Snow White's Jonathan: Love Interest & Modern Twist In The Disney Film

Who is the man who captures Snow White's heart in Disney's reimagining? Forget the fairytale prince; this time, it's a thief named Jonathan who steals the show and, ultimately, the princess's heart.

The upcoming live-action adaptation of "Snow White," slated for release on March 21, 2025, promises a fresh perspective on the beloved classic. While the core narrative of a young princess escaping her evil stepmother, the Queen's, wrath remains, the traditional romantic lead has been reimagined. Instead of a prince, Snow White will find her love interest in Jonathan, a character portrayed by Andrew Burnap. This shift marks a significant departure from the animated 1937 film, hinting at a more modern and relatable storyline for contemporary audiences. Production for the film commenced on March 1, 2022, in London, England, and wrapped on July 8, 2022. Directed by Marc Webb and written by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida, the film stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White.

Full Name	Andrew Burnap
Born	To Be Announced
Nationality	American
Known For	"Snow White" (2025), "WeCrashed," "The Inheritance"
Occupation	Actor
Character in Snow White (2025)	Jonathan
Relationship Status	To Be Announced
Notable Roles	Winner of Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for "The Inheritance" (2020)
Reference	IMDb

Burnaps Jonathan isn't a royal; hes a commoner, a thief who initially crosses paths with Snow White under less-than-ideal circumstances. The films narrative appears to draw inspiration from a cut sketch of the prince from the 1937 animated film, giving Jonathan a depth and backstory that sets him apart from the traditional fairytale prince. It seems he is a rebel, stealing from the Queens kitchen to provide for the starving poor, which instantly positions him as an ally to Snow White's cause. His character arc promises to be a key element in the film, as he goes from being a thief to supporting Snow White in her battle against the evil Queen and, eventually, becoming her husband and the king of the kingdom.

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This modern twist reflects Disney's commitment to evolving its classic stories for contemporary audiences. The studio has confirmed the replacement of a major character, hinting at a broader revisioning of the tale. The move aligns with a trend in modern storytelling, where characters are often reimagined to offer more diverse and compelling narratives. The filmmakers have opted to center the film on a strong, independent Snow White, who takes her destiny into her own hands, a move that resonates with contemporary audiences. This shift also provides an opportunity to explore the themes of social justice, rebellion, and the fight against tyranny.

Rachel Zegler, known for her role in "West Side Story," stars as the titular Snow White, promising a fresh portrayal of the iconic princess. Zegler's casting reflects Disney's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and her performance is anticipated to bring a new dimension to the character. The film's screenplay, penned by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida, signals an attempt to bring a contemporary sensibility to the fairytale, weaving in themes of female empowerment and self-discovery.

The film's narrative framework remains anchored in the familiar: Snow White flees the castle after the Queen, consumed by jealousy, seeks her demise. However, the introduction of Jonathan and the character changes promise a richer, more nuanced exploration of the characters relationship and their roles in the story. The narrative is expected to provide a new perspective on the classic tale, exploring Snow White's agency and her journey to regain her kingdom with the support of unlikely allies.

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The project has generated significant anticipation, not just for the casting and story changes, but also for the potential to offer a commentary on social issues. The film's creative team has stated their intention to modernize the fairytale for today's world, and it will be intriguing to see how these ideas manifest in the finished product. As the release date approaches, fans eagerly await to see how the film will incorporate the themes and messages into the beloved fairytale.

In addition to the film itself, the story of Snow White has also been explored in other media. Author Jonathan Pageau has reimagined the narrative in "The Tale of Snow White and the Widow Queen," which explores the themes in a different way and is an invitation to dive back into a lived experience that is expressed in all of our folk and fairy tales. This book is the first in a series of fairy tales published by The Symbolic World Press, launched after a successful crowdfunding campaign.

The film adaptation's costumes have already inspired cosplay enthusiasts, with outfits based on Jonathan's character appearing at conventions and Halloween parties. These costumes often feature elements inspired by the character's portrayal, such as his peasant attire or specific accessories, reflecting the film's influence on popular culture even before its release.

Disney's "Snow White" (2025) is poised to be a significant event in the cinematic landscape. The combination of classic storytelling with modern themes and character adaptations makes it a project to look out for. As the film's release date approaches, more details and insights are expected to emerge, further fueling the excitement and anticipation surrounding this reimagining of a cherished fairytale. The changes in the story show that the studio is trying to create a story that will engage viewers of all ages and backgrounds, which is evident from the choice of director, screenwriters, and actors.