12 Side-By-Side Comparisons Of Disney Princesses And The Actresses That Portrayed Them In Live-Action Films

Yes, we're still swooning over Lily James playing Cinderella!

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• August 22, 2023

If you grew up as part of the generation that sang along with the enchanting Disney princesses and daydreamed about becoming "part of that world," then witnessing these beloved characters come to life in live-action adaptations must have been a thrilling experience. These captivating fairytales shaped many childhoods, filling young hearts with wonder and dreams.

From the courageous Mulan to the innocent Snow White, Disney has devoted considerable effort to reimagine many of the cherished princesses that audiences have adored for generations. The transformation of these characters from animated form into live-action is more than just a visual feast; it's a nostalgic journey that reconnects you with the tales that once sparked your imagination.

Behind each live-action adaptation is a team of dedicated filmmakers, costume designers, and makeup artists who have worked tirelessly to capture the essence of the original animations. The reinvention of each princess is a delicate balance between preserving their timeless qualities and injecting fresh perspectives to make them more relatable to contemporary audiences.

Each actress who has stepped into the shoes of a Disney princess carries the responsibility of honoring the legacy while adding her unique touch. The results have often been mesmerizing, with performances that have both honored the spirit of the original characters and introduced new depths and complexities.

Just take a look at them below...

1. Anna Kendrick As Cinderella

An additional distinctive retelling of Cinderella's narrative unfolds within the Stephen Sondheim musical, "Into the Woods," which was adapted into a film in 2014 under the direction of Rob Marshall. Within this interpretation, Anna Kendrick takes on the iconic role of the princess who encounters the familiar shoe mishap.

Interestingly, the storyline diverges from convention, and in the end, Cinderella doesn't find herself entwined with her prince.

Discussing this unique adaptation, Kendrick articulated to Vulture in 2014, "What sets this version apart and renders it decidedly contemporary is that Cinderella not only departs from her prince but does so with a spirit of forgiveness, respect, and compassion for him."

She continued, "For her, the situation isn't black and white. The prince, too, grapples with a life largely defined by stark contrasts. This concept of maintaining civility even amid separation resonates with a distinctly modern and pertinent theme."

2. Mia Wasikowska As Alice

While acknowledging that Alice is not formally bestowed with princess status, she remains an iconic Disney heroine who irresistibly earned her place on this roster! Taking the spotlight in Tim Burton's whimsical 2010 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland is Australian actress Mia Wasikowska.

At the time, Wasikowska, a relatively unfamiliar face in the acting realm, candidly shared with The Guardian in 2010 her sense of bewilderment upon witnessing the film's posters and merchandise proliferate. She openly acknowledged grappling with a degree of unease while undertaking the portrayal of a character endearingly embraced by countless individuals.

However, her performance indubitably held the global audience captive.

The leading actress attested, "All of Tim Burton's creations exude a breathtaking aesthetic, akin to standalone works of art." Undoubtedly, Alice in Wonderland seamlessly adhered to this artistic legacy, drawing admirers from every corner of the globe.

3. Lily James As Cinderella

Cinderella, hailed as the quintessential Disney princess across 76 nations, holds an esteemed position as a cherished favorite. Consequently, selecting an actress capable of authentically embodying her essence was an endeavor approached with utmost care.

Fortunately for enthusiasts worldwide, the role of this enchanting princess found its perfect match in Lily James, known for her role in Downton Abbey. Intriguingly, James initially vied for a stepsister's part in the 2015 film; however, director Kenneth Branagh discerned that she possessed the qualities befitting a Prince Charming's counterpart.

Branagh shared with ABC News, "She's a wonderfully spirited individual. She recognized the delightful whimsy inherent in the story itself. While she remained entirely professional and dedicated to the role, there was an airy playfulness about her that resonated with the Cinderella we envisioned."

Branagh elaborated, "We desired a Cinderella who could embody the tale's enchantment without losing sight of its inherent lightheartedness, and Lily encapsulated this exquisitely."

4. Naomi Scott As Jasmine

In 2019, Disney unveiled their live-action rendition of Aladdin, featuring English singer and actor Naomi Scott in the role of Jasmine. Scott, hailing from a background that intertwines Ugandan and Gujarati Indian heritage through her mother, takes immense pride in her Indian origins.

She has even showcased traditional Indian jewelry on her Instagram account. With notable performances in works such as Charlie’s Angels and Power Rangers, Scott was a warmly embraced choice for the part of the princess set to discover 'A Whole New World.'

Erum Salam, writing for The Guardian, underscored the significance of witnessing a princess of color being embraced as beautiful by Disney during her own childhood. The emergence of a live-action interpretation now holds even greater importance.

Salam noted, "As an adult, I recognize that I don't require that validation. However, for the younger generation, this presents an opportunity to finally witness someone who resembles them portrayed on screen by an actual individual, embodying a character to whom they've likely been likened throughout their entire lives."

5. Liu Yifei As Mulan

The 2020 rendition of Mulan, the second live-action adaptation, features Chinese-American actress Liu Yifei in the titular role. Securing the part of this warrior princess was an arduous endeavor, entailing casting directors to scour five continents in search of the ideal candidate.

As reported by Elle, their quest led them to seek a young Chinese woman who not only possessed credible martial arts prowess but also demonstrated English proficiency and radiated star quality.

Within the film, Yifei exhibits her vocal talents and executes a remarkable 90% of her own daring feats. Reflecting on her role, she shared with Interview Magazine, "Her driving force was love — love for her father and the voyage of self-discovery. That formed the cornerstone of my preparation, propelling me both mentally and physically.

This encompassed a blend of gym routines, combat training, and equestrian practice." Yifei further elaborated, "At the core, Mulan embodies her character and spirit. She's an iconic figure, yet I was determined to imbue the role with my own essence. It all boiled down to equilibrium and choice. Embracing oneself is an act of courage."

6. Drew Barrymore As Cinderella

Numerous women have had the privilege of stepping into the cherished shoes of the iconic princess Cinderella. Among them, Drew Barrymore assumed the role in the 1998 film Ever After. While Barrymore boasts an extensive Hollywood career, she revealed in 2023 that her involvement as Cinderella profoundly transformed her life.

In a recent episode of her talk show, Barrymore reflected, "You see, there are these distinct junctures in life — moments, occurrences, situations — that steer your path towards a brighter trajectory, and this was undoubtedly one of those for me." During her conversation about Ever After, she passionately stated, "There's absolutely no doubt about it."

7. Halle Bailey As Ariel

Released on May 26, 2023, this live-action rendition of The Little Mermaid stars the talented 23-year-old actor, Halle Bailey. While not an exact twin of her animated counterpart, Bailey's portrayal has been aptly described as "naturally Disneyfied," capturing the essence of a real-life embodiment.

Her rendition of Ariel has garnered widespread acclaim for its captivating beauty, providing a representation that resonates with a broader spectrum of young viewers.

Singer Kelly Rowland hailed the new film as an "epic watch," emphasizing Bailey's ability to deliver powerhouse vocal performances akin to a Broadway luminary. The original voice of Ariel from the 1989 animated film, Jodi Benson, lent her endorsement to Bailey's rendition.

Benson shared with People, "Halle's portrayal of Ariel is undeniably exquisite. The casting has been masterfully executed. It hinges on the core of the character."

8. Wei Zhao As Mulan

The illustrious warrior princess Mulan has graced the live-action realm twice, with the inaugural rendition arriving in 2009. This adaptation, adorned with an almost entirely Chinese cast, casts Zhao Wei as the central figure. Mulan: Rise of a Warrior has garnered acclaim for its more authentic portrayal of the narrative.

Director Jingle Ma affirmed that Zhao was the embodiment of his envisioned character, stating she was "flawless in her role."

Zhao's filmography boasts numerous Chinese blockbuster hits, such as Shaolin Soccer, Red Cliff, and The Founding of a Republic. Her traditional depiction of Mulan holds immense appeal, particularly for devotees of this esteemed warrior heroine.

9. Rachel Zegler As Snow White

Disney's live-action Snow White won't grace screens until 2024, but we have the scoop on the enchanting actress set to embody this beloved princess. Rachel Zegler, the luminous talent from West Side Story, is poised to captivate audiences with her rendition of 'Some Day My Prince Will Come.'

While the film's details remain relatively under wraps, glimpses of Rachel adorned in her iconic gown have already emerged from the set. This tantalizing sneak peek is sufficient to kindle anticipation for the upcoming movie, considering we've patiently awaited over 80 years for Disney to gift us a live-action interpretation of their inaugural princess tale.

10. Elle Fanning As Sleeping Beauty

While a live-action remake of the timeless 1959 classic, Sleeping Beauty, is yet to grace the screens, the character Briar Rose found life through actress Elle Fanning in the 2014 film Maleficent. This cinematic retelling delves into the narrative of the vengeful sorceress who casts her curse upon Sleeping Beauty.

Fanning had the serendipitous opportunity to embody the very princess she held a particular affinity for. She shared with the Daily Beast in 2014, "Among the Disney princesses, Sleeping Beauty resonated with me the most because I saw a strong resemblance between us. So, naturally, her merchandise at the toy store always captivated my attention."

The initial installment of Maleficent was shot when Fanning was a mere 14 years old. Nevertheless, she left an indelible impression on audiences and even garnered admiration from her co-star Angelina Jolie.

In 2019, Jolie expressed, "Elle consistently carried herself with a remarkable poise, displaying an elegance and strength in her acting that belied her age. She never appeared as a child."

Jolie further noted, "What's truly extraordinary is your unwavering sweetness and gratitude for your work, every moment, and everyone involved—a rare quality in this industry."

11. Lily Collins As Snow White

While we await a proper live-action retelling of Snow White, the cinematic landscape gifted us with Mirror Mirror in 2012, where Lily Collins assumed the mantle of the cherished princess. Although this rendition predominantly delves into the Queen's narrative, portrayed by Julia Roberts, Collins eagerly embraced her participation in the film.

Her elation was so palpable that she initially struggled to fathom the reality of landing the role.

In a 2012 interview, Collins candidly revealed, "At first, I dismissed it as an April Fools joke. However, upon realizing its authenticity, I was engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions — a mix of astonishment, tears, laughter, and jubilation. It was a peculiar amalgamation of reactions. I simply couldn't wrap my head around it. Witnessing your visage grace buses and billboards is indeed an uncanny experience."

12. Emma Watson As Belle

Emma Watson is perhaps best recognized for her role as Hermione Granger, but in 2017, she captivated audiences on the silver screen as Belle. When discussing the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast with ABC News, director Bill Condon expressed that Emma Watson was the top and essentially the sole choice for the role of Belle, driven by her multifaceted qualities: her exceptional talent, exquisite beauty, and profound intelligence.

Belle is renowned for immersing herself in books, a trait shared by Watson. Armed with an English literature degree from Brown University and on the verge of completing her master's degree in creative writing at Oxford University, Watson is an avid reader.

She shared with Vanity Fair, "Growing up on film sets, books served as my conduit to the world beyond. With time, they evolved into an escape, a source of empowerment, a dependable companion." Both the princess and the actress harbor a fervent commitment to feminism. Belle consistently asserts her viewpoints, while Watson has been a vocal advocate for the UN Women's HeforShe campaign.

Even after numerous decades, the magic of Disney continues, celebrating the princesses that have inspired countless imaginations and bringing them to life like never before. We applaud these actresses for bringing these characters into the modern world almost flawlessly!

Which Disney princess is your favorite? Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia