The Seven Biggest Changes And New Actors In Disney’s Controversial Snow White Remake (2025 Update)

The highly anticipated, and highly debated, live-action remake of Disney's *Snow White* is scheduled for release in 2025, bringing with it a completely new vision for the classic fairy tale. The film has been a lightning rod for discussion since its casting announcements, featuring a fresh group of actors and significant plot updates that aim to modernize the 1937 animated masterpiece, *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*. The central figure in this update is the new Snow White actress, Rachel Zegler, whose casting and subsequent comments have dominated the conversation. As of December 12, 2025, the latest details confirm a radical departure from the original narrative, introducing a new male lead, replacing the iconic dwarfs, and focusing on Snow White’s journey to become a "leader." This article dives deep into the complete cast list, the biographical details of the key new actors, and the dramatic story changes that have made this one of Disney’s most controversial projects to date.

The New Face of Snow White: Rachel Zegler's Biography and Filmography

The role of Snow White, originally the first Disney Princess, has been taken on by the young and talented actress and singer, Rachel Zegler. Her casting was a pivotal moment, immediately sparking both praise and intense debate across social media.

• Full Name: Rachel Anne Zegler
• Date of Birth: May 3, 2001
• Place of Birth: Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Her mother is of Colombian descent, making Zegler Latina.
• Breakout Role: María in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of *West Side Story*.
• Major Accolades: She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for her performance in *West Side Story* (2021).
• Other Notable Films: *Shazam! Fury of the Gods* (2023) and *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* (2023).

Zegler's ascent in Hollywood has been rapid, moving from her high school theatre roles to a Golden Globe winner in a matter of years. However, her portrayal of Snow White, an iconic character, has been marred by controversy, largely due to her public statements about modernizing the original film's themes, which some critics felt were dismissive of the classic.

The Live-Action Cast: A Clash of Hollywood Generations

The new *Snow White* film, directed by Marc Webb, known for *500 Days of Summer* and *The Amazing Spider-Man*, features a stellar ensemble cast that blends rising stars with established Hollywood heavyweights.

Gal Gadot as The Evil Queen

The role of the vain and powerful Evil Queen is played by Gal Gadot. Gadot, globally recognized for her role as Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe, brings a significant star presence to the villainous role. The casting of Gadot was met with widespread enthusiasm, as fans are eager to see her interpretation of the classic antagonist. Her portrayal is expected to be a more complex and formidable adversary for Snow White.

Andrew Burnap as Jonathan (The New Prince)

One of the most significant changes to the story is the introduction of a new character, Jonathan, who serves as Snow White's love interest. This role is played by Andrew Burnap, a Tony Award-winning stage actor.

Jonathan is described as a new character, a rebel, and less of a traditional "full-on prince" who simply saves the princess with a kiss. This narrative shift moves away from the classic damsel-in-distress trope, aligning the film with contemporary storytelling sensibilities. Burnap, born March 5, 1991, is primarily known for his work on Broadway, including his Tony-winning performance in *The Inheritance*.

The Replacement of the Seven Dwarfs

Perhaps the most radical change is the decision to replace the Seven Dwarfs with a group of "Magical Creatures." This change was reportedly influenced by comments from actor Peter Dinklage, who criticized the original story's stereotypical portrayal of the dwarfs.

The new group of companions for Snow White will feature a diverse cast of actors, including Martin Klebba, who will portray one of the magical creatures, Grumpy. The film aims to create a more inclusive and less problematic representation of Snow White’s allies, positioning them as forest-dwelling entities who have lived in the woods for hundreds of years. The voice cast for these creatures, including Andrew Barth Feldman as Dopey and Tituss Burgess as Bashful, further highlights the film's commitment to modernization.

Beyond the Mirror: The Controversies and Story Updates

The live-action *Snow White* has been surrounded by a whirlwind of controversy, making the film's production and eventual release highly scrutinized. The debates center on the casting of Rachel Zegler and the narrative changes that redefine the princess's character arc.

The Focus on Leadership Over Love

Director Marc Webb and Rachel Zegler have consistently emphasized that the new film is not a simple retelling of a princess waiting for a prince. Zegler stated that the new Snow White is a "leader" and her story is more about finding her voice and strength. The introduction of the character Jonathan, who is a rebel, supports this shift, suggesting a focus on a partnership rather than a rescue. This updated thematic focus is a deliberate attempt to resonate with modern audiences who expect strong, independent female protagonists.

The "Outdated" Narrative Debate

The controversy intensified after Zegler made comments suggesting that the original 1937 film was "outdated," particularly regarding the prince's role and the concept of "true love's kiss." While Zegler's intention was to highlight the modernization of the new script, her remarks fueled a backlash from fans of the classic, who felt the original's legacy was being disrespected. This public relations challenge has kept the film in the news cycle, inadvertently increasing curiosity about how the final product will handle the delicate balance between nostalgia and progressive storytelling.

Production and Release Status

Despite the intense scrutiny, production for the live-action *Snow White* has proceeded, with the theatrical release currently scheduled for March 2025. The film is a significant investment for Disney, part of their ongoing strategy to reimagine their animated classics for a new generation. The use of advanced visual effects and the musical score, featuring new songs written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (known for *La La Land* and *The Greatest Showman*), are expected to be major highlights. The success of the film will ultimately be measured by its ability to satisfy both lifelong fans of the original and newcomers who are looking for a fresh, engaging fairy tale.