Disney’s long-awaited live-action remake of Snow White has finally arrived, bringing fresh energy, deeper character development, and a message of empowerment to the classic 1937 tale. Starring Rachel Zegler as the reimagined princess and Gal Gadot as the fearsome Evil Queen, this updated version takes bold creative leaps while still paying homage to the beloved animated original.

From sweeping musical changes to a heroine with real grit, here’s a look at what’s new, what’s familiar, and why this new Snow White might just be Disney’s most meaningful remake yet.

A Stronger Start: Snow White’s Backstory Gets Depth

One of the biggest changes in this remake is how it opens. Unlike the original film, which gave us only a brief mention of Snow White being forced into servitude by her stepmother, the 2025 version offers a richer, more emotional backstory.

The film begins with a young Snow White living under the loving care of her kind-hearted royal parents, who are admired for their generosity and compassion. We see her parents baking pies for their subjects and ruling with fairness—until tragedy strikes, and the Queen rises to power after Snow White’s mother dies. The new Queen slowly tightens her grip, forcing Snow White into the role of a servant. Yet even in hardship, Snow White remains kind and committed to her people, a character trait that shapes her arc throughout the film.

Love Looks Different: Meet Jonathan, the Robin Hood-Like Rebel

Forget the classic prince from the original. This Snow White falls for someone new—Jonathan, a charming rebel played by Andrew Burnap. He’s no nobleman, but a leader of a band of bandits who steal from the monarchy to help the poor.

Jonathan and Snow White first meet when he’s caught stealing potatoes at the castle. Their banter is light and witty, offering a screwball comedy dynamic that slowly evolves into romance. More than a love interest, Jonathan is a catalyst who challenges Snow White to see her own strength and reclaim her voice. He reminds her of her father’s legacy and encourages her to rise up against injustice.

The Dwarfs Return—With Magic

Much speculation surrounded how the film would depict the seven dwarfs, and Disney’s answer is a creative blend of tradition and fantasy. Visually, the dwarfs resemble their animated counterparts, but they come with magical enhancements and deeper backstories.

They claim to have known each other for nearly 300 years and possess mystical powers—such as glowing hands that help them mine precious gems. One of the standout moments involves Doc using a blend of enchanted minerals to heal Jonathan after a daring rescue mission goes wrong.

A particularly touching subplot revolves around Dopey (played by Andrew Barth Feldman), who has remained silent throughout his life. Snow White encourages him to find his voice, and in a heartfelt twist, we learn that he’s been narrating the entire story.

Yes, True Love’s Kiss Is Still There

Some things never change, and the iconic “true love’s kiss” moment remains intact. The Evil Queen, disguised as an old hag, tricks Snow White into eating a poisoned apple, just like in the animated film. Instead of being placed in a glass coffin, the dwarfs lay her on a flower-covered stone slab in the forest, mourning her apparent death.

Jonathan, having escaped the Queen’s dungeon, finds Snow White and revives her with a kiss. But this time, her awakening isn’t just magical—it’s purposeful. She rises with newfound clarity and determination to take back her kingdom.

A Revolution of Kindness: Snow White Fights Back

The climax of the film is where the remake truly separates itself from the original. After discovering that the Queen murdered her father, Snow White rallies the dwarfs and Jonathan’s band of rebels to take back the castle. But instead of storming in with force, she channels the wisdom of her mother—urging her to always remember people’s names.

At the castle gates, the Queen commands her guards to kill Snow White, but the princess reminds them of who they were before falling under the Queen’s control. By appealing to their humanity and memories, she wins them over.

With her power slipping away, the Queen retreats to the throne room and destroys her magic mirror in rage. In doing so, she’s pulled into the mirror’s enchanted vortex—a much more symbolic ending compared to her fall from a cliff in the original.

A New Kind of Happily Ever After

Rather than riding off into the sunset with a prince, Snow White ends her journey by reclaiming her parents’ legacy and taking her rightful place as a compassionate leader. It’s a fitting end for a story that’s more about bravery and self-worth than fairy tale romance.

While critics and online trolls voiced skepticism ahead of its release, Disney’s 2025 Snow White proves to be a thoughtful, emotionally resonant update. Rachel Zegler brings warmth and strength to the character, giving the first Disney princess a version of her story that speaks to modern audiences—without losing the magic that made the original a classic.