Disney's recent adaptation of the classic tale "Snow White" has not only drawn attention for its cinematic take but also for the escalating tensions among its cast, particularly between Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler. Following Zegler's pro-Palestinian public statements, Gadot faced an influx of threats that compelled Disney to take extraordinary measures to ensure her safety.
The 23-year-old Zegler, who portrays Snow White in the film, sparked controversy after posting her support for Palestine on social media in August. This culminated in a remark at the end of her post, saying, "and always remember, free Palestine." This statement unleashed a torrent of backlash and threats aimed at Gadot, who formerly served in the Israeli army. According to an article by Variety, Disney was forced to hire private security for Gadot after the substantial online threats against her intensified.
Reports indicate that the hostile atmosphere between the two actresses started during the film’s promotional tours, shedding light on a deeper rift that has reportedly grown alongside their political differences. Sources note that Zegler has demonstrated her pro-Palestinian stances repeatedly, while Gadot’s Israeli heritage and military background have made her a target of bullying on social media.
Due to the fear surrounding the situation, Disney executives were shocked that an actress on their project chose to publicly express controversial political views while the film was undergoing promotion. Producer Mark Platt flew from Los Angeles to New York to meet with Zegler, attempting to remind her of the potential repercussions her words could have for both her career and the film’s success. Yet, Zegler reportedly remained defiant and refused to take down her controversial posts, reinforcing the strain between her and the production team.
Your average viewer might wonder how political activism among Hollywood stars influences production crews and the films’ outcomes. The backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict plays an integral role in public perception; when Zegler made her statements, criticisms flared not only about the film but also on its box office viability. The fallout included Disney incurring costs for additional security measures to protect Gadot, now a mother of four.
In response, Zegler later made an emotional apology, stating, “This week has been emotional for many of us, but I firmly believe that everyone has a right to their opinion, even if it differs from mine,” suggesting her intention was not to invoke animosity.
The premiere weekend for "Snow White" was met with mixed response at the box office, gathering only $87 million worldwide on a hefty budget reportedly inflated to $270 million after reshoots. Disney executives are reportedly concerned about the lack of interest from audiences given the production's significant financial risks. Critics echoed this sentiment, suggesting that negative press surrounding the lead actors may have contributed to poor turnout.
In talking about Zegler's social media, a source close to the film suggested she had difficulty comprehending the widespread implications of her comments. It was noted, “She did not understand the ramifications of her actions and what they meant for the film, for Gal, for everyone involved.” In an attempt to regain control of the narrative, Disney is considering hiring a social media expert to manage future posts from Zegler.
In an unexpected twist, the public also reacted to rumors circulated on social media alleging that activists had vandalized Gadot's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. These claims were later debunked, emphasizing the chaotic interplay between celebrity culture and activism.
Gal Gadot, celebrated for her role as Wonder Woman and known for her previous work in high-profile films, has often faced backlash for her support of Israel since the events of October 7, 2023. The new developments from the ongoing saga showcase the divide among celebrities over political views.
Eventually, both actresses were distanced during promotional events, with reports indicating they sat two rows apart during the Los Angeles premiere and were advised against discussing the project with press attendees. The show's premiere week brought together audiences and critics, compounded by actions from both Zegler and Gadot, which have turned the narrative surrounding the film into a discussion about political opinions in Hollywood rather than its content.
What’s undeniable is that Disney's "Snow White" has become a mirror displaying the complexities faced by modern artists navigating their careers amidst political landscapes that can evolve rapidly and become hostile. As the film rolls in an already fractious box office climate, questions remain about the repercussions of such entangled relationships among those famous and their obligations to remain apolitical, or if they even can.
With their future unclear, both actresses will need to navigate their careers with an understanding that the current climate promotes transparency, and the lines between personal beliefs and public personas are becoming ever more nuanced.
