Disney has unveiled the official trailer for its highly anticipated live-action remake of Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler as the titular character and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. The trailer features iconic imagery, including Snow White’s yellow and blue dress, while following a structure similar to the original tale, according to Variety.
In the trailer, Rachel Zegler’s vocals shine through as she performs the new song “Waiting on a Wish,” written exclusively for the film. The first few bars of this empowering ballad can be heard in the final moments of the trailer, providing a glimpse into the musical elements of the adaptation. Zegler showcases her vocal talent in this powerful piece, which has thrilled many commenters on her Instagram post.
The Evil Queen, portrayed by Gal Gadot, is depicted as a character who schemes against Snow White in her quest to be “the fairest of them all.” Gadot is seen wearing a tight black outfit and a fitted coif that frames her face, presenting an aesthetic reminiscent of Angelina Jolie in Maleficent.
“I wanted to make sure that we keep her delightful and delicious, and we understand what makes her tick. Then the evilness is interesting and not just flat,” Gadot told People.
The trailer also gives audiences a glimpse of the seven dwarfs, who assure Snow White she is safe in their cottage. “The Queen stole everything from all of us. I’m going to need your help. It’s time to restore our Kingdom,” Zegler’s Snow White says to her woodland friends inside the cozy abode.
Directed by Marc Webb, known for The Amazing Spider-Man, the live-action adaptation aims to breathe fresh life into the original 1937 animated film. The screenplay is co-written by Greta Gerwig, known for Barbie, and Erin Cressida Wilson, known for The Girl on the Train. The film’s soundtrack features original songs written by Oscar-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for their work on La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen, and The Greatest Showman, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Rachel Zegler, who gained recognition for her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, takes on the role of Snow White. “One of the core points in our film for any young woman or young person is remembering how strong you actually are,” Zegler told US Weekly, emphasizing the film’s message of resilience. She added, “She’s also living in grief. I mean, there was a lot of complex emotion that we decided to deep-dive into. And understanding what it’s like to be a teenager on top of all that.”
Gal Gadot, known for her role as Wonder Woman, takes on the role of the Evil Queen. “For me it was making sure the Queen is not just evil for the sake of being evil. There is a complexity. Between the two characters, it’s like a mother-daughter relationship in a weird way. It’s what happens to a woman when she feels like she’s not relevant anymore, what can come out of her,” Gadot explained to People.
Snow White is set to enchant audiences worldwide on March 21, 2025, offering viewers a chance to experience the magic on the big screen. The film has been subject to some controversies, including discussions around the representation of the dwarfs and criticisms from right-wing groups after Zegler’s comments on the original story’s focus on romance.
The portrayal of the dwarfs has sparked debate, with actor Peter Dinklage questioning how people with dwarfism are represented. Disney issued a statement claiming they were consulting the community, according to Variety.
Despite the criticisms, anticipation for the release remains high. The trailer suggests that the story will be similar to the original with some modern adjustments, as Milenio pointed out. The film features a cast of outstanding talent, including Andrew Burnap as Jonathan, a new main male character.
Zegler has defended the modernizations in the film, stating that while some aspects have been updated, romance remains a key element in the plot. “The love story is very integral,” she told Variety. She also explained, “We did a really deep dive into fixing and making a modern woman out of Snow White,” as US Weekly reported.
The live-action adaptation aims to balance fidelity to the original tale with a more contemporary perspective. “It fell back to another version of Snow White that was told in history, where she survived a snowstorm that occurred when she was a baby,” Zegler explained to US Weekly regarding the origins of her character’s name.
As the release date approaches, audiences are eager to rediscover this classic on the big screen. The film promises to deliver a spectacular mix of drama, music, and heartwarming moments that will captivate viewers of all ages, featuring music and lavish production design.
