The Seven Shocking Facts About Who Plays Snow White: Everything You Need To Know About Rachel Zegler And The 2025 Remake

The question of "who plays Snow White" is no longer a simple answer, as the iconic Disney princess role has been passed to a new generation with the announcement of the live-action remake. As of today, December 18, 2025, the actress stepping into the glass slippers and iconic blue and yellow dress is the Golden Globe-winning star, Rachel Zegler, in a film that has already become one of Hollywood’s most talked-about and controversial projects. This deeply anticipated movie, titled simply Snow White, is a live-action musical reimagining of the 1937 animated classic, and it promises to deliver a modern take on the timeless fairy tale.

The selection of Rachel Zegler, a young actress of Colombian descent, sparked immediate and intense global discussion—ranging from support for a more diverse casting choice to heated backlash over the perceived deviation from the original character’s description. With the film’s theatrical release date set for March 21, 2025, the conversation surrounding the cast, the updated story, and the various production controversies is only growing louder, making this one of the most significant Disney live-action adaptations to date.

Rachel Zegler: Biography, Breakout Role, and Awards

Rachel Anne Zegler is an American actress and singer who became an overnight sensation with her powerful vocal and acting debut. Her casting as Snow White solidified her status as one of Hollywood's most rapidly rising young stars. To understand the talent behind the new princess, here is a detailed look at her profile and career highlights:

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• Full Name: Rachel Anne Zegler
• Date of Birth: May 3, 2001
• Place of Birth: Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.
• Ethnicity/Background: American (Colombian and Polish descent)
• Breakout Role: María in Steven Spielberg's film adaptation of West Side Story (2021).
• Major Award: Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for her role in West Side Story.
• Other Notable Films: Anthea in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) and Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023).
• Education: Developed her acting and singing skills in theatrical productions at Immaculate Conception High School.

Zegler’s casting was not merely a choice for a new face; it was a decision that signaled a significant shift in how Disney approaches its classic fairy tales, aiming for a more contemporary and globally reflective interpretation. Her proven talent as a singer and actress, particularly in a musical format like West Side Story, makes her a natural fit for the demanding role of a Disney princess.

The Snow White Live-Action Remake: Cast, Controversies, and The 2025 Release

Disney’s live-action version of Snow White, directed by Marc Webb (known for The Amazing Spider-Man), is a massive production that has generated as much buzz for its behind-the-scenes drama as for its on-screen talent. The film is officially scheduled to open exclusively in theaters on March 21, 2025.

Key Cast Members

While Rachel Zegler leads the ensemble, she is joined by an impressive list of A-list talent, ensuring the film has star power beyond the titular character. The most notable co-star is:

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• Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen: The former Wonder Woman star takes on the iconic villain, bringing a fresh, modern energy to the role of the wicked stepmother.
• Andrew Burnap: Cast in a new, principal male role, though not explicitly the traditional Prince Charming.
• Ansu Kabia: Plays the Evil Queen's Huntsman, the character ordered to kill Snow White.

The Major Controversies That Rocked Production

The film has been a lightning rod for debate, with several key issues dominating headlines long before its release. These controversies highlight the tension between preserving a classic and adapting it for a modern audience.

1. Casting Backlash: The choice of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as a character whose name implies "snow white" skin, prompted significant racist backlash on social media. Supporters, however, praised Disney for promoting diversity and moving away from antiquated racial conventions.
2. Zegler's Comments on the Original Film: The actress faced criticism for comments made in interviews where she described the original 1937 film as having "outdated" themes, particularly the focus on the prince. She emphasized that the new Snow White would be a more "fearless" and self-sufficient princess who is determined to free her kingdom, a departure from the traditional damsel-in-distress trope.
3. The "Dwarf" Depiction: The studio faced controversy over its initial plan for the seven companions. Following criticism from actor Peter Dinklage, Disney announced it would use a different approach to avoid reinforcing stereotypes. The new film reportedly features a group of seven "magical creatures" instead of the traditional seven dwarfs (Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey).

These debates have positioned the 2025 Snow White not just as a film but as a cultural flashpoint, ensuring immense public interest—for better or worse—when it finally hits theaters.

Beyond Zegler: A History of Actresses Who Have Played Snow White

While Rachel Zegler is the current face of the princess, the character of Snow White has been portrayed by numerous actresses across film, television, and animation since the Brothers Grimm first published the tale. Understanding this history provides topical authority and context for Zegler’s role.

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Adriana Caselotti (1937)

The definitive and original voice of the Disney princess belongs to Adriana Caselotti. Disney personally hired her when she was just 18 years old for the 1937 animated masterpiece, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Her iconic, high-pitched, and sweet voice set the standard for all Disney princesses that followed.

Lily Collins (2012)

Lily Collins starred as the titular character in the visually vibrant 2012 adaptation, Mirror Mirror. Co-starring Julia Roberts as the Evil Queen, this film was a more whimsical and comedic re-telling of the classic story, showcasing Collins's ability to play a charming and determined princess.

Kristen Stewart (2012)

In the same year, Kristen Stewart offered a drastically different, darker, and more action-oriented version of the character in Snow White and the Huntsman. This film reimagined Snow White as a warrior princess who fights back against the tyrannical rule of Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron), showcasing the character's strength rather than her innocence.

Pamela Ribon (2018)

In a hilarious and self-aware meta-portrayal, actress Pamela Ribon voiced Snow White in the animated Disney film Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). In this modern appearance, Snow White is seen alongside other Disney princesses, playfully deconstructing their classic tropes and acknowledging the character's legacy in a fun, new way.

The legacy of Snow White is a long and varied one, with each actress bringing a unique interpretation to the character. Rachel Zegler's 2025 portrayal is set to be the next major evolution, blending the musical charm of the original with a modern, "fearless" spirit that reflects contemporary values. The anticipation for the film remains incredibly high, making Zegler the most talked-about Snow White in decades.