Gal Gadot clarifies remarks linking Snow White flop to anti-Israel bias
Israeli actress says critics “saw me first and foremost as an Israeli” but admits Disney film’s failure had “many factors”
Gal Gadot has walked back comments suggesting that anti-Israel sentiment played a decisive role in the box office failure of Disney’s live-action Snow White, after her remarks sparked widespread debate.
Speaking last week on Keshet 12’s The A Talks, the Israeli star told interviewers she believed political pressure following the 7 October attacks and the Gaza war contributed heavily to the film’s poor performance. “I was sure that this movie was going to be a huge success, and then 7 October happened… there’s a lot of pressure on celebrities to speak out against Israel,” she said. “I was disappointed that the movie was greatly affected by that and didn’t do well at the box office.”
But in an Instagram clarification on Sunday, Gadot said her earlier answers were “from an emotional place,” explaining: “When the film came out, I felt that those who are against Israel criticised me in a very personal, almost visceral way. They saw me first and foremost as an Israeli, not an actress. That’s the perspective I spoke from.”
She added: “Of course, the film didn’t fail solely because of external pressures. There are many factors that determine why a film succeeds or fails, and success is never guaranteed.”
Snow White – which cost nearly £213 million to produce – grossed around £162 million, falling deeper into loss once promotion was factored in. The remake received largely negative reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes showing just 39 percent critical approval. Critics faulted the film for sidelining the romance in favour of a more overtly political storyline, and for its depiction of the seven dwarves.
Political controversy surrounded the release from the outset. Gadot, 40, was targeted by the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, while online campaigners accused her of “complicity” in alleged Israeli war crimes because of her past IDF service. Co-star Rachel Zegler, who has posted pro-Palestinian messages, was rumoured to have clashed with her – speculation Gadot denied in her television interview.
Despite the disappointment, Gadot told The A Talks she had moved on from the setback: “Run forward. Even if you fall, fail, or face bad reviews – just keep moving forward.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
