Israeli actress and Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot recently addressed the backlash surrounding her comments on the box office performance of Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White. The star initially suggested that anti-Israel sentiment played a role in the film’s lackluster turnout but has since clarified her statement.
Gal Gadot Responds to Controversy
In a televised interview on Israel’s The A Talks, Gadot shared her thoughts, reflecting on the challenges the film faced in light of her Israeli identity. A clip from the interview circulated online, prompting the actress to post an explanation on Instagram for her 107 million followers.
She wrote, “I was honored to join an extraordinary interview with inspiring interviewers, whose questions go straight to the heart. Sometimes we respond to questions from an emotional place. When the film came out, I felt that those who are against Israel criticized me in a very personal, almost visceral way.”
Gadot emphasized that her initial comments came from her perspective as an Israeli actress navigating a polarized global environment, stating, “They saw me, first and foremost, as an Israeli, not as an actress. That’s the perspective I spoke from when I answered the question.”
Acknowledging Multiple Factors
In a follow-up Instagram Story, Gadot clarified that the box office performance of Snow White was not solely due to external political pressures. “Of course, the film didn’t fail solely because of external pressures. There are many factors that determine why a film succeeds or fails. Success is never guaranteed,” she wrote.
The film’s release had been marred by controversy even before it hit theaters. Co-star Rachel Zegler made headlines with comments supporting “free Palestine,” which divided fans. The reported ideological differences between the two leading actresses fueled speculation about behind-the-scenes tensions, though both remained professional during promotional events.
Criticism Surrounding the Film
Adding to the controversy, the movie faced backlash for its politically correct reimagining of the classic fairytale. Rachel Zegler defended the modernized approach in a 2022 interview with Vanity Fair, saying, “It needed that.” Actor Peter Dinklage also criticized Disney for perpetuating what he called a “backward story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together.”
Amid the debates, Disney scaled back its traditional marketing strategies ahead of the release. The London premiere at Leicester Square was canceled, and the studio limited press access. Reports suggested that this was an effort to manage potential “anti-woke” backlash.
Gal Gadot Reflects on the Outcome
In the interview with Israeli media, Gadot revealed her disappointment about the film’s performance. “I was sure this movie was going to be a huge hit. And then…it happened,” she said, referencing geopolitical events, including the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and Israel’s subsequent bombardment of Gaza. “There’s pressure on celebrities to speak against Israel,” she added.
Although the situation surrounding the film’s release and reception was complex, Gadot expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share her thoughts and remains optimistic about future projects.