The original Snow White is a landmark animated movie and is perhaps Disney’s signature production. So many aspects of Snow White influenced Disney movies that followed, so living up to its legacy will be challenging. Yet, that is exactly what today’s Disney team will now attempt to do with its live-action Snow White, a project that already looks set to both pay tribute to the classic tale while also making notable alterations. Like every adaptation of an animated classic, the upcoming live-action Snow White remake has already gained a lot of attention and a fair share of controversy.
The Latest Live-Action Snow White News
A New Image Is Revealed
Custom Image by SR Image EditorA month or so after the first trailer dropped for the remake, the latest news arrives in the form of a new image from the Snow White remake. The exclusive image shared by Screen Rant puts the emphasis on the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot) who examines herself angrily in the ornate magic mirror. While not giving much away in terms of story, the picture does highlight the intricate attention to detail put into the movie’s set, costumes, and makeup.
Live-Action Snow White Release Date
Snow White Returns In 2025
Custom Image by SR Image EditorThe release date for Disney’s Snow White is March 21, 2025. The Rachel Zegler Snow White remake had originally been set for a March 22, 2024, release, but this was delayed in late 2023 due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes and the need for re-shoots. With the film wrapped in June 2024, it seems highly likely that the film won’t have any trouble hitting its release date, even if Snow White is a VFX-heavy movie.
The SAG-AFTRA strike was resolved on November 9, 2023.
Disney’s Live-Action Snow White Cast
Rachel Zegler Stars As Snow White
Broadway star Andrew Burnap will portray a new love interest character named Jonathan, who is described as Robin Hood-esque. Martin Klebba —a veteran of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise — will play Grumpy. Martin Klebba has actually appeared in multiple Snow White adaptations in the past, including 2012’s Mirror, Mirror, and 2001’s Snow White: The Fairest Of Them All.
The confirmed cast of the live-action Snow White includes:
Actor
Snow White Role
Rachel Zegler
Snow White
Gal Gadot
The Evil Queen
Andrew Burnap
Jonathan
Ansu Kabia
The Huntsman
Martin Klebba
Grumpy
Dujonna Gift
Maple
Colin Michael Carmichael
Farno
The Snow White Live-Action Controversies Explained
Fans Are Divided Over The Live-Action Remake
Custom Image by SR Image EditorFor some fans, the implication is that Snow White didn’t have value as a Disney Princess without becoming a leader, or that dreaming of true love isn’t something a young woman should do.
Zegler found herself in the middle of controversy again because of her comments about the modernization in the movie. At D23 in September 2022, Zegler explained to the press that she believed the live-action movie brought Snow White out of the conventions of the past to become a woman that could be a leader and didn’t need a prince to save her. For some fans, the implication is that Snow White didn’t have value as a Disney Princess without becoming a leader, or that dreaming of true love isn’t something a young woman should do.
The Live-Action Snow White Story Details
A Classic Tale With Modern Sensibilities
In Snow White, the princess is targeted by her stepmother because of her vanity. Snow White is beloved and termed “the fairest of them all” by a magic mirror. The Evil Queen sends a huntsman after Snow White, who ends up escaping into the woods and living with seven dwarfs who mine gemstones. When the queen eventually tracks her down, a poisoned apple sends Snow White into an enchanted sleep that can only be awakened by true love’s kiss.
The Live-Action Snow White Trailer
Watch The Trailers Below
Disney used their 2024 D23 fan expo event as the perfect place to debut the teaser trailer for Snow White, and it offers a clear look at the movie’s cartoonish style. Though very little is revealed by way of the story or even many of the characters, it does highlight Snow White’s scary journey as well as the Evil Queen’s dastardly motives. Accomplishing its goal magnificently, the teaser hints at what is to come without giving away too much.
Six months after the first teaser arrived, Disney revealed a full trailer for the live-action Snow White adaptation in early December 2024. The lengthy look establishes the basic story framework, with Snow White fleeing the vengeful wrath of the Evil Queen, who wants to be the fairest of them all. While showing off the vibrant look of the movie, the trailer also offers the first real look at the dwarves, who are done in the cartoonish style of the rest of the film. Several key scenes are teased, as well as some of the movie’s new music.