Israeli actress Gal Gadot, known globally for her role as Wonder Woman, has suggested that Disney’s Snow White remake struggled at the box office partly because of political pressures in Hollywood.
In an appearance on Israeli television programme The A Talks, Gadot said there is “pressure on celebrities to speak against Israel,” which she believes influenced the reception of the live-action adaptation. “This happens a lot in various industries, including Hollywood. I was disappointed that the movie was incredibly affected by all of that and that it didn’t do well at the box office. But that’s how it goes, you win some, you lose some,” she explained, as reported by Variety.
Gadot played the Evil Queen in the live-action film, while actress Rachel Zegler starred as Snow White. Despite Disney’s strong branding and high expectations, the project failed to generate the kind of commercial success the studio is accustomed to with its remakes.
Gadot’s Controversial Background and Global Reactions
Gadot’s remarks come against the backdrop of her own history of political controversy. Born in Israel, she served two years in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war. Her military service has long been a point of contention, especially in the Arab world.
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In 2017, Lebanon banned the release of Wonder Woman, citing her IDF background, according to The Washington Post. Gadot has also frequently faced backlash online for her outspoken views regarding Israel. Her comments about the Snow White remake appear to reflect her broader concerns about how politics and entertainment intersect.
Behind the Scenes
The troubled rollout of Disney’s Snow White remake did not only revolve around geopolitical controversy. According to Deadline, lead actress Rachel Zegler—who has publicly voiced support for Palestine and Gaza—clashed with producer Marc Platt during promotional tours. Reports suggested tension between Zegler’s outspoken activism and the studio’s marketing strategies, creating further complications for the film’s public image.
Disney had already faced criticism over its approach to remakes, with some audiences expressing fatigue over reimagined classics. However, the political undertones surrounding the cast amplified scrutiny, with promotional interviews often overshadowed by heated discussions about Israel and Palestine.
Box Office Struggles Despite Disney’s Legacy
Disney’s live-action remakes have generally been strong performers at the box office, with titles like The Lion King and Aladdin grossing hundreds of millions globally. However, the Snow White remake fell short of expectations despite the studio’s heavy investment.
Analysts have pointed to multiple factors, including remake fatigue, critical reviews, and controversies surrounding the film’s casting and political associations. Gadot’s latest remarks add another dimension, suggesting that external political pressures and industry expectations contributed to the underwhelming financial performance.
Hollywoogald, Politics, and Celebrity Pressure
Gadot’s comments highlight an ongoing debate in Hollywood: to what extent should actors and filmmakers engage with political conflicts? She claimed that many celebrities feel pressured to speak against Israel, a position she believes negatively impacts careers and creative projects.
“Politics is always part of the equation, whether we like it or not,” Gadot said in the interview. Her statement reflects a broader concern that global conflicts are increasingly spilling into the entertainment industry, affecting films, press tours, and even box office returns.
A Divided Audience and Future Implications
The Snow White remake serves as a case study in how politics, identity, and entertainment collide in today’s globalized film market. While some audiences praised Zegler for her activism, others criticized her for politicizing the film’s promotion. Similarly, Gadot’s association with Israel has remained a flashpoint, with boycotts and bans shaping the film’s reception in certain regions.
As Disney continues to pursue remakes of its animated classics, the studio faces growing challenges in balancing creative storytelling with an increasingly politicized landscape. Gadot’s candid remarks may further fuel debate about whether Hollywood can separate art from politics—or whether the two are inevitably intertwined.
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