The Definitive Guide To Disney's Live-Action Snow White Characters: Who's In, Who's Out, And The Shocking New Roles

Disney's live-action adaptation of *Snow White* is one of the most highly anticipated, and controversial, cinematic events scheduled for 2025. This new musical reimagining promises a dramatic departure from the 1937 animated classic, *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*, focusing on a modern narrative where the heroine seeks to become a leader rather than just finding a prince. As of December 2025, the film is set for a theatrical release on March 21, 2025, bringing a fresh, bold vision to the timeless fairy tale, complete with a star-studded cast and significant character overhauls that have dominated online discussion. The production, directed by Marc Webb, has generated intense curiosity, particularly concerning how beloved characters will be interpreted for a new generation. From the casting of its lead actress, Rachel Zegler, to the complete reinvention of the "Seven Dwarfs," this adaptation aims to challenge expectations while staying true to the core themes of beauty, jealousy, and inner strength. Understanding the full list of confirmed characters and the actors portraying them is essential to grasp the scope of this ambitious new Disney project.

The Main Cast and Character Lineup for Snow White (2025)

The core cast for the 2025 live-action *Snow White* features a mix of rising stars and established Hollywood veterans, ensuring a high-profile take on the classic roles. The film is a musical, with new songs being penned by the Oscar-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, which will undoubtedly influence the characterizations.

• Snow White: Rachel Zegler

  The title role is played by Rachel Zegler, an actress who rose to prominence with her Golden Globe-winning performance in Steven Spielberg's *West Side Story* (2021). Zegler's casting was a major talking point, as she is of Colombian and Polish descent, bringing a new, diverse face to the iconic princess. The film is expected to portray Snow White as a more proactive and ambitious figure, moving away from the "damsel in distress" trope of the original animated feature. Emilia Faucher will portray Young Snow White in flashback sequences.

• The Evil Queen: Gal Gadot

  Gal Gadot, globally recognized for her role as Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe, steps into the shoes of the iconic villain. The Evil Queen, driven by her obsession with being "the fairest of them all," serves as the central antagonist. Gadot has expressed excitement about playing a character so dramatically different from her heroic roles, suggesting a portrayal that is both glamorous and deeply malicious. Her performance is anticipated to be a major highlight of the film.

• Jonathan: Andrew Burnap

  Andrew Burnap plays Jonathan, a brand-new character created specifically for this live-action reimagining. Jonathan is not the traditional Prince Florian from the 1937 film. Instead, he is described as a "rebel" and is intended to be Snow White's new love interest. His character is a significant departure, reflecting the filmmakers' desire to modernize the romance element and give Snow White a more complex and capable partner who is "less of a full-on prince." Burnap is a Tony Award-winning stage actor, bringing a strong theatrical background to the musical role.

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• The Magic Mirror (Voice): Patrick Page

  The voice of the all-knowing Magic Mirror, a pivotal tool for the Evil Queen's vanity and villainy, will be provided by veteran stage and screen actor Patrick Page. Known for his powerful voice and commanding presence, Page's casting hints at a more ominous and theatrical interpretation of the mirror's role in the narrative.

The Radical Reimagining of the Seven Companions

One of the most significant and debated changes in the 2025 *Snow White* is the approach to the Seven Dwarfs. To avoid perpetuating stereotypes and to reflect a more inclusive modern sensibility, the production has replaced the traditional seven characters—Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey—with a new collective of "seven companions" or "seven magical creatures." This group is reportedly made up of diverse actors and CGI creations, intended to represent a wider range of genders, ethnicities, and physical characteristics. This decision was largely influenced by criticism from disability advocates, including actor Peter Dinklage, who called out the potential for harmful tropes in the original story's depiction. The names and specific personalities of these new "companions" have not been fully disclosed, which maintains an element of mystery and fuels the ongoing speculation. However, early reports and set photos suggest they will be a band of allies who help Snow White on her journey of self-discovery and rebellion against the Evil Queen. The move from "dwarfs" to "companions" signifies a narrative shift, focusing on their collective support for Snow White's leadership ambitions rather than their individual, one-note characteristics. This change is a central element of the film's topical authority and its attempt to be a fresh, unique take on the source material.

Controversy and the Modernization of a Classic Fairy Tale

The live-action *Snow White* has been a lightning rod for controversy since its casting announcements. The production team, including director Marc Webb and screenwriter Greta Gerwig (known for *Barbie*), has openly discussed the film's goal to update the narrative for a contemporary audience, a major driving factor behind the character changes. The most prominent points of contention include:

1. The Prince's Replacement and the 'Rebel' Hero

The introduction of Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) as a rebel figure, replacing the classic Prince Florian, has been interpreted as a move to downplay the traditional "love at first sight" fairy tale romance. This change aligns with Disney's recent trend of giving its princesses more agency and focusing on their personal growth and leadership qualities. Snow White's journey is now framed less around being saved by a prince and more about her own path to becoming a queenly leader. Jonathan’s character is designed to be a more complex, less passive romantic interest, reflecting a modern sensibility regarding relationships in cinema.

2. Rachel Zegler’s Casting and Narrative Focus

Rachel Zegler's casting as a Latina actress in the role of Snow White sparked both praise for diversity and criticism from those who argue for strict adherence to the original character's description. Zegler herself has been vocal about the film's updated themes, stating that the new Snow White is less focused on romance and more on her own destiny. This shift in narrative focus—from a passive princess to an active leader—is a key LSI keyword that underpins the entire 2025 adaptation.

3. The CGI Companions Debate

The decision to use CGI to create the "seven companions," rather than hiring actors with dwarfism, remains a heated topic. While intended to be a progressive move to avoid stereotyping, some critics argue that it removes employment opportunities for actors with dwarfism. The complexity of this decision highlights the tightrope walk Disney is performing in updating its classic IP for a modern, socially conscious era. The visual execution of these CGI companions will be a critical factor in the film’s reception upon its March 2025 release. The *Snow White* live-action film is clearly positioning itself as a bold, ambitious reinterpretation. By introducing new characters like Jonathan, re-envisioning the Evil Queen with Gal Gadot, and radically altering the "seven dwarfs" into diverse companions, the film aims to be a definitive, contemporary take on the foundational Disney princess story. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if this fresh, unique blend of classic magic and modern storytelling succeeds in the spring of 2025.