Gal Gadot responded to recent discussions about the underwhelming box office results of the film Snow White, emphasizing that the movie’s financial struggles were not exclusively linked to backlash against Israel. The film, which brought in $87 million domestically, faced significant media attention around the political tensions involving Gadot’s support for Israel and co-star Rachel Zegler’s advocacy for Palestinians.
Political Differences Among Cast Members Spark Media Focus
Gadot, who completed mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces, has publicly supported Israel. Rachel Zegler, in contrast, has shown solidarity with Palestinians and the Free Palestine movement. This divergence in political viewpoints became a central talking point in news coverage and is widely believed to have influenced the public reception of the film, contributing to its disappointing commercial results.
Gal Gadot’s Comments on Industry Pressure and Film Outcome
During an interview on the Israeli TV program The A Talks, Gal Gadot discussed the pressure celebrities face concerning political stances. She remarked,
“You know, this happens a lot in various industries, including Hollywood,”
and added,
“There’s pressure on celebrities to speak against Israel. And, you know, it happened.”
Further explaining, she stated,
“I can always explain and try to give context about what’s happening here. And I always do that. But in the end, people make their own decisions. And I was disappointed that the movie was incredibly affected by all of that and that it didn’t do well at the box office. But that’s how it goes. You win some, you lose some.”
Clarification From Gal Gadot on Her Remarks
On August 17, Gadot addressed the interview again through an Instagram Story which she later deleted. She emphasized the emotional weight behind her earlier statements, saying,
“I was honored to join an extraordinary interview with inspiring interviewers, whose questions go straight to the heart,”
and explained,
“Sometimes we respond to questions from an emotional place. When the film came out, I felt that those who are against Israel criticized me in a very personal, almost visceral way. 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.”
She also 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.”
Additional Controversies and Their Influence on Film Reception
Beyond Gal Gadot’s political stance, the movie encountered other sources of public dispute. Co-star Rachel Zegler openly criticized supporters of Donald Trump and expressed disapproval of the original 1937 film. Zegler also faced backlash linked to her Colombian heritage, which included hateful comments. These elements contributed to the tense atmosphere surrounding the film’s release and public perception.
