In a recent interview in Israel, Gal Gadot, known for her role as Wonder Woman, expressed her initial optimism regarding the live-action remake of “Snow White”. She was confident that the film would be “a huge success.” However, the unexpected events of October 7, 2023, dramatically changed the landscape, leading to significant pressures on celebrities, especially regarding their views on Israel.
During her conversation with a group of interviewers, which included amateur journalists on the autism spectrum, Gadot addressed the ongoing pressures faced by public figures. She pointed out that there is a growing expectation for celebrities to express their opinions on sensitive topics, particularly concerning Israel. “What’s happening in all kinds of industries and also in Hollywood, is that there’s a lot of pressure on celebrities to bring up things against Israel,” she noted.
When discussing the film, which has been labeled a “huge flop” by some interviewers, Gadot reflected on her collaboration with Rachel Zegler. She described their time together as “fun,” highlighting the laughter they shared while working on the project. Zegler, however, faced backlash in 2024 after posting the phrase “and always remember, free Palestine” on X, which occurred shortly after she thanked her fans for their support of the “Snow White” trailer. This controversy added to the challenges surrounding the film's reception.
Despite both actresses' efforts to promote the film positively, the controversy surrounding their comments significantly impacted the box office performance of "Snow White." Gadot expressed her disappointment, stating, “I was disappointed that the movie was greatly affected by that and didn’t do well at the box office.” She emphasized the difficulty of conveying the complex realities of the situation in Israel, adding, “You can always explain and try to give people in the world a context about what’s happening in Israel and what the reality is here, but in the end, people decide for themselves.”
As the discussion around the live-action “Snow White” continues, both Gadot and Zegler's experiences highlight the intricate relationship between celebrity, politics, and public perception. The film's journey is a testament to how external factors can influence the entertainment industry, leaving both fans and creators to navigate these turbulent waters.
