Lebanon’s recent ban on Disney’s “Snow White” remake underscores escalating tensions, with the involvement of Israeli actress Gal Gadot at the center of the controversy.
Quick Takes
- Disney’s “Snow White” has been banned in Lebanon due to the involvement of Israeli actress Gal Gadot.
- Lebanon’s Interior Minister ordered the ban amidst ongoing Israeli attacks on Hezbollah.
- Gadot’s public support for Israel, especially after the October 7 Hamas attacks, has drawn backlash.
- The film’s low global box office performance is exacerbated by production challenges and bans.
Lebanon’s Ban and Political Backdrop
Lebanon has banned Disney’s remake of “Snow White,” starring Gal Gadot as The Evil Queen. The ban comes amid Gadot’s inclusion on Lebanon’s boycott list, attributed to her previous service in the Israel Defense Forces and vocal support for Israel. This move by Lebanese authorities, led by Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar, aligns with existing political tensions, especially amidst Israeli attacks on Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s action isn’t an isolated incident; the country has previously banned films like “Death on the Nile” and “Wonder Woman,” also featuring Gadot. The involvement of Israeli actress Shira Haas led to Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World” facing a similar fate. The banning of such films enriches Lebanon’s historical context of media restrictions, often reflecting its geopolitical dynamics with Israel.
Gal Gadot’s Role and Its Controversy
Gadot’s outspoken advocacy for Israel, notably after the October 7 Hamas attacks, has been met with significant backlash. A quote from Gadot encapsulates her fervent sentiments, “My heart breaks. My country is at war. I worry for my family, my friends. I worry for my people.” This public stance is juxtaposed against the quieter, more diplomatic roles she typically portrays on screen. Such controversy isn’t new for Gadot, who has often found her film roles at odds with political realities.
In the case of “Snow White,” the political views of Gadot’s co-star, Rachel Zegler, who supports Palestine, have added to the film’s challenges. While Gadot maintains her support for Israel, Zegler has voiced contrasting opinions, including criticism of the original 1937 “Snow White” film. This stark contrast has reportedly led to tensions between the actresses during promotions.
Impact on “Snow White” and its Performance
Following release, “Snow White” has faced protests, threats, and security concerns, contributing to low box office numbers. Estimated at a budget of $270 million, the film has only grossed $182.6 million worldwide. Despite direction by Marc Webb and a script from Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, these factors have collectively led to an underwhelming global performance. Production issues like COVID-19 delays, strike actions, and a set fire have further strained its success.
“Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States, and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying and cheering on a massacre of Jews,” Gadot said in a speech.
Despite their efforts, representatives for Disney, Gadot, and the film’s Lebanese distributor have refrained from commenting on the ban. The film continues playing in theaters, albeit shadowed by criticism and mixed reception. As the controversy unfurls, the broader narrative reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions that extend beyond cinema and into the daily realities of the actors involved.
