Gal Gadot blames Israel backlash for Snow White failure.

Gal Gadot blames Israel backlash for Snow White failure.

Gal Gadot, who is best known for her roles in Hollywood blockbusters, previously served two years in the Israeli Defence Forces during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war. Her military background has often drawn attention and sparked debate, particularly from critics who oppose Israel’s policies and actions. Over the years, Gadot has faced recurring criticism on social media and from certain activist groups, who question her service and public stance on Israel. Despite this, she has continued to maintain a successful career in international cinema.

Gal Gadot Connects ‘Snow White’ Flop to Anti-Israel Pressure in Hollywood

Gal Gadot, the actress best known worldwide for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, has opened up about the disappointing box office performance of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake. In a candid conversation on the Israeli television program The A Talks, Gadot suggested that political pressures in Hollywood—particularly those related to Israel—played a part in shaping the film’s reception.

According to Gadot, the entertainment industry is not immune to the deep political and social divisions that dominate global conversations today. She said that “pressure on celebrities to speak against Israel” is a reality she has witnessed, and she believes this pressure extended into how Snow White was received by audiences and critics. But that’s how it goes, you win some, you lose some.” Her remarks, quoted by Variety, have once again sparked debate about the intersection of politics, identity, and the arts.

Gadot’s Background and Controversies

Before embarking on her career in acting and modeling, she served two years in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), as is mandatory for Israeli citizens. Her service coincided with the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war, and though she has described her role as non-combat in nature, her military background has followed her throughout her career.

This history has made Gadot both a celebrated figure in Israel and a controversial one abroad. In 2017, Lebanon banned the release of Wonder Woman, explicitly citing her IDF service. Other critics on social media platforms have frequently targeted her, questioning her political positions and even her silence at times. For Gadot, however, her service is part of her identity, and she has remained unapologetic, often expressing pride in her roots.

The Snow White Challenge

With Rachel Zegler cast as Snow White and Gal Gadot stepping into the role of the Evil Queen, the project had all the ingredients of a major cinematic success. Alongside them, actors Andrew Burnap, Patrick Page, and Ansu Kabia rounded out the principal cast.

But instead of soaring to box office glory, the film stumbled. Reports from Deadline revealed that behind-the-scenes tensions didn’t help matters. Rachel Zegler, known for her outspoken support for Palestine and Gaza, reportedly clashed with producer Marc Platt during the press tours. Zegler’s remarks in interviews—where she challenged traditional portrayals of Snow White and commented on gender roles—also became fodder for online debate, drawing both support and backlash.

The atmosphere surrounding the film’s release became less about the fairy-tale magic of Disney and more about cultural politics. Audiences were divided, and critics noted that the movie’s messaging sometimes felt overshadowed by the controversies trailing its stars. For Disney, a studio already facing challenges with some of its recent remakes, Snow White’s underwhelming performance was another reminder that modern audiences are quick to react to the political contexts surrounding entertainment.

Politics and Hollywood

She argued that the political pressure in Hollywood, especially concerning Israel, does not merely affect individuals but can extend to entire projects. While she did not claim that political pressure was the only reason for Snow White’s box office struggles, she firmly believes it was a contributing factor.

Her perspective highlights the complexity of the entertainment industry today, where movies are not simply judged for their storytelling, visuals, or acting, but also for the political and cultural stances of those involved. For some, Gadot’s words serve as an important reminder that Hollywood is part of a global conversation, one where conflicts in the Middle East reverberate across continents and industries. For others, her remarks will be seen as an attempt to deflect from the creative shortcomings of the film itself.

The Human Side

For Gal Gadot, the situation appears to be deeply personal. On one hand, she is a global star whose talent has brought her immense recognition and opportunities. On the other, she remains rooted in her Israeli identity, something that consistently shapes how she is perceived both positively and negatively. Navigating this duality—being celebrated as a feminist icon in Wonder Woman while simultaneously criticized for her past military service—is not an easy balancing act.

Her disappointment over Snow White is not just about box office numbers, but about the feeling that her work and that of her colleagues was overshadowed by politics. In the end, Gadot’s reflection, “you win some, you lose some,” resonates as a moment of humility. Despite the film’s struggles, she has managed to maintain her characteristic grace, acknowledging the reality of the industry without bitterness.

Looking Ahead

As Disney evaluates its future live-action projects, and as Hollywood continues to grapple with how politics intersects with art, the story of Snow White serves as both a cautionary tale and a conversation starter. For Gadot, it’s another chapter in a career marked by triumphs, controversies, and the unavoidable entanglement of identity with artistry.

At its core, her comments remind audiences that behind the glamour of Hollywood are real people navigating complex identities, global politics, and personal histories. Whether or not political pressure was truly the decisive factor in Snow White’s flop, Gal Gadot has once again found herself at the heart of a debate much larger than a single movie.