Walt Disney Studios has released a new Snow White featurette that focuses on the legacy of the iconic animated film that started it all. The new live-action adaptation of the animated feature journeys back to the timeless story with Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen.
The featurette, which opens with the “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” storybook opening up and flipping pages, includes snippets of interviews with director Marc Webb, who talks about how Disney didn’t just break the mold, he created it. Since then, the studio has grown but has never forgotten where it all started. He adds that Disney films connects to something inside of us, a child-like wonder and optimism.
Zegler says the reimagining borrows much from the original, especially when it comes to the costume designs and set pieces.
Gadot admits that she was a little nervous on her first day of shooting because she was doing something so iconic. She found it hard to believe that she gets to play the Evil Queen. No one can say that every day. The featurette even sees Gadot say those evil eleven words of insecurity.
Gadot says that a fair amount of research went into the film to translate the iconic evil look from animation to live-action. And costume designer Sandy Powell says items like the crown are based on those same looks. Different shapes and patterns give that striking look of elegance yet evil.
The featurette then returns to Webb, who talks about the unforgettable iconography that makes Snow White what it is now. Clips of Snow White sleeping on three beds from the animated original are suddenly brought to life with live-humans and tangible set pieces. We even get to see Zegler’s talents as a singer as she sings “Whistle While You Work.”
The featurette continues to flip back and forth between the animated and live-action clips, all the while reminding us what the original meant to people and how the live-action will work to pay homage to those who love the original.
Seeing how the film brings some of those scenes to life, while also expanding upon key set pieces the original hardly explored is an exciting chance to see Snow White from a new perspective.
It’s that Disney magic.
“I am so excited for audiences and fans around the world to see this sneak peek and to revisit the magical world of Snow White,” says Webb. “Our goal has always been to honor the original animated film, and we are extremely grateful to the team of amazing artists – from puppeteers to voice actors and motion capture technicians – for bringing these magical, charming characters to life in such a unique way.”
The film also stars Andrew Burnap as Jonathan, Andrew Barth Feldman as Dopey, Tituss Burgess as Bashful, Martin Klebba as Grumpy, Jason Kravits as Sneezy, George Salazar as Happy, Jeremy Swift as Doc, and Andrew Grotelueschen as Sleepy.
“Snow White” opens in theaters on March 21, 2025.
