Gal Gadot has responded to comments suggesting that the Israeli–Palestinian conflict influenced the underwhelming box office performance of her film Snow White. The actress offered clarification about the factors contributing to the movie’s commercial reception following its March release.
Gadot, known for playing the Evil Queen in the live-action Snow White, shared her thoughts via Instagram Stories on August 17, emphasizing the emotional context behind her previous remarks.
I was honored to join an extraordinary interview with inspiring interviewers, whose questions go straight to the heart. Sometimes we respond to questions from an emotional place,
she wrote.
When the film came out, I felt that those who are against Israel criticized me in a very personal, almost visceral way.
The actress explained that much of the backlash she perceived was tied to her Israeli identity rather than her acting, stating,
They saw me, first and foremost, as an Israeli, not as an actress. That’s the perspective I spoke from when I answered the question.
Reflection on Snow White’s Box Office Challenges and External Pressures
Snow White, produced on a $200 million budget, fell short of box office expectations. Gadot recently appeared on The A Talks, a program aired on Israel’s Channel Keshet 12, where she discussed the film’s disappointing financial outcome and linked it partially to broader tensions following the October 7 Hamas attack in 2023.
I was sure that this movie was going to be a huge success, and then October 7 happened,
she said, citing the terrorist attack.
What’s happening in all kinds of industries, and also in Hollywood, is that there’s a lot of pressure on celebrities to speak out against Israel.
However, Gadot clarified in her social media message that the film’s box office struggles cannot be attributed solely to external geopolitical factors.
Of course, the film didn’t fail solely because of external pressures,
she wrote.
There are many factors that determine why a film succeeds or fails. Success is never guaranteed.
Positive Production Experience Despite Mixed Reception
Despite the film’s financial shortfall and controversy, Gadot described her experience filming Snow White as enjoyable. She highlighted her working relationship with co-star Rachel Zegler, who played the titular role.
First of all, I have to say that I really enjoyed filming this movie,
Gadot shared.
I even enjoyed working with Rachel Zegler. We laughed, we talked and it was fun.
Rachel Zegler Responds to Backlash Over Snow White Casting and Story Changes
Snow White attracted criticism for significant departures from the original story, including negative reactions to Rachel Zegler’s Latinx heritage. Zegler addressed the controversy in a Vogue Mexico interview shortly after the film’s release.
I interpret people’s sentiments towards this film as passion,
said Zegler, 24.
What an honor to be a part of something that people feel so passionately about. We’re not always going to agree with everyone who surrounds us and all we can do is our best.
Broader Context and Implications for Future Projects
Gadot’s comments highlight the complex relationship between public perception, geopolitical issues, and film reception in today’s entertainment industry. While the October 7 events intensified scrutiny on Israeli actors, Gadot’s clarification reminds audiences that many variables contribute to a movie’s success or failure.
As Snow White’s box office results demonstrate, even high-profile projects with popular stars can face unpredictable outcomes influenced by cultural, political, and artistic factors. The film’s mixed reception signals ongoing challenges for Hollywood adaptations that seek to modernize beloved stories while navigating diverse audience expectations and global developments.
