The Three Reigning Evil Queens: Where Are The Actresses Now In 2025?

The Evil Queen is arguably one of the most iconic and complex villains in cinematic history, a character who has been brilliantly reinterpreted by a trio of Hollywood's most formidable actresses in recent years. As of December 10, 2025, these stars continue to dominate the industry, trading their poisoned apples for major new film and television roles, from blockbuster action thrillers to highly anticipated new projects with Oscar-winning directors.

The role itself demands a unique blend of vanity, menace, and tragic vulnerability, qualities that Lana Parrilla, Charlize Theron, and Gal Gadot—the newest monarch—have each brought to life. Our deep dive reveals their complete professional biographies and the very latest updates on what the Evil Queens are planning next in their careers.

Gal Gadot: The New Evil Queen and Her Controversial Voice Change

Gal Gadot, globally recognized for her heroic turn as Wonder Woman, is now set to embrace her villainous side as the Evil Queen in Disney’s upcoming live-action reimagining of *Snow White* (2025). This casting choice has generated significant buzz, placing her firmly in the spotlight as the newest actress to take on the iconic role.

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Gal Gadot Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Gal Gadot-Varsano
• Date of Birth: April 30, 1985
• Place of Birth: Petah Tikva, Israel
• Known For: Gisele Yashar in *Fast & Furious* franchise, Diana Prince / Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe, and the Evil Queen in *Snow White* (2025).
• Recent Highlights: Starring in and co-producing the Netflix action film *Heart of Stone* (2023) and starring in *Red Notice* (2021).
• Production Company: Pilot Wave Motion Pictures (co-founded with her husband, Jaron Varsano).

The Snow White Role: Controversy and Preparation

Gadot's casting has been part of a larger conversation surrounding the new *Snow White* film, which has faced various controversies, including comments from the film's star, Rachel Zegler.

To fully embody the narcissistic and sinister persona of the Evil Queen, Gadot revealed a key part of her preparation: she intentionally changed her voice. She stated that she utilized her body and altered her vocal delivery to express the character's evil nature, a creative choice that fans are eagerly awaiting to hear.

What’s Next for Gal Gadot (2025 and Beyond)

Beyond her highly anticipated Disney villain role, Gal Gadot has several major projects lined up. She is slated to headline a new action thriller titled *The Runner*, directed by Kevin Macdonald.

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While the status of her return as Wonder Woman remains a topic of intense speculation within the DC Universe under James Gunn, Gadot continues to focus on producing and starring in high-octane films through her company, Pilot Wave. Her move from global superhero to iconic Disney villain proves her versatility and commitment to challenging new roles.

Lana Parrilla: The TV Evil Queen and Her 2024 Projects

Lana Parrilla redefined the Evil Queen for an entire generation as Regina Mills, the conflicted mayor of Storybrooke and the powerful Evil Queen, in the ABC fantasy series *Once Upon a Time* (2011–2018). Her portrayal was unique because it explored the villain's redemption arc, making her one of the most beloved characters on television.

Lana Parrilla Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Lana Maria Parrilla
• Date of Birth: July 15, 1977
• Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Known For: Regina Mills / The Evil Queen in *Once Upon a Time*, Sarah Gavin in *24*, and recurring roles in *Spin City* and *Miami Medical*.
• Awards: ALMA Award for Outstanding TV Actress—Drama (2012).
• Iconic Character: Her dual role as Regina/Evil Queen allowed for a deep, complex character analysis, exploring themes of motherhood, forgiveness, and the nature of good versus evil.

The Legacy of Regina Mills

Parrilla’s performance as Regina Mills was a masterclass in complexity. She managed to make the Evil Queen relatable, shifting from a cold, vengeful sorceress to a loving mother and eventually a hero. This nuanced take on the classic villain trope is often cited as the show's greatest strength. Fans still flock to conventions, such as FanX 2024, to hear her discuss her memories of the role and the enduring legacy of the show.

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What’s Next for Lana Parrilla (2024 and Beyond)

Since the end of *Once Upon a Time*, Parrilla has remained busy, proving her range extends far beyond the fantasy genre. In 2024, she starred in the Netflix sci-fi action film *Atlas* alongside Jennifer Lopez, a major project that kept her in the streaming spotlight.

Looking ahead, the actress has been linked to a new television project titled *Synthetic*. Furthermore, she has publicly expressed her willingness to return to the role that made her an icon, stating she would be ready to play the Evil Queen again should a reboot of *Once Upon a Time* ever materialize.

Charlize Theron: The Oscar-Winning Evil Queen and Her New Direction

Charlize Theron brought a chilling, high-fashion intensity to the role of Queen Ravenna in *Snow White and the Huntsman* (2012) and its 2016 prequel/sequel, *The Huntsman: Winter's War*. Her portrayal emphasized the Queen’s vanity and her dark, ancient power, giving the fairy tale a gritty, action-fantasy edge.

Charlize Theron Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Charlize Theron
• Date of Birth: August 7, 1975
• Place of Birth: Benoni, South Africa
• Known For: Aileen Wuornos in *Monster* (for which she won an Oscar), Furiosa in *Mad Max: Fury Road*, and Queen Ravenna in *The Huntsman* franchise.
• Recent Highlights: Starring in the *Fast X* franchise and the Netflix film *The Old Guard*.
• Production Company: Denver and Delilah Productions, which has produced many of her own films and other projects.

Queen Ravenna’s Dark Glamour

Theron’s Queen Ravenna was less about a traditional wicked stepmother and more about a force of nature fueled by a desperate need for eternal beauty and power. Her performance was widely praised for its intensity, with some critics comparing the challenge of the role to that of Jack Nicholson's iconic characters.

The character's aesthetic—lavish, dark, and often literally constructed of gold and feathers—made Ravenna a powerful visual spectacle, solidifying Theron's place as a modern Evil Queen icon.

What’s Next for Charlize Theron (2025 and Beyond)

In the current landscape, Charlize Theron is one of the busiest stars, balancing her acting career with a prolific role as a producer. She has recently wrapped production on a film titled *Apex*, which she described as a miracle she survived, hinting at its intense nature.

Most notably, Theron is the latest high-profile star to join the cast of Christopher Nolan’s next top-secret, untitled film, the follow-up to his Oscar-winning *Oppenheimer*. This move signals her continued work with A-list directors and her dedication to complex, high-quality cinematic projects.

Her production company, Denver and Delilah, also continues to secure major deals, including a new thriller with Netflix, ensuring her influence behind the camera is just as significant as her presence on screen.

The Everlasting Appeal of the Evil Queen Archetype

The enduring popularity of the "evil queen actress" is a testament to the character's powerful psychological appeal. Whether it’s Lana Parrilla's exploration of redemption as Regina Mills, Charlize Theron's portrayal of power-hungry vanity as Queen Ravenna, or Gal Gadot's modern, controversial take in the upcoming *Snow White*, each actress has brought a fresh layer of depth to the classic villain.

These roles are career-defining, but as the latest updates show, the stars who played them are moving on to equally ambitious projects in 2025 and beyond. From Christopher Nolan's set to major Netflix thrillers, the reign of these queens is far from over.