REVIEW: Rachel Zegler Shines in New Live-Action Disney’s Snow White

Rachel Zegler brings her West Side Story powerhouse performance to Disney’s Snow White.

Disney’s iconic fairy tale is back, hitting theaters exclusively on March 21 as a visually spectacular live-action musical, Disney’s Snow White. Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) lights up the screen as the iconic Snow White, while Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) steps into the shoes—or should I say glamorous gowns—of the villainous Evil Queen.

Directed thoughtfully by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man), this adaptation reintroduces us to beloved characters and magical moments we’ve cherished since Disney’s 1937 animated classic. Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy all join Snow White once again, making her musical journey as charming as ever.

Marc Platt (The Little Mermaid, La La Land) and Jared LeBoff (The Girl on the Train, Cruella) produce alongside executive producer Callum McDougall (Mary Poppins Returns), infusing the project with a respectful homage to the original masterpiece while successfully exploring new layers of Snow White’s character. Erin Cressida Wilson’s (The Girl on the Train) screenplay delicately balances tradition and contemporary themes, highlighting Snow White’s journey of self-discovery, bravery, and leadership in fresh, meaningful ways.

Casting this magical retelling involved meticulous care, evident in Rachel Zegler’s vibrant portrayal. Her youthful charisma, emotional depth, and powerhouse vocals breathe life into Snow White, gracefully capturing her transformation from naive princess to courageous leader. Opposite Zegler, Gal Gadot embraces the Evil Queen with theatrical charm. While Gadot certainly brings glamour and intensity to the character, her performance didn’t fully resonate with me. Thankfully, when the mirror swept the Evil Queen away, I sighed with relief—not just for myself, but for Snow White too.

Andrew Burnap enriches the narrative as Jonathan, a new character who initially challenges Snow White’s optimism before becoming an essential ally. Burnap brings a contemporary charm and wit to the role, adding meaningful depth. However, the bandits accompanying Jonathan felt lackluster, serving more as background scenery rather than engaging characters.

Visually, the film is undeniably enchanting, thanks to production designer Kave Quinn’s meticulous work at London’s Pinewood Studios. The dwarfs’ cottage, Evil Queen’s castle, enchanted forests, and village scenes vividly blend medieval and fantasy aesthetics, bringing Snow White’s fairy-tale world to life with dazzling authenticity.

Costume designer Sandy Powell, known for her stunning creations in Cinderella and The Favourite, once again delivers unforgettable designs that beautifully reflect the characters’ unique personalities. While I would have enjoyed seeing Snow White in more modern fantasy-inspired attire to match her updated narrative, Powell stayed true to the traditional princess look, which still held undeniable charm.

Musically, Disney’s Snow White truly shines. Celebrated songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land) crafted new original songs that effortlessly deepen emotional connections. Paired with Jeff Morrow’s captivating score, the film’s music becomes instantly memorable. Finding yourself humming tunes on the drive home says it all—Disney nailed the musical magic.

Despite some slower moments, the film’s enchanting qualities, from Zegler’s iconic voice and Snow White’s delightful animal friends, to the breathtaking visual journey to the dwarfs’ cottage, left me genuinely charmed. Critics—many of them grown men—seem to forget these films aren’t made to please every adult sensibility but are crafted to inspire the imaginations of children. It’s honestly amusing to watch some reviewers get their emotions in a knot over animated bunnies and squirrels.

Disney’s Snow White ultimately captivates longtime fans and new audiences alike with thoughtful direction, mesmerizing music, and visual splendor. This modern retelling beautifully reinforces the timeless magic and wonder that only Disney can deliver.