In the glittering yet unforgiving world of Hollywood, where dreams can soar or crash with a single misstep, Disney’s live-action Snow White was meant to be a crown jewel. Instead, it has become a cautionary tale of controversy, clashing egos, and a box office catastrophe that has left fans reeling and industry insiders pointing fingers. At the heart of this fairytale-turned-nightmare are its two leading ladies: Gal Gadot, the poised Israeli actress who embodied the Evil Queen, and Rachel Zegler, the fiery young Latina star cast as Snow White. For months, rumors of tension between the two have swirled, fueled by Zegler’s outspoken comments and a film that failed to capture the magic of its 1937 predecessor. Now, in a candid interview that has set social media ablaze, Gadot has finally spoken out, addressing Zegler’s attitude and the political storm that sank their $240 million project. This is the untold story of a Disney disaster that’s as dramatic off-screen as it was on.

The Snow White remake was announced with fanfare in 2021, promising a fresh take on the classic tale with a diverse cast and a modernized narrative. Rachel Zegler, fresh off her breakout role in West Side Story, was cast as the titular princess, a choice that sparked both excitement and backlash from those who questioned her fit for a character traditionally described as having “skin as white as snow.” Gal Gadot, beloved for her portrayal of Wonder Woman and her commanding screen presence, was tapped to play the Evil Queen, bringing a regal intensity to the role. On paper, the pairing was electric—a clash of youthful vibrancy and seasoned gravitas. Behind the scenes, however, cracks began to form long before the cameras rolled.

From the outset, Zegler’s comments about the project stirred controversy. In a 2022 interview, she called the original 1937 animated film “dated,” criticizing its focus on Snow White’s romance with a prince she described as a “stalker.” “We didn’t do that this time,” she told reporters, emphasizing that her Snow White would be a leader, not a damsel dreaming of true love. While some praised her feminist spin, others—particularly Disney purists—bristled at what they saw as a dismissive jab at a beloved classic. Social media erupted, with hashtags like #NotMySnowWhite trending as fans accused Zegler of disrespecting the legacy they cherished. The backlash only intensified when Zegler doubled down, insisting the remake was necessary to reflect modern values. For a studio banking on nostalgia, her words were a risky gamble.

Enter Gal Gadot, whose approach to the project couldn’t have been more different. Known for her measured elegance, Gadot spoke warmly of the film’s heart and her love for the role, avoiding the provocative soundbites that defined Zegler’s press run. But the real storm brewed when Zegler’s political activism collided with Gadot’s personal history. In August 2024, Zegler posted a promotional tweet for the Snow White trailer, ending it with a bold “Free Palestine” statement. The comment, made amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, ignited a firestorm, especially given Gadot’s Israeli background and her past service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Gadot, who has been vocal about her support for Israel, particularly after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, faced immediate scrutiny. Rumors swirled that her team briefly retweeted a post accusing Zegler of using her co-star’s heritage to “look cooler with the kids,” only to delete it—a move that fueled speculation of a feud.

In a bombshell interview on Israel’s The A Talks on August 14, 2025, Gadot finally addressed the elephant in the room. Speaking in Hebrew to a panel of journalists, she expressed disappointment not only in the film’s dismal performance—grossing just $205.7 million worldwide against a $240-270 million budget—but also in the external pressures that overshadowed it. “I really enjoyed filming that movie. I had fun,” she said, her voice steady but tinged with frustration. “Even working with Rachel Zegler. We laughed, we talked, it was fun. I was positive the movie was going to be a huge hit.” Then, her tone shifted as she tackled the political maelstrom. “There was a lot of pressure on celebrities to speak out against Israel,” she said. “And it happened. I can explain, give context about the reality in Israel, but people make their own minds. I was disappointed that the movie was incredibly affected by all of that and didn’t do well at the box office.”

Gadot’s words were a rare glimpse into the toll of the controversy, but they also sparked a new wave of debate. Was she subtly calling out Zegler’s activism? Fans and critics alike dissected her comments, with some interpreting them as a veiled critique of Zegler’s “attitude”—a term that has dogged the young actress since production began. Insiders close to the set paint a complex picture. Zegler, at 23, brought a bold, unapologetic energy to the project, often pushing for creative changes to reflect her vision of a strong, independent Snow White. While her passion earned praise from director Marc Webb, it reportedly clashed with Gadot’s more collaborative approach. “Rachel’s young, she’s driven, but sometimes it came off as entitled,” a crew member shared anonymously. “Gal was professional, always trying to keep the peace, but you could feel the tension.”

The film’s troubles didn’t stop at interpersonal drama. Critics panned the remake, with a 42% Rotten Tomatoes score reflecting mixed reviews. Zegler’s performance as Snow White won consistent praise for its emotional depth, butçalves, but Gadot’s Evil Queen was called “abhorrent” by Slate and “toe-curlingly terrible” by The Guardian. The CGI dwarves drew ire for their uncanny appearance, and the film’s tonal inconsistency—part nostalgic musical, part modern empowerment tale—left audiences confused. Disney’s decision to scale back the Hollywood premiere, limiting media access, signaled their lack of confidence, a move that only amplified the narrative of a troubled production.

Zegler’s outspokenness didn’t help. Her “Free Palestine” tweet prompted Disney to hire a social media consultant, and producer Marc Platt reportedly flew to New York to address her comments. Some industry voices, including Platt’s son Jonah, publicly blamed Zegler for dragging politics into the film’s promotion, arguing it alienated audiences. Yet, defenders argue Zegler has been unfairly scapegoated. “She’s a young Latina actress in a historically white role—of course she’s a target,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “The film’s failure isn’t her fault; it’s a bad script and a divided vision.” Others point to broader issues: Disney’s reliance on remakes, the polarizing reimagining of the dwarves, and the geopolitical climate that amplified tensions between the stars.

Gadot, for her part, has tried to quell feud rumors. “We had fun,” she insisted in her interview, emphasizing their on-set camaraderie. Yet, their frosty appearance at the 2025 Oscars—where they presented an award without exchanging a glance—spoke volumes. Zegler’s Instagram post thanking the cast and crew notably omitted Gadot, while Gadot’s solo promotional appearances, like her Good Morning America spot, underscored their distance. Disney’s attempt to present a united front at the March 15 premiere fell flat, with the scaled-back event described as “awkward” by attendees.

The Snow White disaster is a stark reminder of Hollywood’s high stakes. For Zegler, the backlash has been brutal, with grown men harassing her online and in person, yet she remains defiant. “Nothing is worth innocent lives,” she said, defending her activism. Gadot, meanwhile, faces her own challenges, with pro-Palestine protests at her events highlighting the polarized climate. Both actresses, in their own way, embody the complexities of modern stardom—navigating fame, identity, and a world quick to judge.

As the dust settles, Snow White stands as a $65 million lesson in hubris, miscommunication, and the perils of mixing politics with popcorn entertainment. For Gadot, it’s a rare misstep in a stellar career; for Zegler, it’s a crucible that could define her future. Will they reconcile, or will this feud linger like a poisoned apple? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: in this fairytale, there’s no happily ever after.