The Fairest And The Fiercest: Everything To Know About The Disney Live-Action 'Snow White' Cast And Controversies

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Disney’s first animated feature, Snow White, is set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025, bringing with it a fresh cast, a modern perspective, and a whirlwind of controversy. This cinematic reimagining promises a musical fantasy that honors the 1937 classic while introducing significant updates to the core story, including new characters and a different approach to the iconic seven companions. The star power of the cast, led by two major Hollywood talents, ensures this film will be one of the most talked-about releases of the year.

The film has already generated massive buzz and debate, largely centered on its casting choices and the lead actress's commentary on the princess's role in the 21st century. As of today, December 18, 2025, the full cast list, creative team, and the details surrounding the biggest changes are confirmed, setting the stage for a blockbuster event that will either delight purists or cement a new vision for the classic fairy tale.

The Star-Studded Cast and Key Character Biographies

The core cast of the 2025 Snow White remake is a blend of rising stars and established A-listers, ensuring both vocal talent and global recognition. The dynamic between the protagonist and the villain is particularly compelling, with two of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces stepping into the iconic roles.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Rachel Zegler as Snow White

• Full Name: Rachel Anne Zegler
• Date of Birth: May 3, 2001
• Place of Birth: Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.
• Ethnicity: Colombian-American (Mother is of Colombian descent, father is of Polish descent)
• Notable Roles: María in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story (2021) (winning a Golden Globe for Best Actress), Anthea in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023).
• Role in Snow White: Zegler plays the titular princess, who, in this modern take, is less focused on finding a prince and more on becoming a leader. Her casting, as a Latina actress, sparked significant public debate and racist backlash, which she has addressed.

Gal Gadot as The Evil Queen

• Full Name: Gal Gadot-Varsano
• Date of Birth: April 30, 1985
• Place of Birth: Petaḥ Tiqwa, Israel
• Ethnicity: Israeli
• Notable Roles: Wonder Woman/Diana Prince in the DC Extended Universe (2016–2023), Gisele Yashar in the Fast & Furious film series.
• Role in Snow White: Gadot portrays the vain and sinister Evil Queen, who is obsessed with being "the fairest of them all." Gadot has spoken about the "delicious" nature of the villainous role and confirmed that she will also transform into the Old Hag in the film. She is one of the film's biggest draws.

Andrew Burnap as Jonathan

• Role: Jonathan is a new character created specifically for this live-action film. He replaces the traditional Prince Charming, reflecting the film's aim to modernize the story's themes.
• Notable Roles: Burnap is a Tony Award-winning actor known for his work in theatre, including the play The Inheritance.

The Voice of the Magic Mirror

• Actor: Patrick Page
• Role: Page lends his distinct voice to the iconic Magic Mirror, the Queen's source of information and vanity.

The Seven Companions: A Modern Reimagining

One of the most significant and controversial changes in the live-action remake is the re-envisioning of the Seven Dwarfs. To avoid perpetuating stereotypes and to reflect a more inclusive modern sensibility, the characters are now referred to as "seven companions" or "seven housemates" of varying genders, ethnicities, and heights.

This decision stems from a desire to move away from the problematic elements of the 1937 film. The seven companions are a diverse group of individuals who aid Snow White on her journey, and while their names are reminiscent of the original, their personalities and roles have been updated.

The Voice Cast of the Seven Companions

The companions are brought to life through a mix of voice and on-screen acting. Notably, Martin Klebba, an actor with dwarfism, is the only one of the seven cast members with dwarfism, which itself has been a point of contention in the media.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Grumpy: Martin Klebba (The only actor with dwarfism cast in the group)
• Dopey: Andrew Barth Feldman
• Bashful: Tituss Burgess
• Sneezy: Jason Kravits
• Happy: George Salazar
• Sleepy: Andy Grotelueschen

The new approach to these characters is central to the film's modern narrative, focusing on Snow White’s journey to find her voice and purpose, rather than simply being rescued. The companions are now a diverse band of "merrymen" who help the princess mature into a leader.

Creative Team and Production Details

The talent behind the camera is as impressive as the cast in front of it, lending significant topical authority to the project. The film's creative team is responsible for steering the classic tale into a new era, a task that comes with immense pressure and scrutiny.

Director and Writers

• Director: Marc Webb. Known for directing (500) Days of Summer and The Amazing Spider-Man films, Webb brings a strong background in both intimate character studies and large-scale blockbusters.
• Writers: The screenplay is officially credited to Erin Cressida Wilson, with contributions from Greta Gerwig. Gerwig, the acclaimed writer/director of Barbie and Little Women, worked on the script, which has generated significant excitement about the film's potential feminist themes and depth.
• Producers: The film is produced by Marc Platt and Jonathan Battersby, with Jared LeBoff also listed as a producer.

Release Date and Production Status

The highly anticipated film is slated for an exclusive theatrical release on March 21, 2025. The production faced delays, including the SAG-AFTRA strike, which pushed the release date back from its initial 2024 slot. This delay has only heightened the anticipation for the final product, which is now one of the most talked-about films on Disney's upcoming slate.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

The Poison Apple: Unpacking the Biggest Controversies

Beyond the casting, the production has been mired in several high-profile controversies that have dominated entertainment news and social media discussions. These debates are central to understanding the modern context of this live-action remake.

The Rachel Zegler Backlash and Modern Themes

The casting of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as the traditionally fair-skinned princess immediately drew racist backlash from some corners of the internet. Furthermore, Zegler herself made comments in interviews that suggested the new film would significantly de-emphasize the original's romantic plot, stating that Snow White would not be saved by a prince but would instead focus on becoming a leader. These comments, while aligning with Disney's efforts to modernize its princess narratives, sparked a heated debate among fans who felt the core fairy tale was being lost or altered too drastically.

The "Companions" vs. "Dwarfs" Debate

The decision to replace the traditional Seven Dwarfs with a diverse group of "seven companions" was a direct response to criticism from actors with dwarfism, such as Peter Dinklage, who called the original story's depiction of the characters "backward." While the move was intended to be progressive and inclusive, the subsequent casting, which only included one actor with dwarfism (Martin Klebba) in the voice cast, led to a new wave of criticism. Many questioned whether the change was truly inclusive or simply a visual adjustment that missed the opportunity to employ more actors with dwarfism.

The 2025 Snow White film is poised to be a landmark release, not just for its star power—Rachel Zegler’s vocal talent and Gal Gadot’s screen presence—but for its ambitious attempt to update a foundational piece of Disney history. With a March 21, 2025 release date, audiences will soon determine whether this modern, controversial, and star-studded adaptation can truly be the "fairest of them all."