Who Plays Snow White in the New Movie?

In the latest live-action adaptation of Disney’s classic tale, Rachel Zegler portrays the titular character, Snow White. The film, directed by Marc Webb and featuring a screenplay co-written by Greta Gerwig, reimagines the 1937 animated original with a modernized narrative and new musical compositions.

The journey of the "new" Snow White movie has been one of the most discussed topics in recent cinematic history. From the initial casting announcements to the shifts in production schedules that led us into 2026, the project represents Disney’s continued effort to translate its "Golden Age" animation into the live-action era. To understand who Rachel Zegler is and why her portrayal is significant, we must look at her background, the surrounding cast, and the creative direction of this massive production.

Rachel Zegler: The New Face of a Classic Princess

Rachel Zegler was selected for the role of Snow White in June 2021, a decision that immediately signaled Disney's intent to bring a fresh perspective to the character. Zegler, an American actress and singer of Colombian and Polish descent, rose to international prominence after a global casting call led her to play Maria in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake of West Side Story.

Career Origins and Breakthrough

Before she was cast as a Disney princess, Zegler was a high school student in New Jersey who posted covers of Broadway songs on YouTube. Her vocal prowess is a cornerstone of her career, making her an ideal fit for a role that requires both dramatic range and the ability to carry a musical score. Her performance in West Side Story earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, making her the youngest winner in that category at the time.

Subsequent Roles and Industry Standing

By the time the Snow White project reached its peak visibility in late 2025 and 2026, Zegler had already established herself as a blockbuster lead. She starred as Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) and appeared in Shazam! Fury of the Gods. These roles demonstrated her ability to handle large-scale productions and intense public scrutiny, preparing her for the mantle of Disney’s first-ever princess.

The Supporting Cast of the New Snow White

While Rachel Zegler leads the film, the supporting cast includes heavy hitters from the superhero and independent film worlds. The chemistry and conflict between these characters serve as the engine for the updated plot.

Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen

In a notable bit of "villainous" casting, Gal Gadot, best known for her role as Wonder Woman, portrays the Evil Queen. Gadot has spoken publicly about the joy of playing a character so diametrically opposed to her heroic persona. Her version of the Queen is described as more theatrical and imposing, utilizing Gadot’s commanding screen presence to create a formidable antagonist for Zegler’s Snow White. The rivalry between the two focuses not just on physical beauty, but on the power dynamics within the kingdom.

Andrew Burnap as Jonathan

In a departure from the 1937 original, the character of "The Prince" has been replaced. Tony Award winner Andrew Burnap plays a new character named Jonathan. This change was intentional; the filmmakers wanted to move away from the trope of a prince who simply rescues the princess. Jonathan is framed more as a companion or a "Robin Hood-like" figure who assists Snow White in her journey toward leadership.

The Transformation of the Seven Dwarfs

One of the most discussed aspects of the film was the depiction of the seven companions. After initial reports and leaked images suggested a move toward "magical creatures" of various sizes and backgrounds, Disney eventually pivoted back toward a more traditional, albeit CGI-enhanced, look for the Seven Dwarfs. This decision followed significant online discourse regarding representation and the legacy of the original characters.

Creative Direction and Production History

The film is directed by Marc Webb, whose previous work includes 500 Days of Summer and The Amazing Spider-Man. Webb’s involvement suggested a focus on character-driven storytelling within the framework of a big-budget spectacle.

Writing and Story Reimagining

The screenplay underwent several iterations, with Greta Gerwig (director of Barbie and Little Women) and Erin Cressida Wilson (The Girl on the Train) receiving writing credits. Their influence is felt in the film’s thematic shift: this Snow White is less concerned with finding "true love's kiss" and more focused on becoming the leader her father intended her to be. This modern empowerment arc has been a hallmark of Disney’s live-action remakes, such as Mulan and The Little Mermaid.

Music and Score

A Disney princess movie is only as strong as its music. The 2025/2026 production features original songs from the animated classic, such as "Whistle While You Work," but also introduces new tracks written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. This duo is responsible for the lyrics of La La Land, The Greatest Showman, and Dear Evan Hansen. Their contribution ensures that the movie functions as a contemporary musical while honoring the melodic roots of the 1937 version.

Comparing the Original and the New Version

For many viewers in 2026, the primary point of interest is how the new film stacks up against the historical 1937 version. The original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first full-length cel-animated feature film and a massive risk for Walt Disney. The new version seeks to maintain that sense of wonder while correcting elements that modern audiences may find dated.

Production Challenges and Delays

The timeline for the new Snow White was significantly impacted by external factors. Originally scheduled for a release in early 2024, the film faced several hurdles:

1. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strikes: Like many major Hollywood productions, Snow White saw its filming and post-production schedules halted during the industry-wide strikes. This pushed the release date back nearly a full year.
2. Extensive Reshoots: Following mixed reactions to early test screenings and "first look" images, Disney invested in additional photography. This was reportedly done to refine the visual effects for the Seven Dwarfs and to ensure the tone matched the studio's standards for its "prestige" remakes.
3. Controversy Management: Casting Rachel Zegler, a Latina, as a character described as having "skin as white as snow" led to polarized reactions on social media. Zegler’s own comments about the original film's "stalker-like" prince also drew criticism from traditionalists. Disney handled this by focusing marketing on Zegler's undeniable vocal talent and the film's visual splendor.

Why This Casting Matters in 2026

By 2026, the conversation around "color-blind" or "representative" casting has matured. Rachel Zegler’s role is seen as a milestone for Disney, following in the footsteps of Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid. It reflects a broader industry trend of making legacy characters accessible to a more diverse global audience.

Furthermore, Zegler’s casting validates the "stage-to-screen" pipeline. Her background in theater brings a level of discipline to the musical sequences that is often missing when studios cast actors who are not trained vocalists. In this film, the songs are not merely interludes; they are the primary method of character development.

Common Questions About the New Snow White

Is the new Snow White movie a musical? Yes, the movie is a full-scale musical. It includes several of the most famous songs from the 1937 animated film, along with entirely new numbers written specifically for Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot by the songwriting team Pasek and Paul.

Does the new movie feature the Seven Dwarfs? After much speculation and early production changes, the film does include the Seven Dwarfs. They are depicted using a combination of live-action reference and sophisticated CGI to maintain a look that is recognizable to fans of the original while fitting into the realistic aesthetic of a live-action environment.

How does the plot differ from the original Disney version? The core plot remains similar—the Evil Queen is jealous of Snow White and attempts to eliminate her—but the "damsel in distress" elements are heavily modified. In the 2026 version, Snow White is more proactive in her own survival and eventually takes an active role in reclaiming her kingdom, rather than waiting for a prince to save her.

Why was the movie delayed so many times? The primary reasons for the delays were the Hollywood labor strikes of 2023, which prevented actors from filming and promoting the movie, and a desire by Disney to polish the visual effects following public feedback on the first teaser images.

Where can I watch the new Snow White? As of 2026, the film is available in major theaters globally and is expected to transition to the Disney+ streaming platform after its exclusive theatrical window concludes.

Final Recommendation for Viewers

If you are a fan of the original 1937 masterpiece, you should approach the new movie as a "reimagining" rather than a shot-for-shot remake. Rachel Zegler’s performance is the primary reason to watch; her vocal range brings a new dimension to the character that sets this version apart from previous adaptations like Mirror Mirror or Snow White and the Huntsman. For families, it remains a central piece of Disney’s current library, offering a story that balances nostalgia with 21st-century values.