As Disney marks the 75th anniversary of Cinderella, fans are passionately debating which actresses have best brought their favorite princesses to life in the studio’s live-action remakes. The discussions have reached fever pitch across social media platforms, with Lily James’ 2015 portrayal of Cinderella emerging as a clear fan favorite. TikTok users have declared her performance “perfection,” while Reddit threads overflow with praise for how she captured both the character’s kindness and inner strength. Many fans particularly appreciated the film’s fresh approach, including its original musical score and subtle nods to the animated classic rather than direct recreations.
Elle Fanning’s whimsical take on Aurora in Maleficent (2014) comes a close second in fan rankings. Her performance is frequently cited as elevating the character beyond her animated counterpart, with viewers praising how she brought new depth to Sleeping Beauty. The reimagined storyline itself earned points for giving Aurora more agency than the original 1959 version.
Not all live-action portrayals have been so warmly received. Emma Watson’s Belle in Beauty and the Beast (2017) continues to divide audiences years after its release. While some appreciated her interpretation, others felt she channeled too much of her famous Hermione Granger persona from Harry Potter. The extensive use of autotune for her musical numbers also drew criticism from Disney purists.
Naomi Scott’s Jasmine in Aladdin (2019) sparked similar debates. Though widely praised for her powerful vocals and charismatic performance, some fans couldn’t overlook what they saw as a mismatch with the animated Jasmine’s distinctive look. Comments about the styling choices, particularly for her hair, frequently surface in online discussions.
The conversation grows even more heated when discussing recent releases. Rachel Zegler’s Snow White (2025) faced significant backlash for its deviations from the original story, compounded by disappointing box office numbers in its opening weekend. Halle Bailey’s Ariel in The Little Mermaid (2023) similarly polarized audiences, with some celebrating her stunning vocal performances while others criticized the character’s redesign.
These casting choices matter because Disney’s live-action remakes have become cultural touchstones, generating billions at the box office while sparking endless debates about how to honor classic animations while making them relevant for modern audiences. As the studio prepares to release live-action versions of Lilo & Stitch and Moana, the discussions about what makes a perfect Disney princess adaptation show no signs of slowing down. For now, Lily James’ Cinderella remains the gold standard among fans – proof that sometimes the most magical remakes are those that find their own voice while respecting the spirit of the original.
