In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing Snow White saga, reports have surfaced that Gal Gadot, who portrayed the Evil Queen in Disney’s live-action remake, is taking legal action against the studio. The lawsuit, which has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, allegedly stems from disputes over the handling of the film’s troubled production and promotion, with Gadot pointing fingers at Disney’s mismanagement and the fallout from controversies involving co-star Rachel Zegler and CEO Bob Iger. As the $270 million film continues to flounder at the box office, this legal battle could mark a turning point for Disney, already reeling from one of its most embarrassing flops in recent history.

A Fairytale Gone Wrong

Disney’s Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, was intended to be a triumphant reimagining of the 1937 animated classic, featuring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as her wicked stepmother. Instead, the film has become a lightning rod for controversy, plagued by fan backlash, critical pans, and a dismal box office performance. With a global gross of just $87 million against a budget exceeding $270 million, the film is projected to lose Disney upwards of $115 million, according to industry estimates.

The troubles began long before the film’s release. Zegler’s casting as Snow White sparked debates over her Latina heritage, with some fans arguing she didn’t fit the character’s traditional “skin as white as snow” description. Her public comments criticizing the original animated film as “dated” and dismissing its romantic elements as “weird” further alienated audiences, fueling a viral backlash on social media. Meanwhile, Gadot’s outspoken support for Israel, contrasted with Zegler’s pro-Palestine stance, led to rumors of a feud between the two actresses, amplified by their separate promotional appearances and minimal interaction at the film’s premiere.

Gadot’s Lawsuit: A Poisoned Apple for Disney

According to sources, Gal Gadot’s lawsuit against Disney centers on allegations that the studio failed to adequately manage the film’s PR crisis, particularly in relation to Zegler’s controversial statements. Reports suggest Gadot claims Disney’s inaction exacerbated tensions, leading to death threats against her that required additional security measures, the costs of which Disney reportedly covered. The lawsuit also allegedly accuses the studio of breaching contractual obligations by prioritizing Zegler’s narrative over Gadot’s, despite the latter’s established star power and relatively restrained public persona.

Insiders claim Gadot was frustrated by Disney’s decision to scale back the film’s premiere, opting for a “family-friendly” event with limited press to avoid tough questions—a move seen as an attempt to shield Zegler from further scrutiny. Gadot, who presented alongside Zegler at the 2025 Oscars, reportedly felt sidelined during the promotional campaign, with Disney focusing on damage control for Zegler rather than leveraging Gadot’s global appeal. The lawsuit could seek damages for reputational harm and financial losses tied to the film’s failure, though specific details remain unconfirmed.

Zegler Under Fire: Scapegoat or Saboteur?

Rachel Zegler has borne the brunt of public and industry criticism for Snow White’s collapse. Her social media activity, particularly a post following the trailer release that read “and always remember, free palestine,” drew ire from Disney executives, who reportedly dispatched producer Marc Platt to New York to address the issue. Zegler’s subsequent posts condemning Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection further polarized audiences, prompting Disney to hire a “social media guru” to vet her online presence.

Critics argue Zegler’s outspokenness alienated a significant portion of the film’s potential audience, with some fans boycotting the movie outright. Jonah Platt, son of the film’s producer, publicly blamed Zegler for “dragging her personal politics” into the campaign, though he later deleted the comment after backlash from her supporters. However, Zegler’s defenders, including fans and industry voices like critic David Ehrlich, contend she’s been unfairly scapegoated for a film plagued by deeper issues—shoddy CGI, a muddled script, and Disney’s inability to navigate modern cultural sensitivities. Her performance has received some praise, with reviewers noting her vocal talent and charisma, even if the film itself fell flat.

Bob Iger’s Leadership in Question

Disney CEO Bob Iger, once hailed as a visionary, now faces mounting pressure as Snow White joins a string of recent misfires, including The Little Mermaid (2023) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024). Critics argue Iger’s strategy of doubling down on live-action remakes has grown stale, with audiences tiring of recycled IP and inflated budgets. Iger’s silence on Snow White during Disney’s Q4 2024 earnings call was interpreted as a deliberate snub, signaling the studio’s desire to distance itself from the project.

The Gadot lawsuit could further tarnish Iger’s legacy, raising questions about his oversight of high-stakes projects. Sources suggest Disney’s board is growing restless, especially as the company grapples with broader challenges, from streaming losses to theme park controversies. Iger’s hands-off approach to the Snow White PR debacle, leaving executives like Sean Bailey and Marc Platt to handle the fallout, has drawn scrutiny, with some insiders calling for a shake-up in leadership.

The Fallout: What’s Next for Disney?

As AMC Theatres and other chains pull Snow White from screens due to lackluster demand, Disney faces a reckoning. The studio may pivot to streaming, hoping to recoup losses on Disney+, but the film’s toxic reputation could limit its appeal even there. Gadot’s lawsuit, if substantiated, could expose internal dysfunction at Disney, potentially leading to settlements or public apologies that further erode consumer trust.

For Rachel Zegler, the controversy may prove a double-edged sword. While her career has taken a hit, her resilience and fanbase suggest she could rebound, with upcoming projects like a West End production of Evita offering a chance to showcase her talents. Gadot, meanwhile, remains a bankable star, but her legal battle with Disney could strain future collaborations with the studio.

The Snow White fiasco underscores the risks of reimagining beloved classics in a polarized era. For Disney, it’s a cautionary tale about the limits of nostalgia and the perils of mismanaging talent and expectations. As the lawsuit unfolds, all eyes will be on Bob Iger and his team to see if they can steer the Magic Kingdom out of this storm—or if this poisoned apple will leave a lasting scar.