camera, including its highly-publicized casting of Black actress Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid remake.

But things took a turn when Zegler's social media posts sparked a heated debate about the intersection of politics and Hollywood. Many felt that Disney had crossed a line by allowing one of its stars to express her opinions on social media, sparking a wider conversation about free speech and censorship in the entertainment industry.

The backlash was swift and merciless, with many fans calling for Zegler's head on a platter. And when Snow White finally hit theaters earlier this year, it was met with a lukewarm reception at best. The movie lost Disney $50 million and sparked widespread criticism of the company's woke rebranding efforts.

But it seems that Disney is now looking to distance itself from its DEI-focused casting decisions. According to Belloni, the company has been quietly scaling back its DEI initiatives in recent months, with some even speculating that the department will be eradicated altogether.

As one industry insider put it, "Disney is trying to have its cake and eat it too. They want to be seen as progressive and inclusive, but they also want to appeal to a broader audience. It's a delicate balancing act, and we'll see how it plays out in the end."

The Full List of Disney Movies That Have Been Affected by Its DEI Downfall

Snow White (2023) - Lost $50 million at the box office
The Little Mermaid (2023) - Criticized for its "woke" re-imagining of the classic
Rapunzel (Tangled Remake) - Delayed and revamped after Disney's decision to ditch DEI-focused casting

The Future of DEI in Hollywood

As we reported last year, several major studios have followed Disney's lead in scaling back or eradicating their DEI departments. Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are just two examples of companies that have joined the trend.

But what does this mean for the future of DEI in Hollywood? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure - the industry is about to undergo a significant shift.

As Belloni noted in his Puck newsletter, "The anti-woke shift within Disney is now well-known. It's a seismic change that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry."