In early 2025, Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, hit theaters with high expectations but quickly became one of the studio’s most notorious flops. Grossing just $205.7 million globally against a production and marketing budget nearing $500 million, the film earned a dismal 2/10 IMDb rating, marking it as Disney’s lowest-rated production ever. For Gal Gadot, the Israeli actress known for her iconic role as Wonder Woman, the failure of Snow White has been described as a “worst-case scenario” for her Hollywood career. Reports suggest that Gadot is now grappling with intense scrutiny, a tarnished reputation, and the need to carefully navigate her next steps in an unforgiving industry. This article explores the factors behind the film’s failure, the impact on Gadot’s career, and her efforts to stage a comeback amidst a storm of controversy.

The Snow White Debacle: A Perfect Storm of Controversy

Disney’s Snow White was envisioned as a bold reimagining of the 1937 animated classic, aiming to modernize the story for contemporary audiences. Directed by Marc Webb, the film cast Rachel Zegler, a rising star of Colombian descent, as Snow White, and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, leveraging their star power to draw audiences. However, the production was plagued by challenges from the outset, including a writers’ strike, a literal fire on set, and polarizing creative decisions. The film’s narrative shifted away from the original’s romantic focus, emphasizing Snow White’s leadership and independence, a move that sparked backlash from fans who felt it strayed too far from the beloved classic.

The film faced further criticism over its casting and portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs. Zegler’s casting as a Latina Snow White drew racist backlash, while the decision to replace traditional dwarf characters with CGI and diverse actors prompted accusations of ableism. Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage publicly criticized the depiction of dwarfs, adding fuel to the controversy. These issues, combined with a lackluster trailer that some described as “A.I.-generated,” set the stage for a troubled release.

Public comments from the film’s stars exacerbated tensions. Zegler, in a 2022 ExtraTV interview, called the original film’s prince a “stalker” and described the 1937 classic as “dated,” remarks that alienated Disney purists. Her comments went viral, with TikTok users criticizing her for dismissing the original’s charm and arguing that not all female characters need to be “girl bosses.” Gadot, meanwhile, faced mixed reviews for her performance as the Evil Queen, with audiences finding it “less convincing” and lacking the menace expected of the iconic villain.

The Political Firestorm: Zegler, Gadot, and the Israel-Palestine Divide

The most significant controversy surrounding Snow White stemmed from the differing political stances of its leads, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Rachel Zegler, a vocal supporter of Palestine, signed the Artists4Ceasefire letter in 2023 and posted “and always remember, free Palestine” on X in August 2024, shortly after promoting the Snow White trailer. This post, which garnered 8.8 million views, sparked outrage among some fans and reportedly led to a spike in death threats against Gadot, an Israeli actress and former IDF soldier who has publicly supported Israel, notably in a speech at the Anti-Defamation League’s 2025 summit. Disney responded by hiring additional security for Gadot and assigning a “social media guru” to vet Zegler’s posts, reflecting the studio’s concern over the film’s already fragile promotion.

The tension between Zegler and Gadot fueled rumors of a feud, amplified by their awkward interactions at the 97th Oscars on March 2, 2025, where they presented an award together but barely acknowledged each other. Disney’s decision to schedule separate promotional events for the actresses and limit press access at the March 15 premiere at the El Capitan Theatre furthered perceptions of discord. At Gadot’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on March 18, pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protesters clashed, with some holding signs accusing Gadot of supporting “genocide” in her Snow White role. These events underscored how the film became entangled in broader geopolitical debates, alienating audiences and damaging its box office prospects.

Impact on Gal Gadot’s Career: A “Worst-Case Scenario”

For Gadot, who had hoped Snow White would cement her status as an A-list actress beyond her Wonder Woman role, the film’s failure has been a significant setback. Reports from outlets like FandomWire and Life & Style describe Gadot as “stung and alarmed” by the movie’s poor performance, with a source noting that it represents “the worst-case scenario” for her career. The film’s $205.7 million global gross against a $500 million budget, coupled with its 2/10 IMDb score, has led to questions about Gadot’s bankMisc:0⁊

Critics and audiences alike found Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen underwhelming, with comments on X describing her performance as “astoundingly awful” and “insufferable.” This negative reception contrasts sharply with her earlier successes in the DC Extended Universe, where her charisma as Wonder Woman earned widespread praise. The Snow White flop, combined with the political backlash, has left Gadot in a precarious position, with studios reportedly skeptical of her ability to draw audiences. An insider told Life & Style that “every studio is skeptical of her right now, and for the first time since she broke through in 2017, she has something to prove.”

The political controversy has also taken a toll. Gadot’s vocal support for Israel, particularly after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, has drawn criticism from pro-Palestine activists, with her Instagram posts flooded with negative comments. The protests at her Walk of Fame ceremony and the death threats linked to Zegler’s posts have heightened her vulnerability, forcing her to navigate a polarized public perception. Unlike Zegler, who has garnered support from younger audiences for her outspokenness, Gadot’s more reserved approach to the controversy has not shielded her from backlash, leaving her career at a crossroads.

Zegler’s Role in the Narrative: Scapegoat or Catalyst?

While Gadot faces career challenges, much of the blame for Snow White’s failure has been directed at Rachel Zegler. Industry insiders, including producer Marc Platt’s son Jonah, have accused Zegler of damaging the film’s prospects with her “immature” and “narcissistic” comments, particularly her pro-Palestine post and criticisms of the original film. Disney executives reportedly flew Platt to New York to confront Zegler about her social media activity, but she refused to remove the posts, further straining her relationship with the studio. Variety reported that Disney’s frustration with Zegler dates back to her 2022 complaints about not being invited to the Oscars for West Side Story, highlighting a pattern of public relations challenges.

However, Zegler has also emerged as an unlikely icon for some, particularly younger fans who admire her unapologetic stance. Vanity Fair noted that efforts to scapegoat Zegler have backfired, with social media users on X praising her performance as the highlight of Snow White. Posts like those from @nadreviews and @xchaoticangel lauded Zegler’s talent, arguing that she “carried” the film despite its flaws, while Gadot’s performance and the film’s overall execution drew harsher criticism. ScreenRant highlighted that Snow White is Zegler’s second-highest-grossing film, suggesting her star power remains intact despite the controversy.

Gadot’s Path to Recovery: A Calculated Comeback

In response to the Snow White fallout, Gadot is reportedly taking a cautious approach to her next projects, aiming to rebuild her reputation with roles that resonate with audiences. According to FandomWire, she is working on scripts in pre-production, including a new rendition of Cleopatra and a supporting role in the thriller Hand of Dante, alongside stars like Gerard Butler and Oscar Isaac. These projects, while promising, lack the blockbuster appeal of her DC roles or Snow White, and insiders stress that Gadot needs a theatrical hit to restore her A-list status. “She’s picking up the phone and chasing down projects, but everybody knows she needs a hit,” a source told Life & Style.

Gadot’s team is also navigating the political fallout. Unlike Zegler, who has leaned into her activism, Gadot has limited her public comments on the Israel-Palestine conflict to expressions of support for civilian hostages, avoiding direct engagement with the Snow White controversy. This restraint may help her avoid further alienating audiences, but it has not quelled the protests and online vitriol directed at her. Her appearance on Good Morning America to promote Snow White was carefully managed, focusing on the film rather than personal or political matters.

Broader Implications for Hollywood

The Snow White fiasco highlights broader challenges in Hollywood, particularly the risks of remaking beloved classics in a polarized cultural climate. Disney’s decision to scale back the film’s premiere, limiting press access and separating Zegler and Gadot during promotions, reflects a growing wariness of stars’ social media presence and political activism. The studio’s hiring of a social media guru for Zegler underscores the industry’s struggle to balance creative freedom with commercial imperatives.

The film’s failure also raises questions about the viability of Disney’s live-action remake strategy. With other remakes like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin achieving mixed success, Snow White’s dismal performance suggests audiences may be tiring of reimagined classics, particularly when they deviate significantly from the originals. The political and cultural controversies surrounding the film further illustrate how global issues, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, can impact entertainment, turning a fairy tale into a lightning rod for debate.

Looking Ahead: A Tale of Resilience

For Gal Gadot, the Snow White disaster represents a pivotal moment. The actress, once celebrated as a global icon, now faces the challenge of reinventing herself in a competitive industry. Her upcoming projects, particularly Cleopatra, offer a chance to showcase her versatility, but their success will depend on her ability to reconnect with audiences and move beyond the shadow of Snow White. For Zegler, the controversy has paradoxically bolstered her visibility, positioning her as a bold voice for a new generation, even as she navigates studio tensions.

As the dust settles, the Snow White saga serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of art, politics, and public perception in Hollywood. For Gadot, the path forward requires strategic choices and a return to the charisma that made her a star. Whether she can turn this “worst-case scenario” into a comeback story remains to be seen, but her resilience and determination suggest that this chapter is far from her final act.