Disney has been a launchpad for many successful careers in the entertainment industry. A few former Disney stars have faced challenges or controversies that have, in some cases, led to their being “blacklisted” or facing career setbacks. It’s important to note that the term “blacklisted” is somewhat subjective and can vary in its severity, ranging from temporary career slowdowns to more long-lasting consequences.
Some Disney Stars have been blacklisted due to issues with substance abuse, legal troubles, being arrested, and much more.
Lindsay Lohan was one of Disney’s most prominent stars during her early career, starring in films like The Parent Trap and Freaky Friday. However, personal issues, including struggles with substance abuse and legal troubles, led to a decline in her career. While she has made attempts at comebacks, her career has been marked by periods of inactivity.
Amanda Bynes was a beloved figure on Nickelodeon, starring in The Amanda Show and What I Like About You. In the late 2000s, she faced public struggles with mental health and substance abuse issues, leading to erratic behavior, legal troubles, and backlash. Her acting career has largely been on hold since then.
Known for his role as Max Russo on Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place, Jake T. Austin faced backlash when he was recast in a spinoff series called The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex due to his legal troubles and controversies. This change in his career trajectory marked a significant setback. Orlando Brown, known for his role as Eddie Thomas on That’s So Raven, has faced several legal and personal issues that have overshadowed his acting career. He’s been arrested multiple times, struggled with substance abuse, and displayed erratic behavior, which has limited his opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Amber Heard has now been reportedly added to this list of being blacklisted in Hollywood. Amber Heard began her acting career in the mid-2000s with small roles in television series such as Hidden Palms and The O.C. Her breakthrough came in 2008 when she starred alongside Seth Rogen and James Franco in the comedy film Pineapple Express. However, it was her role as Chenault in the 2011 film The Rum Diary, opposite Johnny Depp, that garnered significant attention and marked a turning point in her career. It was on the set of this film that she and Depp began a relationship, eventually leading to their marriage in 2015.
Amber Heard is best known for her role in 2015 when she portrayed Mera, the queen of Atlantis, in the DC Extended Universe superhero films Justice League (2017) and Aquaman (2018). Amber Heard’s personal life deals with a highly publicized and contentious legal battle with her former husband, Johnny Depp. Both Depp and Heard have accused each other of domestic violence, and their legal disputes have made headlines around the world. These legal battles have not only drawn attention to the issue of domestic abuse but have also been a source of controversy and media scrutiny.
SKPop reported that Warner Brothers had taken a decisive step to curtail her role further, reducing her character to a mere cameo appearance. This move has ignited considerable discontent, with both fans and critics questioning the studio’s decision to retain her amidst ongoing controversy.
As for Rachel Zegler, many Disney fans already have heard her name in the news. Zegler got her star from an audition tape for the lead role of Maria in Steven Spielberg’s highly anticipated remake of the classic musical West Side Story. Rachel Zegler is set to star in Disney’s live-action Snow White, which has sparked controversy. Zegler has made comments that she would replace the 1937 version Snow White that Walt Disney created himself.