In a recent interview on the Israeli celebrity talk show The A Talks, actress Gal Gadot expressed her views on the disappointing box office performance of Disney's live-action adaptation of Snow White. Gadot attributed the film's struggles to the intense pressure on celebrities to take a stance against Israel, a sentiment that has resonated throughout Hollywood. This interview was reported by The Jerusalem Post, shedding light on Gadot's perspective on the intersection of celebrity, politics, and the entertainment industry.
When asked if she was upset about the film's lackluster performance, Gadot shared her positive experience during filming. “First of all, I have to say that I really enjoyed filming this movie,” she stated in Hebrew. She went on to express her enjoyment of working alongside fellow actress Rachel Zegler, saying, “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.”
However, Gadot noted that the landscape changed dramatically following the events of October 7, which she indicated created a ripple effect in various industries, including Hollywood. She remarked, “There’s a lot of pressure on celebrities to speak out against Israel.” This pressure, she believes, contributed to the film's poor reception. “I was disappointed that the movie was greatly affected by that and didn’t do well at the box office,” Gadot lamented.
Gadot's military background has also played a role in her public image. She served in the Israeli Defense Forces for two years, including participation in the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war. This service led to controversy when Lebanon banned the release of her film Wonder Woman in 2017, citing her military service as a reason, as reported by The Washington Post.
Conversely, Zegler has been a vocal supporter of Palestine, which reportedly created tension during the promotion of Snow White. Producer Marc Platt faced challenges in navigating these differing political views among the cast.
The backdrop of Gadot's comments is a complex humanitarian crisis. Leading organizations, including the UN Special Committee, Amnesty International, and Doctors Without Borders, have raised alarms about the conditions facing Palestinians, with some experts alleging that Israel is committing genocide. A report from May 2025 highlighted alarming predictions regarding food insecurity in Gaza, estimating that by September, half a million people could be facing catastrophic conditions marked by acute malnutrition.
The political climate surrounding Gadot has also manifested in public protests. In late May, five protesters were detained for targeting the set of her upcoming movie, The Runner, in central London. Additionally, her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony faced delays due to demonstrations from both pro-Palestine and pro-Israel groups, reflecting the polarized opinions surrounding her and her projects.
As the conversation surrounding Snow White continues, Gadot's insights offer a glimpse into the pressures faced by celebrities in today's politically charged environment, raising questions about the impact of activism on the entertainment industry.
