Disney is doing it again. They're digging into the vault to bring a 1937 classic into the modern era, but this time, the chatter isn't really about the princess. It's about the villain. Gal Gadot Snow White casting news hit the internet like a lightning bolt, and frankly, people haven't stopped debating it since.
Usually, the Evil Queen is a secondary thought—a plot device to get the heroine into the woods. But when you cast Wonder Woman to play the most jealous woman in fairy tale history, the power dynamic shifts. It changes the "vibe" of the entire production.
Why Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen Changes Everything
Let's be real for a second. Gal Gadot is known for being likable. She’s the person who tried to get everyone to sing "Imagine" during the pandemic (we don't have to talk about how that went, but the intent was sweet). Transitioning from the ultimate symbol of truth and justice in the DCEU to a woman who literally wants to cut out a girl's heart is a massive pivot.
It’s a gutsy move for her career.
During the D23 Expo, Gadot mentioned that playing a villain is "delicious." She talked about how she got to "get under her skin" and explore a much darker side of her acting range. We’re used to seeing her smile. In this movie? She’s going for something theatrical, something heavy, and honestly, something a bit campy.
The physical transformation is part of it, too. While we haven't seen the full final edit, the teasers suggest a look that is regal but sharp. It's not the old hag from the original cartoon—at least not at first. It’s a high-fashion, intimidating version of vanity.
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The Rachel Zegler Dynamic
You can't talk about Gadot without mentioning Rachel Zegler.
Zegler, who rose to fame in West Side Story, is playing Snow White. The internet has been... well, let's call it "vocal" about this. There’s been a lot of unnecessary heat regarding the casting of a Latina actress for a character described as having "skin as white as snow."
But from a purely cinematic perspective, the chemistry between Zegler and Gadot is what will make or break this film. Zegler has a powerhouse voice. Gadot has a massive screen presence.
If the movie follows the traditional beats, they won't share many scenes together until the very end, but the psychological shadow Gadot’s character casts over the film is the real engine of the plot.
The Delay and the Drama
Originally, we were supposed to see this movie much sooner. Disney pushed the release date back significantly—now slated for March 2025.
Why the wait?
Some of it was the SAG-AFTRA strike. That shut down Hollywood for a long time. But there were also rumors of extensive reshoots. Disney released a first-look image that showed Zegler surrounded by seven CGI creatures, which was a huge pivot from earlier reports that the "dwarfs" were being replaced by "magical creatures" of varying heights and genders.
The backlash to those early "leaked" set photos was intense. People felt the soul of the story was being stripped away. Disney seemingly listened, opting for a more traditional (though digital) look for the seven companions. This delay actually gives the VFX team more time to make sure those characters don't fall into the "uncanny valley."
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A Musical Overhaul
This isn't just a shot-for-shot remake.
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are involved. If those names sound familiar, it’s because they wrote the music for The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen. They are the kings of the modern "earworm."
- They are writing brand new songs for the film.
- The original classics like "Whistle While You Work" will likely get a 2020s facelift.
- Gal Gadot is expected to have her own musical moments, which is a departure from the 1937 version where the Queen didn't sing at all.
Imagine a villain song performed by Gadot with the production value of a Broadway show. That alone might be worth the price of admission.
Is the "Fairest of Them All" Trope Dated?
Greta Gerwig (yes, the Barbie director) co-wrote the script with Erin Cressida Wilson. This is a crucial detail. Gerwig is known for deconstructing female roles and looking at the internal lives of women.
In the 1937 film, the Evil Queen is just... evil. She’s vain. She’s mad.
In 2025, that doesn't usually fly. Audiences want motivation. We want to know why she’s so obsessed with the magic mirror. Is it a commentary on aging in the public eye? Is it about the loss of power?
Gadot has hinted that this version of the Queen is more complex. She isn't just a caricature. She’s a woman who is terrified of losing her status. In a world where social media and "likes" dictate worth, that’s actually a pretty relevant theme.
What to Expect from the Visuals
Marc Webb is directing. He did 500 Days of Summer and the Amazing Spider-Man movies. He knows how to handle big budgets while keeping the focus on the characters.
The color palette looks vibrant. It’s not the "gritty and gray" aesthetic we saw in Snow White and the Huntsman (the Kristen Stewart version). This is a Disney fairy tale. It looks like a painting come to life.
Expect high-concept costumes. Sandy Powell is a legendary costume designer with multiple Oscars, and her work on the Queen’s robes is reportedly some of the most intricate of her career.
The Controversy Factor
It wouldn't be a modern Disney movie without a "culture war" attached to it.
- The Casting: As mentioned, Zegler and Gadot have both faced criticism from different corners of the internet for various reasons.
- The "Woke" Narrative: There were early quotes from Zegler suggesting that Snow White wouldn't be "saved by a prince" and that she would be a leader. Some fans felt this was "disrespectful" to the original story's roots.
- The CGI Dwarfs: This remains the biggest question mark. Will they look like the beloved characters from the cartoon, or will they look like weird digital experiments?
Honestly, the only way Disney wins here is if the movie is actually good. If the story holds up, the controversies usually melt away once the credits roll.
Practical Insights for Fans and Parents
If you're planning on seeing this, or if you're just following the development, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Watch the original first. It’s only 83 minutes long. It’s on Disney+. Reminding yourself of how simple the original story was will help you appreciate (or criticize) the changes in the new version.
Keep an eye on the rating. Disney live-action remakes usually land in the PG territory, but Maleficent and Cruella had some darker moments. With Gadot playing a "deliciously evil" role, there might be some scares that are a bit much for toddlers.
Check the soundtrack release. Pasek and Paul songs usually drop a few weeks before the movie. If the music is a hit, the movie will likely follow suit.
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Look for the "Mirror" marketing. Disney is going to lean hard into the "Mirror, Mirror" imagery. It’s iconic. Gadot’s performance in those specific scenes will likely be the centerpiece of the marketing campaign.
The 2025 Snow White is a massive gamble. It’s expensive, it’s controversial, and it’s a remake of the movie that literally built the Disney empire. Whether Gal Gadot can pull off the transition from hero to villain is the big question. But one thing is for sure: people will be watching.
To stay ahead of the curve, follow the official Disney trailers and pay close attention to the behind-the-scenes interviews released during the press tour. These usually reveal the specific "angle" the actors took to modernize these century-old characters. For those interested in the technical side, look for interviews with the VFX leads regarding the "Seven Dwarfs" redesign—that will be the litmus test for the film's visual success.