The magic of Snow White has captivated audiences for centuries, and the enchanting Disney live-action remake starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot has brought the classic tale to life in a whole new way. As the highly anticipated film hit theaters, the glamour of the Los Angeles premiere took center stage, and the A-list attendees did not disappoint. At the red carpet, these two talented women perfectly embodied their characters, channeling their inner Snow White in striking and captivating looks that set the tone for a night of glamour and excitement.
Red Carpet Royalty
Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot transformed the red carpet into a fairytale runway at the Los Angeles premiere of the movie musical Snow White on March 15, 2025. The event, held at the iconic El Capitan Theatre, marked a significant milestone for the film directed by Marc Webb. Zegler, at 23, took on the role of the titular Snow White, while Gadot, 39, portrayed the formidable Evil Queen. The actresses’ attire perfectly mirrored their characters, making a bold statement about their commitment to the film.
Snow White’s Fairytale Fashion
Rachel Zegler’s entrance at the premiere was nothing short of enchanted. She graced the red carpet in a breathtaking pale rose-colored strapless gown, a clear nod to her character’s purity and innocence. The dress featured a corseted bodice adorned with delicate butterfly appliqués, symbolizing transformation and growth. The voluminous, floor-length skirt added a touch of elegance, while her elegant updo and diamond necklace completed the look. Zegler’s attire was a harmonious blend of innocence and sophistication, embodying the essence of Snow White.
Gal Gadot, on the other hand, chose a starkly contrasting look that perfectly embodied her character’s dark and menacing persona. She donned a sheer black lace dress with a ruffled miniskirt over a longer floor-length skirt, exuding an air of mystery and allure. Her sleek, middle-parted hair and a jeweled statement necklace with a tassel added to her regal and powerful presence. Gadot’s look was a masterclass in contrasting her character’s complexity, blending elegance with a sinister edge.
Iconic Inspiration
The actresses’ outfits were not just fashion statements but a testament to their deep connection with their characters. Zegler drew inspiration from her character’s resilience and purity, while Gadot channeled the Evil Queen’s cunning and allure. Their looks were a visual representation of the film’s narrative, setting the stage for an enchanting cinematic experience.
The hair and makeup for both actresses were meticulously crafted to enhance their on-screen personas. Zegler’s hair was styled in an elegant updo, complementing her gown’s design and emphasizing her graceful demeanor. Gadot’s sleek, middle-parted hair added to her character’s enigmatic aura, while her makeup was a blend of sophistication and mystery. The attention to detail in their grooming was evident, making their looks pop and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Star Power on Display
The L.A. premiere was not just a red-carpet event but a testament to the star power and dedication of the cast. It followed the European premiere, where Zegler performed “Waiting on a Wish,” one of the film’s original songs, for fans at a castle in Segovia, Spain. This string of low-key promotional events was a strategic move to steer away from the backlash associated with the film since its announcement in September 2022. The cast’s efforts to avoid controversy and focus on the film’s positive aspects were evident in their subtle yet impactful promo activities.
The premiere at El Capitan Theatre was a night to remember, filled with anticipation and excitement. The cast’s low-key efforts to avoid backlash were a smart move, allowing the film to take center stage without the distractions of controversy. Their approach was not just about avoiding criticism but about highlighting the film’s strengths and the hard work put into its creation.
Controversy and Criticism
The path to the premiere was not without its challenges, particularly for Rachel Zegler. Her casting as Snow White sparked a wave of racist backlash, with critics questioning her fit for the role due to her Latinx background. Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent, bravely addressed these criticisms, stating that Snow White’s name in the new film has a different origin story. Unlike the original animated Disney movie and the 19th-century Grimm’s fairy tale, which describe the character as having “skin as white as snow,” the 2025 interpretation points to her surviving a snowstorm as a baby, symbolizing her resilience.
Zegler has also been vocal about her critique of the original animation, describing its narrative as “dated.” In a recent interview with Vogue Mexico, she interpreted the backlash as a sign of people’s passion for the character, stating, “I interpret people’s feelings about this film as their passion for [the Snow White character] and what an honor to be a part of something that people are so passionate about.” This perspective highlights her commitment to the character and the film, despite the challenges she faced.
Outside of the cast, notable figures like Peter Dinklage, known for his role in Game of Thrones, have also weighed in on the controversy. Dinklage criticized the film’s portrayal of the seven dwarfs, describing it as a “backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together.” He questioned the film’s decision to cast a Latina actress as Snow White while continuing to tell the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, stating, “Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there. It makes no sense to me.”
Disney addressed Dinklage’s criticisms in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, stating, “To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community.” This response underscores Disney’s commitment to inclusivity and sensitivity in their storytelling.
David Hand, 93, the son of one of the co-directors of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, also expressed his concerns about the remake. He criticized the lack of respect shown in the remake, stating, “It’s not a remake. It’s a redo and it’s a big mistake.” These criticisms highlight the complex interplay between nostalgia and innovation in film remakes, particularly for beloved classics like Snow White.
Zegler’s Response: Addressing the Flak and Standing Up for Herself
Rachel Zegler has been vocal about the criticism she’s faced since being cast as Snow White, saying in a recent interview with Vogue Mexico, “I interpret people’s feelings about this film as their passion for [the Snow White character] and what an honor to be a part of something that people are so passionate about.”
Zegler has also been open about her own critique of the original animation, including its “dated” narrative. She has emphasized the importance of representation and the need for more diverse storytelling in Hollywood.
Disney’s Defense
A spokesperson for Disney told The Hollywood Reporter, “To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community.”
The importance of representation cannot be overstated, particularly for Latinx individuals who have historically been underrepresented in Hollywood. Zegler’s casting as Snow White is a milestone in this regard, and it’s essential to recognize the significance of this moment.
Game of Thrones Star Weighs In
Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage has criticized the remake, saying, “Literally no offense to anyone, but I was a little taken aback — they were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White.”
Dinklage’s comments sparked a heated debate about the remake and its representation. While some have criticized Zegler’s casting, others have praised the move as a step towards greater diversity in Hollywood.
Practical and Implications
The Business of Disney
The Snow White remake is part of Disney’s larger strategy to diversify its content and appeal to a broader audience. The company has been investing heavily in new franchises and IPs, and the Snow White remake is one of the most high-profile projects in its pipeline.
The economic impact of the controversy surrounding the remake on Disney’s bottom line is difficult to quantify, but it’s likely to have had a significant impact on the company’s stock price and box office performance.
Casting and Representation
The importance of diverse casting cannot be overstated. Hollywood has historically been dominated by white actors, and it’s essential that we see more diverse representation on screen.
Latinx individuals have been particularly underrepresented in Hollywood, and Zegler’s casting as Snow White is a significant step towards greater representation. It’s essential that we recognize the significance of this moment and continue to push for greater diversity in Hollywood.
The Future of Adaptations
The Snow White remake is part of a larger trend towards greater diversity in Hollywood. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more diverse casting and storytelling.
The remake’s approach to the original story will also shape the direction of future adaptations. The film’s focus on representation and diversity sets a new standard for the industry, and it’s essential that we continue to push for greater representation in Hollywood.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Los Angeles premiere of the live-action Snow White film saw Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot bring their characters to life in two distinct and captivating looks. Zegler’s fairytale-inspired gown and Gadot’s edgy, modern ensemble not only reflected their characters’ contrasting personalities but also showcased the actresses’ own styles and interpretations of their roles. The event served as a testament to the versatility and creativity of the film’s costume design and the actresses’ ability to embody their characters.
The significance of this event extends beyond the realm of celebrity fashion, as it highlights the importance of representation and diversity in the entertainment industry. The reimagining of Snow White, a classic fairy tale, with a Latino lead and a strong female villain, sends a powerful message about the need for inclusivity and diversity in storytelling. As the film industry continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize representation and diversity, both on and off screen.
As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see how Zegler and Gadot’s performances, as well as the film’s overall message, resonate with audiences. Will this reimagining of a beloved classic pave the way for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in Hollywood? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the impact of this film will be felt long after the red carpet has been rolled up. As we reflect on the significance of this event, let us remember that the true magic of storytelling lies not in the clothes we wear, but in the voices we amplify and the stories we choose to tell.