Gift’s journey to landing the role of Maple was an emotional one. Auditioning without knowing the project she was applying for, she was shocked to learn she had been cast in Snow White
Dujonna Gift, the 27-year-old actress starring as Maple in Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Snow White, has opened up about the instant connection she felt with co-star Rachel Zegler. Gift, who plays alongside Zegler in the film where she portrays the iconic princess, shared how their friendship blossomed during the production.
Speaking to Cosmopolitan UK, Gift recalled their first meeting during rehearsals, where Zegler was dressed in a way that reminded her of an “old maiden.” The two quickly hit it off, even jokingly referencing a meme with the line “Hey maid,” a moment that perfectly encapsulated their growing bond. “We clicked!” Gift exclaimed.
The two leaned on each other throughout the filming process, with Zegler away from her family. Gift, eager to make her new friend feel at home, “adopted” Zegler into her London family and took her around the city during their downtime.
“I’m grateful for our friendship. She’s a special human,” Gift said, reflecting on their close relationship. After filming Snow White, Gift has expressed her desire to take on even more Disney roles. “I would love to play Princess Tiana in The Princess and the Frog,” she revealed. “Or, if they remade The Cheetah Girls, I’d want to be involved in any capacity.”
Gift’s journey to landing the role of Maple was an emotional one. Auditioning without knowing the project she was applying for, she was shocked to learn she had been cast in Snow White. The news came during a difficult time, as she had just lost her father and was experiencing her first Christmas without him. “I remember lying in bed thinking ‘Life sucks,’” she said. “When my agent called to tell me I’d got the role, it was a bittersweet moment.”
The actress also spoke about the personal motivation that drives her career, particularly the impact of her young niece. “When my brother had a daughter, I realized that I can’t look at her one day and say, ‘I gave up,’” she shared. “No one can want it for me more than me.”
Dujonna Gift’s determination and strong connections, both personal and professional, are propelling her forward in the entertainment industry as she continues to chase her dreams.
