The Actors Strike has cost Rachel Zegler her role in Paddington 3. The Snow White star has remained mum throughout her Disney Princess PR nightmare, all in an effort to stay compliant with the SAG-AFTRA Strike rules. But the StudioCanal project continued filming despite the Hollywood strike and it appears the threequel also found a replacement to fill in for the actress’ absence.
Paddington 3 will not feature Rachel Zegler as Gina, the character portrayed as Hunter Cabot’s (Olivia Colman) daughter, claims a new report. Credible scooper RPK revealed that the Shazam! Fury of the Gods actress was recast due to the Actors Strike. It is unclear who replaced Zegler’s role though it is likely to be a non-SAG-AFTRA member, possibly a UK-origin actor similar to the rest of the Paddington 3 cast such as Ben Wishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer and Colman to name a few.
It should be noted Zegler’s replacement is unrelated to the Snow White controversy although rumors have floated around claiming the Disney project would be canceled due to her contentious remarks. Furthermore, the 22-year-old has been at the front and center of promotions of Hungers Games’ The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Meanwhile, Filming of Paddington in Peru is expected to wrap in two weeks, one of the few projects that managed to complete production during the double strike. In fact, House of the Dragon season 2 also finished its filming without hurdles since a majority of the cast are of UK nationality.
Paddington 3 wraps filming in two weeks and Rachel Zegler was recast due to strikes
— RPK (@RPK_NEWS1) September 25, 2023
Speaking of replacements, Sally Hawkins‘ Mrs. Brown character will be portrayed by Mortimer. The Shape of Water actress willingly step away from the role so Paddington in Peru will be featuring quite a few new faces.
Zegler fans can still look forward to her involvement in Apple TV+’s Spellbound. The actress will voice Princess Ellian in the animated musical feature. In addition, promotions for the Disney Princess flick also is ramping up so a potential first look could be inbound.
Paddington in Peru does not have a release date attached yet. But Rachel Zegler will next be seen in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes released on November 17, 2023.
