March 23, 2025: Tony-winning actor Andrew Burnap, who stars as Jonathan in Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, shared a heartfelt reflection on landing the role and his hopes for the future. In the new update of the classic 1938 animated movie, Burnap plays Snow White’s love interest, a commoner named Jonathan, who leads a group opposing the Evil Queen, portrayed by Gal Gadot.
Burnap recalled the moment he first auditioned for the role. “I remember I auditioned for it. I put something on tape and sent it off,” he said, admitting that he trained himself to let go of the audition quickly afterward. “Weeks later, I got an email saying, ‘They’d like to see you again,’ and I thought, ‘You’ve got to be kidding.’” After further calls and discussions, Burnap was asked to do a chemistry read with Rachel Zegler, who plays Snow White. “The minute I got the phone call that I got the job, I remember I was outside, and I sat down on the ground and thought, wow, my life is really going to change from here,” he reflected.
Along with Zegler, Burnap discussed the nuances of performing on stage versus film, especially with Zegler transitioning from Snow White to her role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita in London. Burnap, known for his portrayal of Cassio in Othello on Broadway, has deep roots in stage acting. Despite his newfound success in film, he sees the stage as his first home. “I think the stage will always be where I return to,” Burnap said. “It is my first home. And there is nothing like the live experience.”
Looking ahead, Burnap is eager to explore different roles and mediums. “I would really love to do as many different things as possible. I’m deeply fascinated by film and would love to continue making films and making television shows,” he said. “At the end of the day, I think all I want to do is be a part of things that I feel passionate about with good people who want to change the world in whatever way they see fit.”