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The Seven Actresses Who Played Snow White: From Disney’s Original To The Controversial 2025 Remake

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The iconic role of Snow White, the princess who first graced the silver screen in 1937, has been portrayed by a select group of talented actresses, with the most recent and highly-discussed being Rachel Zegler. As of December 23, 2025, all eyes are on Zegler, the star of Disney’s upcoming live-action musical adaptation, which has generated significant media attention and cultural commentary long before its scheduled release.

The history of the character spans nearly a century, from the original voice actress who defined the princess for generations to modern stars who brought darker, more action-oriented interpretations to life. However, the current conversation is dominated by the 2025 film, which promises a new take on the classic fairy tale, complete with a new backstory and a significant shift in the princess's motivations, making the question of "who played Snow White" more complex and timely than ever.

Rachel Zegler: The New Face of Snow White and Her Complete Profile

Rachel Zegler is the American actress and singer chosen to portray the titular character in the highly anticipated Disney live-action remake of *Snow White*, set for theatrical release on March 21, 2025. Her casting has been a central point of discussion, bringing a fresh, contemporary perspective to the beloved princess.

Here is a complete biographical profile of the actress:

  • Full Name: Rachel Anne Zegler
  • Born: May 3, 2001
  • Birthplace: Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: Colombian (mother's side) and Polish (father's side). She is the first Latina actress to play a Disney Princess in a live-action theatrical film.
  • Breakthrough Role: María in Steven Spielberg's *West Side Story* (2021).
  • Major Accolades: Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for *West Side Story*, making her the youngest winner in that category.
  • Notable Filmography:
    • *West Side Story* (2021) as María
    • *Shazam! Fury of the Gods* (2023) as Anthea
    • *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* (2023) as Lucy Gray Baird
    • *Snow White* (2025) as Snow White

The Controversy Surrounding the 2025 Live-Action Film

The selection of Rachel Zegler for the role of Snow White has ignited a significant public debate, making the film one of the most controversial Disney remakes to date. The controversy stems from several key areas, including Zegler's ethnicity and comments she made regarding the original 1937 animated classic.

The Casting and "Wokeness" Backlash

The initial and most prominent backlash centered on Zegler's casting as an actress of Colombian descent. Critics argued that the character, whose name literally translates to a complexion "as white as snow" in the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale, should be played by a white actress. This criticism quickly became part of a larger, highly publicized debate about "wokeness" and changes to classic Disney stories to fit modern sensibilities.

Changing the Princess's Narrative

Further fueling the controversy were comments Zegler made in interviews about the new film's approach to the story. She emphasized that the new Snow White would be a more modern, independent, and "fearless" character.

Key changes highlighted by Zegler and the production team include:

  • A Focus on Leadership: The character is described as a princess who is determined to free her kingdom from her stepmother's tyranny, focusing on themes of kindness and generosity as a form of strength, rather than simply a romantic pursuit.
  • The Prince's Role: Zegler stated that the new film would not focus on the "love story," and the prince's role (played by Andrew Burnap as the new character Jonathan) would be significantly reduced, with Snow White not being "dependent on a man to save her." This shift away from the classic damsel-in-distress trope was a major point of contention for traditionalists.
  • The Name's Origin: Zegler revealed that the origin of Snow White's name has been changed in the remake, drawing from a different version of the fairy tale than the 1937 animated film.

Despite the backlash, the film is moving forward, with Gal Gadot co-starring as the Evil Queen, and is scheduled to be one of the biggest releases of 2025.

The Most Iconic Portrayals of Snow White Across Film and Television

While Rachel Zegler is the most current and talked-about actress to play the role, the history of Snow White on screen is rich with other memorable and distinct interpretations. These actresses solidified the character's legacy in different eras, establishing a high bar for Zegler's upcoming performance.

1. Adriana Caselotti (1937) – The Original Voice

The actress who first brought Snow White to life was Adriana Caselotti, the voice of the princess in Disney’s 1937 animated masterpiece, *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*. Caselotti was personally chosen by Walt Disney for her unique, high-pitched, and innocent vocal quality. Her performance set the standard for all Disney princesses that followed, establishing the character as the "fairest of them all" and the foundation of the Disney empire.

2. Ginnifer Goodwin (2011–2018) – The Fairytale Warrior

Ginnifer Goodwin played the dual role of Snow White and her modern counterpart, Mary Margaret Blanchard, in the hit ABC fantasy series *Once Upon a Time*. Goodwin’s portrayal showcased a more active, capable, and even warrior-like Snow White, who was just as adept with a bow and arrow as she was with compassion. Her long-running role cemented Snow White as a character who could exist and fight in a complex, modern fantasy world.

3. Kristen Stewart (2012) – The Action Heroine

Kristen Stewart took on the title role in the dark fantasy film *Snow White and the Huntsman* (2012). This version completely reimagined the fairy tale, transforming the princess into a Joan of Arc-like figure who leads a rebellion against the Evil Queen (Charlize Theron). Stewart’s Snow White was a gritty, armor-clad warrior, offering a stark contrast to the gentle Disney version and appealing to a new generation with a taste for epic fantasy.

4. Lily Collins (2012) – The Whimsical Adventurer

Released in the same year as Stewart's film, Lily Collins starred in *Mirror Mirror* (2012), a more whimsical, colorful, and comedic take on the classic story. Collins portrayed a Snow White who was initially naive but quickly learned to fight and lead, eventually challenging the Evil Queen (Julia Roberts) with her own unique blend of intelligence and charm. This version kept the spirit of the enchanted forest while giving the princess agency.

The Evolving Legacy of the Fairest of Them All

The lineage of actresses who have played Snow White demonstrates a clear evolution of the character over the decades. What began as a gentle voice in the 1930s, defined by innocence and purity, has transformed into a resilient, complex, and independent heroine in the 21st century. The decision to cast Rachel Zegler and alter the narrative for the 2025 film is the latest—and arguably most significant—step in this evolution.

This ongoing adaptation reflects a broader cultural shift where audiences expect their female protagonists, even those from classic fairy tales, to be multi-dimensional leaders rather than passive figures waiting for rescue. The conversation and controversy surrounding Zegler’s portrayal are a testament to the enduring power of the Snow White story and the high stakes involved in updating a cultural touchstone for a new era.

Whether the 2025 live-action remake is ultimately praised or panned, Rachel Zegler's place in the history of Snow White is already secure. She is the actress who dared to redefine the world’s first-ever Disney Princess, ensuring that the tale of the fairest of them all continues to spark debate and inspire audiences for years to come.

The Seven Actresses Who Played Snow White: From Disney’s Original to the Controversial 2025 Remake
who played snow white
who played snow white

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