Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Snow White (2025)!
The casting of Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen in the 2025 Snow White has sparked considerable discussion, particularly when compared to past portrayals of this iconic character. Fans of Disney’s adaptations have become accustomed to live-action remakes, often at the expense of original narratives, which leaves many longing for fresh stories rather than reimagined classics.
The Evolution of the Evil Queen
When Disney decided to revive Snow White, the casting choices were never going to satisfy everyone, given the original film’s revered status. Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen brought excitement, thanks to their strong acting backgrounds. Nevertheless, Gadot’s role faced a challenging bar to surpass, particularly my personal favorite portrayal of the character by Lana Parrilla in ABC’s Once Upon a Time.
Lana Parrilla’s Memorable Portrayal
Lana Parrilla’s depiction of the Evil Queen is iconic, embodying the archetype with a compelling mix of menace and depth. Her performance set a high standard, making it difficult for any subsequent adaptations, including Gadot’s, to leave a significant impact. My familiarity with various adaptations of the Snow White tale, ranging from the animated classic to modern versions such as Mirror Mirror (2012) and Snow White and the Huntsman (2012), has given me a broad perspective, yet Parrilla remains my top choice for this role.
Analyzing Gal Gadot’s Performance
Despite Gadot’s strong presence, her portrayal of the Evil Queen faced numerous hurdles that ultimately detracted from the film. One major factor is the film’s overall reception, which is reflected in its low critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Throughout the film, Gadot struggled to find a balance between campiness and intimidation, leading to inconsistent character portrayal. At times, her delivery felt exaggerated and lacked the necessary conviction to make her feel threatening.
Missed Opportunities in the Writing
Another significant issue lies in the film’s writing. The depiction of the Evil Queen’s character arc was hindered by a lack of narrative depth; despite assertions of her cruelty, the audience sees very little actual interaction with her subjects. This telling rather than showing reduced the emotional impact of her ultimate fate, failing to engage viewers in her decline, thus defeating the purpose of her character development.
For a character rooted in malice, the writing should evoke a deeper understanding of her misdeeds. When villains lack robust backgrounds or motivations, it diminishes viewers’ investment in their journeys. Ultimately, both the acting choices of Gal Gadot and the shortcomings in the screenplay contributed to an underwhelming representation of the Evil Queen in Disney’s latest adaptation of Snow White.