Disney movies usually create a ton of buzz, but the 2025 live-action remake of Snow White basically broke the internet before it even hit theaters. If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or dodging heated debates on Twitter, you already know. The name on everyone’s lips—for better or for worse—is Rachel Zegler. She is the one who plays Snow White in new movie, taking on the mantle of Disney's very first princess in a version that looks nothing like the 1937 cartoon.
It's been a wild ride. From the moment her casting was announced back in 2021, the 23-year-old actress found herself in the middle of a massive culture war. Honestly, it’s a lot for anyone to handle. Zegler isn't just a newcomer, though. She’s a powerhouse vocalist who beat out 30,000 other girls to play Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. She’s got the pipes. She’s got the Golden Globe. But for some people, that wasn't enough to make her the "right" Snow White.
Rachel Zegler: Not Your 1937 Princess
So, why the drama? Well, Zegler is of Colombian and Polish descent. The original fairy tale famously describes Snow White as having skin "white as snow," and a certain corner of the internet was not happy about the change. But the controversy didn't stop at her heritage.
Zegler herself hasn't been shy about sharing her thoughts on the original film. She’s called the 1937 version "outdated" and joked that the Prince was basically a "stalker."
"It's no longer 1937," Zegler told Variety on a red carpet. "We absolutely wrote a Snow White [for modern times] who is not going to be saved by the prince and she's not going to be dreaming about true love."
👉 See also: Nothing to Lose: Why the Martin Lawrence and Tim Robbins Movie is Still a 90s Classic
That quote went viral. Fast. Fans of the original felt like the heart of the story was being ripped out, while others cheered for a more "girl boss" version of the character. This new Snow White is less about waiting for a kiss and more about becoming the leader her father always knew she could be. It's a huge shift.
Who Else is in the Cast?
While Zegler is the lead, she isn’t the only big name. Gal Gadot, the Wonder Woman herself, is playing the Evil Queen. Gadot has spent years playing heroes, so seeing her go "dark" is pretty fascinating. She’s described the role as "delicious" and "evil," even mentioning that she changed her voice and posture to feel more like a villain.
- Snow White: Rachel Zegler
- The Evil Queen: Gal Gadot
- Jonathan (The Love Interest): Andrew Burnap
- The Huntsman: Ansu Kabia
- The Magic Mirror: Patrick Page
One of the weirdest changes? The Prince is gone. He’s been replaced by a character named Jonathan, played by Andrew Burnap. He’s described as a "Robin Hood-like" rogue. It seems Disney wanted to steer away from the "Prince Charming" trope entirely.
The CGI Dwarf Controversy
You can't talk about who plays Snow White in new movie without mentioning the seven "magical beings." Initially, there was huge confusion after leaked set photos showed a group of diverse actors of varying heights. It turned out those were just stand-ins.
✨ Don't miss: How Old Is Paul Heyman? The Real Story of Wrestling’s Greatest Mind
Disney eventually went with CGI versions of the classic dwarfs—Grumpy, Doc, Dopey, and the rest. This sparked even more debate. Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) famously called the story "backwards," while other actors within the dwarfism community, like Dylan Postl, argued that taking these roles away from actual people with dwarfism and using CGI instead was a mistake.
The voices behind the CGI are actually quite famous. You’ve got Andrew Barth Feldman (from No Hard Feelings) voicing Dopey, who—get this—is also the narrator of the movie. Tituss Burgess voices Bashful, and Martin Klebba provides the voice and motion capture for Grumpy.
Release and Reception
The movie finally hit theaters on March 21, 2025, after a long delay caused by the actors' and writers' strikes. It hasn't been an easy road. The film cost a staggering $350 million to make and market, and early box office reports were... well, rough.
Critics have been split. Many praise Zegler’s singing—her rendition of "Waiting on a Wish" is genuinely impressive—but some feel the script by Erin Cressida Wilson and Greta Gerwig tries too hard to be modern. Gal Gadot’s performance also received mixed reviews; some loved the campiness, while others felt it was a bit stiff compared to the animated original.
🔗 Read more: Howie Mandel Cupcake Picture: What Really Happened With That Viral Post
If you missed it in the cinema, it actually landed on Disney+ pretty quickly, arriving on June 11, 2025.
What You Should Know Before Watching
If you’re planning a movie night, keep in mind this isn't a shot-for-shot remake.
- It’s a musical: There are brand-new songs from Pasek and Paul (the team behind The Greatest Showman).
- The focus is on leadership: This Snow White wants to reclaim her kingdom, not just survive a poisoned apple.
- The visuals are heavy on CGI: From the forest creatures to the dwarfs themselves, expect a lot of digital effects.
Rachel Zegler’s journey as Snow White is a case study in modern Hollywood. She’s a talented performer who got caught in the crossfire of a massive cultural shift. Whether you love the new direction or miss the 1937 classic, there’s no denying she’s made the role her own.
To get the full picture of Zegler's performance, it's worth checking out the official soundtrack on Spotify or Apple Music. Listening to her take on the classic songs often gives a better sense of her "Disney Princess" energy than the 15-second clips you see on social media. If you're interested in the history of the production, the D23 "Behind the Scenes" featurette on Disney+ provides a great look at how they designed the new cottage and the Queen's castle.