When it comes to box office bombshells, few flops are as headline-grabbing as Disney’s live-action “Snow White.” But this time the story isn’t just about box office numbers—it’s Gal Gadot’s attempt to explain the blame, the behind-the-scenes division with Rachel Zegler, and her own very real struggle with health and family. Here’s what’s really going on, and why so many aren’t buying Gal Gadot’s version of events.
Gal Gadot on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict and “Snow White’s” Box Office Bust
Gal Gadot has ignited a major debate by claiming that “pressure” on celebrities to “speak out against Israel” was a key reason for “Snow White’s” disastrous box office performance. Speaking on Israeli TV, Gadot pointed to Hollywood’s climate amid the Israel-Palestinian conflict, saying the movie’s results were “incredibly affected” by the push to publicly take sides—and she didn’t shy away from mentioning her co-star Rachel Zegler’s vocal support for Palestine as a factor.
Let’s check the numbers: with a near $270 million budget, the film only managed about $205 million worldwide—falling massively short of what was needed to recoup costs. But was it really the politics that tanked this movie? Critics and audiences have pointed consistently to weak storytelling, thin characters, and lukewarm audience reviews (38% on Rotten Tomatoes)—with many noting that the political firestorm was more a symptom than a cause. Still, Gadot, who’s been an outspoken supporter of Israel (even at the cost of increased security and protests), seems convinced otherwise, subtly shifting blame in interviews and social posts.
Meanwhile, Rachel Zegler—cast as Snow White—publicly backed Palestinian rights, which only intensified the debate. Inside sources claim even Disney’s production team was divided. Yet, the data and reviews show that the film’s issues likely ran a lot deeper than tweets or global headlines..
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Rachel Zegler, Hollywood, and the Future of Political Storytelling
It wouldn’t be a true Snow White fable without a little more context: Rachel Zegler, for her part, remains engaged with her fans and causes, despite the backlash. Disney insiders whisper that off-screen drama and controversies—including rumors of tension with Gadot and a cultural reckoning for Hollywood’s decision-makers—ultimately overshadowed whatever magic the fairy tale could muster.
Behind the scenes, it’s clear that both stars were swept up in a perfect storm of Hollywood politics, social media controversies, and production choices that left moviegoers cold.
Bottom line: Gal Gadot wants to frame “Snow White’s” failure as the result of political pressure. But critics and crowds suggest the movie simply wasn’t good enough, regardless of the headlines—and that shifting blame is another Hollywood illusion. Through it all, Gadot’s fight for her health and her family’s steadfast support are a reminder that sometimes, the stories that matter most aren’t the ones playing out on screen.
