The Full, Controversial Cast Of Disney's Live-Action Snow White (2025): Who's In, Who's Out, And The New Characters

Disney's live-action remake of *Snow White* is one of the most anticipated—and most controversial—films slated for a 2025 release, promising a significant reimagining of the 1937 animated classic. As of December 2025, the official cast is locked in, led by two major Hollywood stars who are set to bring a fresh, modernized perspective to the timeless fairy tale. This new adaptation, set to premiere on March 21, 2025, has generated immense buzz, not just for its star-studded lineup but also for the notable changes to the classic story, including the introduction of new characters and a different take on the Seven Dwarfs. The film, directed by Marc Webb and featuring new songs by the Oscar-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, aims to deliver a more "empowered" princess narrative, moving away from the damsel-in-distress trope of the original. The casting choices themselves have been a focal point of discussion, sparking debates that range from racial representation to the modernization of classic Disney themes.

The Core Cast: Snow White, The Evil Queen, and the New Protagonist

The heart of any Disney fairy tale lies in its main characters, and the 2025 *Snow White* has chosen a cast that is both high-profile and a source of significant public discourse.

Rachel Zegler: Snow White

• Role: Snow White
• Known For: Her Golden Globe-winning debut as Maria in Steven Spielberg's *West Side Story* (2021) and her role in *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*.
• Controversy: Zegler's casting as the titular character, who is traditionally described as "the fairest of them all," initially sparked a race-related backlash due to her Colombian and Polish heritage. Furthermore, her comments in interviews about modernizing the princess's role—stating the new film is "not about the prince" and that the original was "outdated"—led to further public and media scrutiny, which some reports suggest caused friction with Disney producers.

Gal Gadot: The Evil Queen

• Role: The Evil Queen
• Known For: Playing Diana Prince / Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe.
• Buzz: Gadot's transition from an iconic superhero to a classic villain has been met with excitement. She has spoken about the fun of playing the "iconic villain" and bringing a new, complex dimension to the character. Her portrayal is expected to be a major highlight, offering a fresh take on the classic sorceress who obsesses over being the most beautiful in the land.

Andrew Burnap: Jonathan (The New Male Lead)

• Role: Jonathan
• Known For: A Tony Award-winning stage actor, known for his work on Broadway.
• The Change: Burnap's character, Jonathan, is a completely new addition to the fairy tale, replacing the traditional Prince Florian. The shift aligns with the film's goal of creating a more "empowered" Snow White who is not waiting for a prince. Jonathan is described as a new male lead, though his exact relationship to Snow White and the plot remains a key mystery for fans.

The Supporting Ensemble and Modernized Elements

The supporting cast features a mix of veteran actors and rising stars, filling roles that both honor the original story and introduce new narrative threads. The film’s creative team, including director Marc Webb, has made it clear that this is a reimagining, which is most evident in the approach to the iconic Seven Dwarfs.

The Seven 'Magical Creatures'

In one of the most significant changes from the 1937 animated film, the Seven Dwarfs have been replaced by a group of "seven magical creatures." This decision came after public criticism, notably from actor Peter Dinklage, regarding the perpetuation of dwarfism stereotypes. The new characters are a diverse group of non-dwarf actors who will be playing these fantastical beings. While the exact names of all seven creatures and the actors playing them in live-action are not fully detailed, the voice cast for some of the characters has been confirmed, suggesting the creatures may be a mix of live-action and CGI/voice work.

Confirmed Voice and Live-Action Cast for the Creatures:

• Martin Klebba: Grumpy (Klebba is an actor with dwarfism, confirmed to be part of the cast, though his exact role in the "creatures" group is a point of discussion).
• Andrew Barth Feldman: Dopey (Voice Actor)
• Tituss Burgess: Bashful (Voice Actor)
• Jeremy Swift: Unspecified Creature/Role
• Jason Kravits: Unspecified Creature/Role

This change highlights Disney’s commitment to addressing modern cultural sensitivities while attempting to maintain the spirit of the original characters. The final look and feel of these "magical creatures" will undoubtedly be a major talking point upon the film's release.

Other Key Cast Members and Production Details

Beyond the main trio and the magical creatures, a few other established actors have been cast in pivotal, traditional roles. These figures help ground the fantasy elements and propel the core conflict between Snow White and the Evil Queen.

Patrick Page: The Magic Mirror

• Role: The Magic Mirror
• Known For: A celebrated Broadway star, known for his deep, resonant voice and commanding stage presence in musicals like *Hadestown*.
• Significance: The Magic Mirror is the catalyst for the Evil Queen's jealousy and the central conflict of the story. Page’s casting suggests the Mirror will have a powerful, possibly theatrical presence, moving beyond a simple voice-over.

Ansu Kabia: The Huntsman

• Role: The Huntsman
• Known For: Roles in TV series such as *I May Destroy You* and *The Long Song*.
• Significance: The Huntsman is the character ordered by the Evil Queen to kill Snow White in the forest. His decision to spare her life is a critical turning point. Kabia’s portrayal will be crucial in depicting this moment of moral conflict and heroism.

Topical Authority: The Modernization and Controversy

The 2025 *Snow White* is more than just a remake; it is a cultural statement that seeks to redefine the classic princess archetype for a new generation. The decision to cast Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, was a direct effort to diversify the traditionally white character lineup, a move that aligns with Disney's broader strategy across its live-action remakes. However, the film has faced an "avalanche of controversy" since its announcement. The public discourse has centered on several key areas: 1. The "Empowered" Princess: Zegler's comments about the new Snow White not needing a prince and being more focused on leadership and finding her voice have been both praised as progressive and criticized by purists who feel it deviates too far from the source material. 2. The Seven Dwarfs Change: The replacement of the dwarfs with "magical creatures" was a response to criticism but has also led to questions about how the film will handle the iconic relationships and themes of the original. 3. Political Stances: Further complicating the film's production narrative, Zegler faced significant online harassment and backlash for sharing pro-Palestinian views on social media, adding a layer of political controversy to the film's pre-release buzz. Despite the ongoing debates, the film's release on March 21, 2025, is highly anticipated. The combination of established talent like Gal Gadot and rising star Rachel Zegler, coupled with a director known for his visual flair (Marc Webb, of *The Amazing Spider-Man* fame), suggests that the final product will be a visually stunning and narratively ambitious take on the world's first-ever animated feature film. This live-action adaptation is poised to be a defining moment in Disney's ongoing effort to update its classic animated canon for the 21st century.