Gal Gadot, known for portraying the Evil Queen in Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, believes that backlash related to her stance on Israel influenced the film’s disappointing box office results. The actress discussed this during an appearance on the Israeli television show The A Talks, where guests engage with interviewers on the autism spectrum. She suggested that controversy surrounding her views impacted the movie’s reception.
Details on Gadot’s Explanation During Israeli Interview
During the interview, Gadot was asked about her feelings regarding Snow White’s lackluster performance. She expressed that she enjoyed working on the film with co-star Rachel Zegler but felt it did not achieve the commercial success expected. Gadot addressed the timing, referencing October 7th, 2023, when Hamas launched a major attack on Israel, which intensified demands on celebrities to publicly comment on the conflict.
“Then October 7 happened, and 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,”
Gadot said.
“You can always explain and try to give people in the world a context about what’s happening and what the reality is here, but in the end, people decide for themselves.”
She further revealed,
“I was disappointed that the movie was greatly affected by that and didn’t do well at the box office. But that’s how it goes. You win some, you lose some.”
Context of the Israel-Hamas Conflict and Public Reactions
On October 7th, 2023, Hamas launched approximately 4,300 rockets into Israel, causing the deaths of 1,200 people and taking 250 Israeli civilians and soldiers hostage. One year later, Gadot spoke at the Anti-Defamation League, condemning global celebrations and justifications of the violence against Jews. This firm position led to calls for boycotts from pro-Palestinian groups and contrasted with Rachel Zegler’s public support for Palestine on social media. The conflict has resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry as of mid-2025.
Other Factors Affecting Snow White’s Reception
Besides the geopolitical controversy, Snow White faced criticism for creative choices such as portraying the Seven Dwarfs as magical beings. Critics’ reviews ranged from poor to mediocre. The film opened domestically with $42.2 million and grossed a total of $87.2 million in the US and Canada, reaching $205.7 million worldwide against a reported budget exceeding $250 million, marking it a financial disappointment.
Gadot Clarifies Her Remarks on Instagram
On August 17th, Gadot addressed her interview comments via Instagram Stories, explaining that her initial statements came from an emotional perspective. She emphasized that the film’s struggles were not solely due to external pressures related to her nationality.
“When the film came out, I felt that those who are against Israel criticized me in a very personal, almost visceral way,”
Gadot wrote.
“They saw me first and foremost as an Israeli, not as an actress… 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.”
Implications of Gadot’s Statements on Public Perception
Gadot’s acknowledgment of the complex reception highlights the challenge Hollywood faces when global conflicts intersect with entertainment. Her experience underscores the impact political beliefs can have on the careers of individuals and on box office outcomes. As the Israel–Hamas war continues to influence public discourse, the intersection between celebrity, politics, and media success remains an evolving and sensitive issue.
