Who’s careers do you think would be most radically different if the pandemic didn’t happen?
I’ve been thinking lately that if not for the pandemic that Rachel Zegler would likely be as famous and respected as the Euphoria cast, rather than loved by a niche online audience but hated by the masses.
If not for the pandemic delaying West Side Story, it would have come out before the allegations against Ansel (if they ever came out) and I think she would have been much more celebrated with a critically acclaimed performance; maybe even securing an Oscar mom (which prevents her Oscar controversy as well). I think she would have also avoided the sticky situation of having to navigate allegations against a costar and friend during her big break.
Her next big film would have been the Hunger Games which still did well and more people would have rooted for a no name becoming the next big thing.
Additionally, with the good will earned from these films I think people would have eased up regarding her comments on Snow White, which is easily her biggest controversy. I also think if she hadn’t been repeatedly canceled herself she wouldn’t feel the need to align herself with genuinely problematic people (i.e. her recent gushing over Trisha Paytas) and would have a better public perception.
I also think people like Olivia Rodrigo and Halle Bailey’s careers would be incredibly different.
In your opinion, who do you think would have a massively different career if the pandemic didn’t happen? For better or for worse.