A new controversy emerges in Disney's already troubled Snow White live-action remake as tensions between Israel and Hamas affect its distribution.
According to Daily Mail, Lebanon has banned the $270 million Snow White remake from screening in its theaters nationwide due to star Gal Gadot's Israeli background and her vocal support for Israel in its war against Hamas.
The ban stems from Gadot's past service in the Israel Defense Forces and her public statements supporting Israel's military actions. This marks another setback for the film, which has faced multiple controversies since its production began.
The movie's troubles extend beyond Lebanon's ban, as reports emerged of behind-the-scenes tension between Gadot and co-star Rachel Zegler over their opposing views on the Israel-Hamas conflict. While the actresses maintained professional relationships during filming, their relationship reportedly became strained after Zegler began expressing pro-Palestinian views on social media.
The political divide became more apparent when Zegler shared the film's trailer on social media with the message "free Palestine." This post came amid escalating tensions in the region following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel.
Disney's decision to handle the promotional tour differently reflected these growing tensions. The studio chose to premiere the movie at a remote Spanish castle where only Zegler attended, avoiding potential conflicts between the stars.
The remake faced criticism even before the current political situation affected its release. Initial concerns arose over casting choices, including questions about Zegler, a Latina actress, playing a character traditionally described as "white as snow."
Some viewers expressed concerns about Gadot's casting as the Evil Queen, suggesting it could perpetuate anti-Semitic stereotypes. The production also received backlash for using CGI rather than casting actors with dwarfism.
The film's promotional campaign encountered additional challenges when Zegler's comments about the original 1937 classic drew criticism. Her characterization of Prince Charming as "literally a stalker" sparked debate among Disney fans and traditionalists.
The mounting controversies have taken a toll on the film's commercial prospects. Early projections suggest the movie could lose approximately $115 million, making it one of Disney's more significant financial disappointments.
Lebanon's ban follows their previous decisions to block other Gadot vehicles, including Wonder Woman and Death on the Nile. These restrictions stem from the country's boycott laws regarding Israeli products and personalities.
The film's struggles reflect broader challenges facing Disney's live-action remake strategy, as audiences and critics increasingly scrutinize both casting choices and modernized interpretations of classic stories.
The Snow White remake continues to face challenges as it navigates complex political and cultural landscapes. Lebanon's decision to ban the film represents the latest obstacle for Disney's $270 million investment, which has been affected by regional politics and changing audience expectations. The controversy surrounding Gadot's casting and Zegler's social media activity highlights how international conflicts can impact entertainment industry projects, potentially influencing future casting decisions and promotional strategies for major studio productions.
