Gal Gadot is making headlines once again, but this time it’s not just for her role in Disney’s live-action reimagining of "Snow White." The Israeli actress has found herself at the center of a storm following her outspoken support for Israel amid a backdrop of significant backlash and an organized boycott from multiple Arab countries. This controversy follows the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which led to a massive military response in Gaza, sparking global debates around the conflict.
In a revealing interview with Variety published shortly before the release of "Snow White" on March 21, 2025, Gadot reflected on her decision to speak out politically. She expressed her reluctance to engage in political discourse, explaining, "I was shocked by the amount of hate, by the amount of how much people think they know when they actually have no idea, and also by how the media is not fair many times. So I had to speak up." Gadot, whose family history includes being descended from a Holocaust survivor, emphasizes her deeply personal connection to the issues surrounding Israel.
Despite her clarifications and intentions, the backlash was immediate. A ceremony for her Hollywood Walk of Fame star on March 18 was marred by protests from both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups, highlighting the politically charged atmosphere surrounding her public persona. Activists in the Arab world did not hesitate to take action, issuing calls for a boycott of "Snow White" due to Gadot’s involvement, which they claim endorses the Israeli military's actions in Gaza that have resulted in heavy civilian casualties.
Several organizations across Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Egypt backed the boycott, insisting that Gadot represents "occupation, violence, and a military force that continues to commit atrocities against Palestinians." They argue that casting her in such a prominent role is an attempt to sanitize her image and distract from her firm stance regarding Israeli military operations.
Adding to the film's controversy, many critics have expressed disappointment with Gadot’s portrayal as the Evil Queen, citing her singing and acting as reasons for their negativity. YouTube commentator Amala Ekpunobi remarked, "Gadot looked so uncomfortable in everything she was doing, which came off as robotic and mechanic." Similarly, reviewer Grace Randolph described her performance as "truly awful," stating that the role could have been filled more convincingly by another actress.
Despite these critiques, Rachel Zegler’s performance in the titular role has received praise. Many reviews highlighted Zegler’s talent, contrasting it sharply with Gadot’s portrayal. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian claimed that both leads delivered "the dullest performances of their lives," while others online shared sentiments that echoed a similar disdain for Gadot's contributions to the film.
The narrative surrounding "Snow White" isn’t just about the performances; it’s rooted in a broader cultural discussion. Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, has defended the need to modernize the story, suggesting that it was outdated for its portrayal of romance and dependency on a prince. In her perspective, "She’s not going to be saved by the prince, and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be." This stance has incited its own backlash from conservative audiences who feel that the reimagining undermines the original character.
The film has not only experienced artistic criticisms but has also faced scrutiny over character decisions, such as the portrayal of the dwarfs, which has had its fair share of backlash, especially from actor Peter Dinklage, who criticized Disney for advertising progressive casting practices while maintaining outdated narratives.
Despite the controversy surrounding the release of "Snow White," which has also included decisions to limit press coverage at premieres, early reviews are predominantly mixed. Many are eager to see Zegler’s performance despite critiques of Gadot's, raising questions about whether audiences will flock to the theaters or adhere to boycott calls.
As Gadot stated while accepting her Hollywood honor, “I'm just a girl from a town in Israel. This star will remind me that with hard work and passion, anything is possible.” Nonetheless, the political climate and her remarks seem to overshadow her achievements. With an impending release that has been heavily criticized for its production choices, and the sentiment surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict growing increasingly polarized, the fallout from this film will surely extend beyond its box office success.
As the situation stands, the dichotomy between Gadot’s vocal support of Israel and the global outcry against it epitomizes the ongoing struggles of celebrity involvement in sensitive issues. "Snow White" is not just a film; it has morphed into a focal point of cultural conversations that juxtapose art against politics, raising significant questions about representation, advocacy, and the consequences of public discourse.
