When Disney announced that Gal Gadot would be stepping into the iconic black-and-purple robes for the live-action Snow White, the internet was instantly divided.
While the Wonder Woman star certainly has the presence, the film’s release has sparked a massive wave of nostalgia for a different queen. Social media is currently being flooded with clips and tributes to Lana Parrilla, who played the Evil Queen (and Regina Mills) on ABC’s hit series Once Upon a Time.
For many fans, Gadot was facing a “losing battle” from the start. “I’m sorry, but Lana Parrilla is the Evil Queen. She gave us episodes of perfection. Gal never had a chance,” one user posted in a viral X (formerly Twitter) thread that has garnered thousands of likes.
The buzz isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about the performance. While Gadot is a seasoned pro, her version of the Queen has been met with mixed reviews. Critics and fans on TikTok have pointed out that the version feels caught between being “campy” and “scary,” never quite sticking the landing on either.
“Her line delivery felt like overacting half the time,” noted one entertainment blogger. “It didn’t come across as convincing as the quiet, calculated terror we saw in earlier adaptations.”
Then there is the music. While Gadot’s co-star Rachel Zegler is a Broadway-caliber vocalist, Gadot’s villain song, “All Is Fair,” hasn’t exactly topped the charts. Fans have been quick to compare the vocal performances, with many finding the new track “unenjoyable” compared to the high-stakes drama they expected.
But the biggest gripe? The writing. In the new film, we are told the Queen is a terrible leader, but we rarely see her interacting with her subjects. It’s the classic “tell, don’t show” problem that has left some viewers feeling disconnected from her eventual downfall.
Contrast that with Parrilla’s legendary run. For seven seasons, she was the most terrifying and compelling person on screen. Crossing her meant a literal massacre, making the stakes for the heroes feel real and immediate.
From the silent film to Charlize Theron’s turn in Snow White & The Huntsman, there have been dozens of women to take the throne. But in the court of public opinion, it seems the crown is staying firmly on Lana Parrilla’s head for now.
As one fan perfectly put it: “You can give me all the CGI in the world, but you can’t replicate that Regina Mills energy.”
Would you like me to look into how other live-action Disney villains compare to their animated originals?
