Mirror, mirror, on the wall … Snow White is being brought to life for all!
The Disney live-action adaptation of the beloved 1937 animated classic — and the company’s first princess movie — is slated to premiere in theaters on March 21, 2025. The film stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, and is being directed by Marc Webb, whose previous work includes The Amazing Spider-Man.
In October 2024, Webb told Variety that he immediately knew Zegler was perfect for the role after she read for it, adding that the script supervisor “wept” upon hearing the star sing.
The director praised Zegler for her “inherent grace, poise and goodness,” which reminded him of “so much of what is essential to Snow White.”
Much like the original film, the live-action movie will tell the story of Snow White and her battle with the Evil Queen. However, Zegler told Variety in June 2022 that “it’s no longer 1937,” and hinted at a new modern edge to the remake.
“She’s not going to be saved by The Prince and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love,” she said. “She’s dreaming about becoming the leader that she knows she can be, and the leader that her late father told her that she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave and true.”
Here’s a look at the cast of Snow White side-by-side with their animated counterparts from the original movie.
Rachel Zegler as Snow White
Rachel Zegler stars as the titular princess, who in the original animated film is forced to work as a scullery maid by her jealous and evil stepmother.
While Zegler has shared that the live-action remake will bring new elements to Snow White’s story, the trailer reveals she still befriends seven dwarves — who appear to play a key role in her journey to challenge her stepmother and restore justice to the kingdom.
One of the changes, the actress told Variety in October 2024, is that the princess character’s name stems from a different origin than the 1937 version. This time, the moniker is inspired by when she “survived a snowstorm that occurred when she was a baby.”
“And so the king and queen decided to name her Snow White to remind her of her resilience,” she said. “One of the core points in our film for any young woman or young person is remembering how strong you actually are.”
Prior to taking on the titular character, Zegler’s breakout role was as María in the 2021 musical adaptation of West Side Story. The actress went on to star in 2023’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and made her Broadway debut as the titular leading lady in Romeo & Juliet.
Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen
Gal Gadot takes on the role of the Evil Queen, Snow White’s jealous stepmother, who goes to extreme lengths — even transforming herself into an old hag — to fulfill her dark ambitions.
In September 2022, Gadot told Entertainment Weekly that she was “all in” on the project after learning that she would be able to dance, sing and work with the “amazing cast and crew.”
As for taking on the role of the Evil Queen, Gadot told the outlet that “to be able to tell her story and to get under her skin was an incredible process.”
“I enjoyed it so much that I even took it home, and I changed my voice, and I used my body as a way to express her even more,” the actress said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to play such an iconic villain.”
Gadot also told Variety in September 2022 that although transforming into the old lady took “4 hours,” the transition was “incredible.”
“I feel so lucky that I get to play something that is so far from what I know and what I’m used to,” she said, adding that she “enjoyed every second of it.”
Gadot first made waves as Gisele in 2009’s Fast & Furious and continued to reprise the role in sequels for years to come. She also appeared in 2017’s Wonder Woman and 2021’s Red Notice.
Andrew Burnap as Jonathan
Andrew Burnap plays the new male lead role of Jonathan, an innovative character set to replace the original prince.
In March 2023, Burnap told Man About Town that being a part of something as “grand and iconic and beloved” as Snow White was a “dream come true.”
Although he plays the love interest, he explained that it’s a new story as “it’s no longer a princess waiting to be saved by a prince.”
Though Burnap was tight-lipped about any specific details, he teased that “Jonathan is less of a full-on prince and more of a reluctant hero.”
The actor is most known for his roles in 2018’s The Chaperone, as well as appearing in the TV mini series WeCrashed and Under the Banner of Heaven. His performance in The Inheritance also earned him a Tony Award in 2021 for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play.
Ansu Kabia as the Huntsman
Ansu Kabia plays the Huntsman, who is the Evil Queen’s servant in the original film.
Before being cast as the Huntsman, Kabia gained recognition with his breakout role as Moses in the British period detective series Miss Scarlet & the Duke. He also starred in 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express and 2019’s Last Christmas.
The actor additionally has credits in many theater productions, including The Jungle and To Sir, With Love.
Emilia Faucher as young Snow White
Emilia Faucher joins the cast of Snow White as a young version of the titular character.
Following the release of the full-length trailer, she wrote on Instagram (via an account run by her parents) that the role was a “dream come true.”
The actress previously appeared in 2020’s A Ring for Christmas and 2021’s CODA. In addition to Snow White, her upcoming projects also include a role in Rosario, set to be released in 2025.
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