The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Disney’s first animated classic, *Snow White*, has been one of the most talked-about film projects in recent memory, not just for its star-studded cast but also for the significant controversies surrounding its reimagining. As of December 10, 2025, the film is officially set for a theatrical release on March 21, 2025, a delay from its initial 2024 slot, making the final cast and creative changes the freshest information fans are eager to consume.
This new musical fantasy, directed by Marc Webb, promises a modern take on the timeless tale, featuring new songs and a story that aims to give the princess a greater sense of agency. The casting choices, particularly for the titular role and the Evil Queen, have dominated headlines, sparking both excitement and intense debate across social media and traditional news outlets.
Meet the Stars: A Biography of the Main Cast
The core of the new *Snow White* film is anchored by two major Hollywood figures, each bringing a distinct star power and history of success to their iconic roles. Their biographies provide crucial context for the buzz surrounding this production.
- Rachel Zegler (Snow White)
- Full Name: Rachel Anne Zegler
- Born: May 3, 2001 (currently 24 years old)
- Hometown: Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.
- Ethnicity: Colombian-American
- Breakthrough Role: Maria in Steven Spielberg's *West Side Story* (2021), for which she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.
- Notable Works: *Shazam! Fury of the Gods* (2023), *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* (2023).
- Key Fact: Zegler was chosen from over 30,000 applicants for the role of Maria and is now set to play the first live-action Latina Disney Princess.
- Gal Gadot (The Evil Queen)
- Full Name: Gal Gadot Varsano
- Born: April 30, 1985 (currently 40 years old)
- Hometown: Petah Tikva, Israel
- Ethnicity: Israeli
- Breakthrough Role: Gisele Yashar in the *Fast & Furious* film series.
- Notable Works: Diana Prince / Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe (*Wonder Woman*, *Justice League*), *Red Notice* (2021), *Death on the Nile* (2022).
- Key Fact: Gadot served two years in the Israel Defense Forces as a combat instructor before beginning her acting and modeling career. She plays a pivotal villain role for the first time in a major Disney film.
The Complete List of Confirmed Cast Members and Characters
Beyond the two leads, the ensemble cast features a mix of Broadway veterans and rising stars, filling the roles of the princess's companions, the new love interest, and the Evil Queen's allies.
- Rachel Zegler as Snow White
- Gal Gadot as The Evil Queen
- Andrew Burnap as Jonathan
- Burnap, a Tony Award winner, plays the new male lead, Jonathan, who is described as a bandit who befriends Snow White. This character replaces the traditional Prince Charming, signaling a significant shift in the princess’s romantic storyline.
- Patrick Page as The Magic Mirror
- A celebrated Broadway actor known for his powerful voice, Page will embody the Evil Queen's infamous enchanted mirror.
- Ansu Kabia as The Huntsman
- Kabia takes on the role of the Huntsman, the character tasked by the Evil Queen to kill Snow White but who ultimately spares her life.
- The Companions (The Seven Dwarfs Reimagined)
- In one of the most controversial changes, the Seven Dwarfs have been replaced by a group of seven "magical creatures" or "companions" to avoid perpetuating stereotypes.
- Tituss Burgess, known for *Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt*, has been cast in a voice role as one of the companions, rumored to be Bashful.
- Other actors rumored or confirmed in various voice/motion-capture roles for the companions include Andrew Barth Feldman (Dopey), Martin Klebba (Grumpy), and Jason Kravits.
The Unavoidable Controversy: Race, Remakes, and Modern Princesses
The new *Snow White* has generated massive topical authority online, largely due to the debates surrounding its creative decisions and casting, making it a fresh and unique topic for discussion.
The Rachel Zegler Backlash and Intentional Changes
The most prominent controversy centers on the casting of Rachel Zegler, who is of Colombian descent. A racist backlash erupted online, with critics arguing that an actress of color should not play a character whose name is "Snow White," referencing the line "skin as white as snow."
Adding fuel to the fire, Zegler made several comments in interviews about the original 1937 film, stating that the new version would focus more on Snow White's journey to become a leader and less on a "love story." She famously mentioned that the prince was a "stalker" in the original, suggesting a modern, feminist reinterpretation of the princess's character arc. These comments were met with both praise for modernizing the story and criticism for disrespecting the classic Disney legacy.
The Seven Dwarfs to "Companions" Evolution
Another major production change was the decision to replace the Seven Dwarfs with a diverse group of "magical creatures" or "companions." This move came after actor Peter Dinklage publicly criticized the remake, calling the story of the seven dwarfs "backward" and a perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.
Disney responded by stating they took a different approach with the seven characters, consulting with members of the dwarfism community to avoid reinforcing stereotypes. This change highlights Disney's commitment to modern social commentary and inclusivity in their live-action remakes, though it remains a point of contention for fans of the original.
Production Insights and Release Date Update
The live-action *Snow White* is directed by Marc Webb, known for *500 Days of Summer* and *The Amazing Spider-Man* films. The screenplay was co-written by Greta Gerwig (*Barbie*), a detail that further underscores the film's intention to offer a contemporary, female-driven narrative.
The film is a musical, featuring the original songs from the 1937 classic alongside new songs written by the Oscar-winning songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (*La La Land*, *The Greatest Showman*). This blending of classic and new music is a key feature of the reimagining.
While the initial target was a 2024 release, the film was officially pushed back to March 21, 2025. This delay was reportedly due to production schedules, post-production work, and the impact of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes. Despite the wait, the final cast and creative team promise a visually stunning and highly debatable addition to the Disney live-action canon.
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