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Disney’s Snow White is gearing up for a fresh take on the beloved 1937 animated classic, offering audiences a live-action reimagining of the iconic fairy tale. Directed by Marc Webb, this new version promises to add modern twists to the age-old story, bringing together a star-studded cast and vibrant musical elements. Set to hit theaters on March 21, 2025, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming film, including its storyline, cast, controversies, and production details.
The story of Snow White reimagined
At its core, Disney’s Snow White still follows the classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm. The story revolves around Snow White, a young woman with skin as white as snow, who faces the wrath of her jealous stepmother, the Evil Queen. After the Queen’s magic mirror proclaims Snow White to be the “fairest of them all,” she orders Snow White’s death. However, Snow White escapes into the forest, where she finds refuge with seven dwarfs. When the Queen tries to kill her with a poisoned apple, Snow White falls into a deep slumber, awaiting the kiss of true love to wake her.
That said, this new live-action version promises to give Snow White more agency, making her a far stronger character than the original 1937 portrayal. Rachel Zegler, who plays Snow White, has emphasized that this iteration will focus less on the traditional love story and more on Snow White’s personal growth and strength. This fresh approach reflects the growing trend of reimagining classic Disney stories with more contemporary, empowering messages.
Star-studded cast
The film features an exciting ensemble, with some familiar faces portraying iconic characters, while others bring new and updated versions to the screen.
- Rachel Zegler as Snow White: Known for her breakout role in West Side Story (2021), Zegler steps into the role of Snow White, bringing a fresh, modern energy to the character. Zegler has said that Snow White in this version is far more than just a princess waiting for a prince—she’s an empowered young woman who plays an active role in her own story.
- Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen: Best known for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, Gadot takes on the role of the wicked stepmother. The actress has expressed her excitement about bringing a deeper, more dramatic edge to this iconic villain. In this version, the Evil Queen is not just an evil monarch but a character with complex motivations and emotions.
- Andrew Burnap as Jonathan: This new character replaces the traditional Prince Charming and is set to have a significant presence in Snow White’s journey. Unlike the 1937 film, this remake aims to explore Snow White’s story beyond a romantic relationship.
- Ansu Kabia as the Huntsman: Kabia’s character will have more depth and involvement in this version, expanding the narrative beyond the Queen’s jealous machinations.
- Martin Klebba as Grumpy: Known for his roles in previous adaptations of Snow White, Klebba will lend his comedic touch to the character of Grumpy, one of the seven dwarfs.
- Emilia Faucher as young Snow White: Faucher will portray a younger version of Snow White, providing a glimpse of the princess before she faces the challenges of her iconic story.
Controversies and public reaction
Even before its release, Snow White has generated its share of controversies. Rachel Zegler’s casting as a Latina Snow White has sparked debates about race and authenticity, with some critics expressing dissatisfaction with Disney’s modern updates. Zegler has addressed these concerns, stating that this version of Snow White is a step forward, offering a character who is more than just the “fairest” girl waiting for a prince to save her.
Additionally, the film has faced backlash over changes to the traditional dwarfs. In a notable update, CGI models will replace live-action actors who had previously been cast to play the seven dwarfs. This decision, along with other modern updates, has drawn mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
Zegler has also defended the film’s departure from the love story focus, pointing out that this version will not simply center around romance but rather on Snow White’s growth and empowerment. This shift reflects a broader trend of modernizing Disney princess stories to fit more inclusive and progressive narratives.
Release date and marketing
The movie was initially slated for release in 2024 but has been delayed until March 21, 2025 due to industry strikes and production delays. The first teaser for Snow White was released at Disney’s 2022 D23 Expo, showcasing quick glimpses of key characters, the majestic Queen’s castle, and Snow White’s iconic poisoned apple.
Since then, Disney has ramped up its marketing efforts, releasing exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and new teaser images. The film is already generating buzz, particularly among fans excited to see how the music, updated storyline, and modern cast will refresh this classic fairy tale.
Conclusion
Disney’s Snow White is shaping up to be a bold and exciting reinterpretation of a beloved classic. With its star-studded cast, modernized narrative, and original musical numbers, this live-action remake is set to offer a fresh perspective on the fairy tale. While the movie has already sparked discussions on casting choices and story changes, it’s clear that Disney is looking to update the 1937 classic for a new generation. Whether it can capture the magic of the original while still feeling fresh and relevant will be something to watch when it hits theaters in 2025.