In a candid interview that has sparked widespread discussion across Hollywood and beyond, Israeli actress Gal Gadot has attributed the underwhelming box office performance of Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White to the intense pressure placed on celebrities to publicly criticize Israel amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The film, which hit theaters in March 2025, was anticipated to be a major hit given Disney’s track record with fairy tale reboots, but instead, it became one of the studio’s most notable financial setbacks in recent years. Gadot, who portrayed the iconic Evil Queen opposite Rachel Zegler’s Snow White, expressed her disappointment, suggesting that the film’s fate was influenced by factors far beyond its creative merits.

The Snow White remake was a high-stakes project for Disney, with a production budget reportedly ballooning to nearly $300 million due to extensive reshoots, delays caused by industry strikes, and the integration of cutting-edge visual effects. Directed by Marc Webb, known for his work on The Amazing Spider-Man series, the film aimed to modernize the 1937 animated classic while preserving its magical essence. Zegler, a rising star fresh off her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, was cast as the titular princess, bringing a fresh, empowered twist to the character. Gadot, meanwhile, embodied the villainous queen with a mix of elegance and menace, drawing on her experience in blockbuster franchises like Wonder Woman and Fast & Furious.

Despite the star power and Disney’s massive marketing machine, Snow White stumbled out of the gate. It opened to a modest $42 million domestically over its debut weekend, falling short of projections that had pegged it closer to $60-70 million. By the end of its theatrical run, the film had grossed just $87 million in the United States and Canada, with an additional $118 million from international markets, totaling around $205 million worldwide. This figure, while not insignificant, represented a substantial loss for Disney once marketing costs and revenue splits with theaters were factored in. Analysts estimated the studio could face a deficit of up to $200 million, marking it as one of the biggest bombs in the company’s recent live-action adaptation slate, which includes successes like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast but also misfires such as The Little Mermaid remake.

Gadot’s comments came during an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 News, where she spoke in Hebrew about the film’s reception. According to translations widely reported in entertainment outlets, she lamented the external pressures that she believes derailed the project’s potential. “There’s a lot of pressure put on celebrities, actors, creators to post against Israel,” Gadot stated. “I was disappointed that the movie was affected by this.” She elaborated that the timing of the film’s release coincided with heightened global scrutiny of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which escalated dramatically following the events of October 7, 2023. Gadot, a proud Israeli citizen who served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) before her acting career took off, has been vocal about her support for her homeland, often sharing messages of solidarity on social media. This stance, she implied, made her a target for backlash, which in turn spilled over to the film.

The actress’s remarks highlight a broader tension in Hollywood regarding the Israel-Palestine divide, a topic that has divided the industry since the war’s outbreak. Celebrities have faced increasing calls to take sides, with social media amplifying demands for public statements. Pro-Palestinian activists have organized boycotts against figures perceived as pro-Israel, while pro-Israel advocates decry what they see as one-sided pressure. In Gadot’s case, her past actions—such as screening footage of the October 7 attacks for Hollywood insiders and publicly condemning Hamas—drew ire from some quarters. Online campaigns urged audiences to skip Snow White specifically because of her involvement, with hashtags like #BoycottSnowWhite gaining traction on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These efforts were amplified by influencers and activist groups, who argued that supporting the film equated to endorsing Gadot’s views.

However, Gadot was quick to clarify her statements in a follow-up post on social media, emphasizing that she did not intend to attribute the film’s failure solely to political pressures. “When the film came out, I felt that those who are against Israel criticized me in a very personal, almost visceral way,” she wrote. “But I want to be clear: this wasn’t the only reason for the box office results. There were many factors at play.” This walk-back came amid a flurry of media coverage, with some outlets interpreting her initial comments as a direct accusation against anti-Israel sentiment in Hollywood. Gadot’s clarification aimed to soften the narrative, acknowledging the film’s other challenges while standing by her observation about the industry’s polarized climate.

Indeed, Snow White‘s troubles extended well beyond geopolitics. The production was plagued by controversies from the outset. In 2023, leaked set photos revealed that Disney had opted for CGI dwarves instead of hiring actors with dwarfism, a decision that sparked accusations of ableism and prompted backlash from figures like Peter Dinklage, who called the remake “backward.” The studio defended the choice as a means to avoid stereotypes, but it alienated potential viewers who felt the film strayed too far from the source material.

Adding fuel to the fire were comments from lead actress Rachel Zegler, who positioned the remake as a feminist reimagining. In interviews, Zegler described Snow White not as a damsel dreaming of true love, but as a young woman aspiring to leadership and independence. “She’s not going to be saved by the prince,” Zegler said, emphasizing themes of empowerment over romance. While this resonated with some audiences seeking modern updates, it drew criticism from fans of the original who accused the film of “woke-washing” a beloved classic. Zegler’s social media activity further complicated matters; she posted in support of Palestinian causes, including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, which contrasted sharply with Gadot’s pro-Israel positions. This intra-cast divide fueled tabloid headlines and online debates, with some speculating that it created on-set tension, though both actresses publicly denied any rift.

Critical reception also played a role in the film’s demise. Reviews were mixed, with an aggregate score hovering around 55% on Rotten Tomatoes. Praise was directed at the visuals—the lush forests, enchanted mirrors, and Gadot’s commanding performance—but critics lambasted the script for feeling formulaic and the songs (new additions by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul) for lacking the memorability of the originals. Audiences echoed these sentiments, giving the film a B- CinemaScore, indicating lukewarm word-of-mouth. In a post-pandemic box office landscape where family films compete fiercely with streaming options, Snow White struggled to draw crowds beyond its opening weekend, with legs (the multiplier of opening to total gross) at a dismal 1.94.

The international market, typically a saving grace for Disney blockbusters, underperformed as well. While the film found some success in Europe and Asia, boycotts in certain Middle Eastern countries—where anti-Israel sentiment runs high—limited its reach. Distributors in some regions faced calls to pull the film, citing Gadot’s background, though Disney pushed forward with releases where possible. This global dynamic underscores Gadot’s point about external pressures, as the entertainment industry grapples with how political stances affect commercial viability.

Gadot’s experience is not isolated. Hollywood has seen a wave of similar incidents since the war began. Actors like Melissa Barrera were reportedly removed from projects, such as the Scream franchise, after expressing pro-Palestinian views, while others, including Susan Sarandon, faced professional repercussions for their activism. On the flip side, pro-Israel voices like Gadot and Scarlett Johansson have endured threats and online harassment. This polarization has led to a chilling effect, with many celebrities opting for silence to avoid alienating fans or studios. Industry insiders note that agents now advise clients to steer clear of divisive topics, fearing impacts on casting and endorsements.

For Gadot, the Snow White episode represents a personal and professional crossroads. At 40, she remains one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, with upcoming projects including a Cleopatra biopic and potential returns to the DC Universe. Yet, her comments reveal a frustration with the intersection of art and politics. “I believe in speaking from the heart,” she said in her clarification. “But it’s sad when that affects something as innocent as a fairy tale.” Her words resonate with those who argue that entertainment should transcend real-world conflicts, allowing stories like Snow White to enchant without the burden of global strife.

As Disney reflects on this flop, the studio may rethink its approach to live-action remakes, which have yielded diminishing returns. Future projects, such as Moana 2 and Lilo & Stitch, will be scrutinized for similar pitfalls. Meanwhile, the Snow White saga serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of blockbuster success in an era where social media can amplify controversies and turn cultural icons into battlegrounds.

In the end, Gadot’s blame on celebrity pressures shines a light on a deeper malaise in Hollywood: the struggle to balance artistic freedom with public expectations. Whether this will prompt change remains to be seen, but for now, the mirror on the wall reflects a industry divided, with no clear fairest of them all.