Gal Gadot has addressed recent remarks suggesting that the poor box office performance of the movie Snow White was heavily influenced by backlash related to her support for Israel, her home country. In a statement shared on Instagram Stories, she emphasized that while political controversy was a factor, it was not the sole reason for the film’s disappointing reception.
Gadot referred to an earlier interview with The Jerusalem Post, where she mentioned that pressure on celebrities to take a stance against Israel had “greatly affected” the financial success of the film, particularly following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis.
Actor Reflects on Personal Attacks and Complex Factors Behind the Film’s Outcome
In her social media post, Gadot revealed the personal nature of criticism she faced. She explained,
“When the film came out, I felt that those who are against Israel criticized me in a very personal, almost visceral way,”
and added,
“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.”
Despite acknowledging these external pressures, Gadot clarified,
“Of course, the film didn’t fail solely because of external pressures. There are many factors that determine why a film succeeds or fails, and success is never guaranteed.”
This statement signals her awareness of the complex dynamics shaping box office results beyond geopolitical issues.
Snow White’s Launch Marred by Controversies and Backlash
Snow White struggled at the box office since its release in March, encountering several controversies from the outset. The controversies began with backlash against the casting of Rachel Zegler, a Colombian-American actress, in the iconic role of the Disney princess. Criticism over the film‘s representation of dwarfs, including remarks by actor Peter Dinklage, added to the negative attention the movie faced.
Gadot’s past service in the Israeli Defense Forces and her vocal support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza intensified the criticism, leading to calls for boycotts. The Gaza conflict, which has resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, heightened the political tensions surrounding the film and its cast.
Cast and Crew Responses Highlight Internal Tensions
Rachel Zegler addressed the political climate herself by tweeting “free Palestine” shortly before the release of the film’s first trailer in August 2024, drawing attention to the controversy. Jonah Platt, son of producer Marc Platt and brother to actor Ben Platt, publicly attributed blame to Zegler for stirring problems. He said her post caused his father to
“fly across the country to reprimand his 20-year-old employee for dragging her personal politics into the middle of promoting the movie for which she signed a multi-million dollar contract to get paid and do publicity for.”
Despite these controversies, Gadot denied any conflict with Zegler in her Jerusalem Post interview, stating,
“I even enjoyed working with Rachel Zegler. We laughed, we talked, and it was fun. I was sure that this movie was going to be a huge success.”
Additional Factors Impacting Snow White’s Reception
Among the internal challenges affecting the film’s promotion was Disney’s decision to forgo a traditional red-carpet premiere, opting instead to allow only photographers and in-house interviewers access. This departure from standard industry marketing practices may have influenced public visibility and buzz for the film.
Ultimately, Snow White concluded its global box office run on May 30, amassing a total gross of $205 million worldwide. This result represented an estimated loss of $115 million for Disney, underscoring the impactful combination of controversies and other factors on its financial performance.
The Larger Impact on Careers and Industry Discussions
The Gal Gadot Snow White controversy highlights the increasing intersection between politics and entertainment, where an actor’s nationality and political support can deeply affect how audiences perceive a project. The responses to the film reflect the complexities faced by studios and actors navigating global conflicts alongside storytelling ambitions.
The backlash also underscores how casting decisions and public statements by actors like Rachel Zegler can trigger significant reactions that ripple through marketing and audience reception. Moving forward, industry insiders may need to consider how external social and political pressures interact with filmmaking and promotion in an era of heightened sensitivity and activism.
