Gal Gadot, the internationally recognized Israeli actress, has found herself at the center of a swirling debate following her recent comments about the underwhelming box office performance of Disney’s much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Snow White. The film, which debuted in theaters in March 2025, was expected to be a blockbuster but instead ended its global run with a lifetime gross of $205 million, resulting in an estimated $115 million loss for Disney, according to Postmedia. The film’s Rotten Tomatoes score was a disappointing 39%—a far cry from the fairy-tale ending Disney had hoped for.
The controversy surrounding the film began long before its release. In the fall of 2021, when Rachel Zegler, a rising Latina actress, was announced as the new Snow White, critics and fans immediately took to social media to voice their opinions. Some questioned the casting choice, arguing that Zegler’s Latin heritage did not match the animated original’s appearance. The debate intensified as Zegler herself became more outspoken, posting a “free Palestine” message on social media just before the film’s first trailer dropped in August 2024. This post, according to Postmedia, sparked internal tensions, with Jonah Platt—the son of producer Marc Platt—publicly blaming Zegler’s political stance for putting the film’s promotion in jeopardy.
Meanwhile, Gal Gadot, cast as the Evil Queen, faced her own set of challenges. As a former member of the Israeli Defense Forces and a vocal supporter of Israel, Gadot drew criticism from pro-Palestinian activists, especially in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis. In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Gadot acknowledged the immense pressure on celebrities in Hollywood to speak out against Israel after the attack. “What happens with all kinds of industries, and in Hollywood, there is pressure on celebrities to speak against Israel. I can always explain and try to explain the context of what happened and the reality, but in the end, people decide for themselves,” Gadot explained, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.
Gadot’s comments did not go unnoticed. Soon after her interview aired on Israel’s Channel Keshet 12 network, she faced a wave of criticism for suggesting that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—and the backlash against her Israeli identity—had played a significant role in the film’s lackluster performance. “I was sure that this movie was going to be a huge success, and then October 7 happened,” she told reporters, as cited by The Jerusalem Post. “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.”
In the days that followed, Gadot took to Instagram Stories to clarify her remarks, admitting that her initial response had been shaped by emotion. “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 on August 17, 2025. Gadot went on to emphasize that she did not believe the film’s failure could be blamed solely on external pressures or geopolitical controversies. “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,” she acknowledged, as reported by Postmedia and DigitalSiber.id.
The internal dynamics of the film’s production also contributed to the growing sense of unease. Disney, perhaps wary of the mounting controversies, opted against holding a traditional red-carpet premiere, instead inviting only photographers and in-house interviewers. This unusual move was seen by some insiders as a sign that the studio was bracing for backlash. Yet, amid all the tension, Gadot was quick to dispel rumors of discord between herself and Zegler. “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,” she told The Jerusalem Post. Her comments were echoed by Zegler, who addressed the passionate responses to her casting and political views in a March 2025 interview with Vogue Mexico: “I interpret people’s sentiments towards this film as passion. 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.”
The Snow White saga is emblematic of the complex intersection between entertainment, identity, and politics in today’s Hollywood. The film’s fate was shaped not only by creative decisions and casting choices but also by the broader social and political climate. As Gadot herself noted, “There are many factors that determine a successful or unsuccessful film, and success is never certain.” The film’s deviation from the original source material, the casting of a Latina actress in a traditionally white role, and the highly charged political statements from both stars all combined to create a perfect storm of controversy.
Industry analysts point out that Disney’s loss on Snow White is one of the studio’s most significant in recent years. With a production budget reportedly close to $200 million, the film’s $205 million global gross barely made a dent after marketing costs and theater splits, resulting in a reported $115 million loss. The decision to forgo a major premiere, the tepid critical reception, and the social media firestorm all played their part.
For some, the Snow White saga is a cautionary tale about the risks of mixing politics and entertainment. For others, it’s a reminder that Hollywood, like any other industry, is not immune to the pressures of the world outside its studio gates. As Gadot’s experience shows, actors are often judged not just for their performances, but for their identities and beliefs as well—sometimes in ways that overshadow the work itself.
In the end, Snow White will be remembered as much for the controversies that surrounded it as for the film itself. The story behind the scenes—of clashing perspectives, passionate convictions, and the unpredictable alchemy of fame and politics—may prove to be the real drama that keeps audiences talking long after the credits have rolled.
