Snow White is set to enchant audiences once again as Disney revives this classic fairytale on the big screen. The original 1937 animated masterpiece, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, is being reimagined in a new live-action film by the creative minds at Walt Disney Pictures. Over the years, Snow White’s tale has also been adapted in live-action formats, notably featuring Lily Collins in 2012’s Mirror Mirror and Kristen Stewart in Snow White and the Huntsman. Both adaptations showcased the formidable Evil Queen, who will return in this upcoming film, promising to deliver a fresh take on this timeless story.

Snow White holds the distinction of being Disney’s inaugural animated feature, and its legacy continues to resonate with fans of all ages. The anticipation surrounding the live-action remake has been palpable since the project was announced in 2016, stirring excitement and debate within the community. Recently, in October 2023, Disney made headlines with a significant update regarding the film’s release schedule. Fans were left disheartened as the much-anticipated release of Snow White in theaters has been postponed, leaving many eager viewers waiting in suspense.

HollywoodLife is committed to bringing you the latest and most comprehensive information about the upcoming Snow White film. From the star-studded cast to the much-anticipated release date and beyond, we’ve gathered all the crucial details you need to know. Stay tuned as we delve into everything this exciting new adaptation has to offer.

Mark Your Calendars: Snow White Live-Action Film Release Date

Fans can now mark their calendars as the release date for Snow White has been officially set for March 21, 2025, as reported by Variety. Initially slated for a theatrical debut on March 22, 2024, this delay has given the production team more time to perfect the film. While Disney has yet to announce when the movie will be available for streaming on Disney+, it is expected to be accessible soon after its theatrical run concludes, allowing a wider audience to experience the magic.

Disney first announced the ambitious plans for the Snow White remake in 2016, igniting excitement among fans. After the official casting announcement featuring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, production kicked off in March 2022. However, the shoot faced a brief interruption due to a fire incident at the Pinewood Studios in England. Gal Gadot confirmed in April 2022 that she had wrapped up her filming, which includes several musical performances. As of July 2022, principal shooting was completed, with additional filming slated for June 2024, ensuring that every detail is perfect for audiences.

Meet the Star of the Show: Who Is Playing Snow White?

Rachel Zegler has been cast as the iconic character Snow White in this live-action adaptation. Zegler made her impressive onscreen debut in Steven Spielberg’s highly acclaimed 2021 remake of West Side Story, where she shone alongside Ansel Elgort and Ariana DeBose. Her remarkable performance earned her the prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical, establishing her as a rising star in Hollywood.

Rachel’s casting as Snow White was officially revealed in June 2021, creating a wave of excitement among fans. “Rachel’s extraordinary vocal abilities are just the beginning of her gifts,” director Marc Webb stated, highlighting her multifaceted talent. Expressing her enthusiasm, Rachel shared on Instagram, “Well… hello to a dream come true.” To fully embody the character of the beloved Disney princess, she even opted for a chic short bob hairstyle.

As a proud Latina, Rachel faced unwarranted backlash regarding her casting in the lead role of Snow White. She openly discussed this issue during an appearance on Variety’s Actors on Actors series with Andrew Garfield in January 2022, addressing the challenges and expectations surrounding her portrayal of the iconic character.

In her interview, Rachel expressed her disbelief at the opportunity, stating, “Never in a million years did I imagine that this would be a possibility for me. You don’t normally see Snow Whites that are of Latin descent.” She pointed out the lack of representation in such roles and noted that her casting announcement sparked a significant amount of online discussion, trending on Twitter for days as reactions poured in. Rachel emphasized the importance of embracing diversity and expressed her excitement about portraying a Latina princess.

Addressing the Backlash: Rachel Zegler’s Response to Criticism

Even before its release, the Snow White film has ignited considerable debate and discussion. Clips from past interviews featuring Rachel Zegler discussing the film’s “modernized” approach have resurfaced, gaining traction online. In an interview with Variety, Rachel explained, “I just mean that it’s no longer 1937. She’s not going to be saved by the prince, and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader 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.” This statement showcases a significant shift in the character’s portrayal, sparking mixed reactions from audiences.

During a conversation with Extra, Rachel critiqued the romantic storyline in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs. She stated, “The original cartoon came out in 1937, and very evidently so. There’s a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird! Weird! So we didn’t do that this time.” Her remarks, coupled with a playful comment about the potential cutting of scenes featuring Andrew Burnap, who portrays a new male character, have sparked significant backlash. Critics have voiced their disagreement with Rachel’s critical perspective on the original film’s romantic elements.

i hope the world becomes kinder

— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) August 11, 2023

i love you very much. forever and ever. remember to be kind. treat each other with patience and empathy. remember that you are loved unconditionally, no matter your mistakes, no matter your misunderstandings. you deserve it. you deserve love. you deserve to live without fear. x

— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) August 12, 2023

In response to the backlash, Rachel conveyed a message of hope through her Twitter/X account, stating, “I hope the world becomes kinder.” She later followed up with a heartfelt message: “I love you very much. Forever and ever. Remember to be kind. Treat each other with patience and empathy. Remember that you are loved unconditionally, no matter your mistakes, no matter your misunderstandings. You deserve it. You deserve love. You deserve to live without fear. x.” Her words highlight her commitment to spreading positivity amidst adversity.

David Hand, son of one of the original film’s animators, voiced his discontent regarding Disney’s “woke” reinterpretation of the 1937 classic. He expressed, “I mean, it’s a whole different concept, and I just totally disagree with it, and I know my dad and Walt would also very much disagree with it.” Hand described the changes as “a bit insulting” to the legacy of the original films, adding that he believes both Walt Disney and his father would be disheartened by the direction in which the company is heading.

Discover the Talented Cast and Crew Behind Snow White

In this exciting adaptation, Rachel Zegler will star alongside Gal Gadot, who takes on the role of the Evil Queen. Gal is globally recognized for her portrayal of Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe, featuring in titles such as Wonder Woman, its sequel Wonder Woman 1984, and Justice League. Gal was officially cast in Snow White in November 2021 and expressed her excitement for the role at the premiere of her Netflix film Red Notice, stating, “I can’t say much other than the fact that I’m so excited, and I cannot wait to get into the shoes and the crown of the Evil Queen,” making her a highly anticipated part of this film.

The final addition to the cast is Andrew Burnap, who portrays a new character named Jonathan. Andrew garnered attention for his performance in the Broadway production The Inheritance, where he won a Tony Award. His previous film credits include The Chaperone, and he has also made appearances in popular television series such as Younger, The Good Fight, WeCrashed, and Under the Banner of Heaven, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Marc Webb is at the helm of this highly anticipated Snow White remake, bringing his expertise as the director of The Amazing Spider-Man and its sequel, which starred Andrew Garfield. The screenplay is being crafted by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, while Marc Platt serves as the producer. Cinematography will be handled by Mandy Walker, with editing by Mark Sanger, and the captivating music will be composed by the talented duo Pasek & Paul, known for their work on La La Land and The Greatest Showman. The remake is being produced and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, ensuring its quality and reach.

What to Expect from the Snow White Live-Action Plot

The live-action adaptation of Snow White is anticipated to “expand upon the story and music from the beloved animated classic,” as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. This new version will feature “new songs” that echo the successful formula of the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, promising to enhance the musical experience for audiences.

The narrative of Snow White is rooted in the original 1812 fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. The upcoming live-action film serves as an adaptation of Disney’s 1937 animated classic, which was itself loosely based on the fairy tale. Viewers can expect to see iconic elements such as the magic mirror, the infamous poisoned apple, and the glass coffin, alongside new interpretations and twists that will enrich the story.

Details regarding the plot remain largely under wraps at this time. Disney debuted the first trailer at the D23 Expo in September 2022, but the footage has yet to be released to the general public. The reaction from Rachel Zegler was particularly touching, as she was filmed tearing up at the audience’s response. “I didn’t even see it! I didn’t see what you guys saw!” she expressed, highlighting her emotional connection to the project.

Controversies Surrounding the Snow White Live-Action Film

The beloved companions of Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, are expected to make an appearance in the live-action adaptation. However, the film has faced criticism from Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage, who has a form of dwarfism. During an interview on Marc Maron’s podcast in January 2022, he expressed his concerns, stating, “It makes no sense to me. You’re progressive in one way, but then you’re still making that fking backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together, what the fk are you doing, man?” His comments have sparked a dialogue about representation and stereotypes in modern adaptations.