Disney’s latest live-action fairy tale is finding that “happily ever after” isn’t so easy to come by.
The studio’s remake of Snow White has been officially banned from cinemas in Lebanon, sparking a massive conversation across X and TikTok about the intersection of Hollywood and global politics. The decision comes down to one high-profile name: Gal Gadot.
The Wonder Woman star, who takes on the iconic role of the Evil Queen in the film, is currently on the country’s boycott list. According to local reports from An-Nahar, Lebanon’s Interior Minister, Ahmad Hajjar, recommended the ban specifically due to Gadot’s nationality and her history with the Israel Defense Forces.
Fans on social media were quick to weigh in on the news, with some pointing out that this isn’t the first time the actress has faced a cold reception in the region. Lebanon previously blocked the release of Gadot’s other major hits, including Wonder Woman and Death on the Nile.
Gadot, who was born in Israel, served her mandatory military service in the IDF before finding global fame as a model and actress. Since the events of October , she has been a vocal and prominent supporter of Israel, often using her massive platform to speak out.
During an emotional speech at the Anti-Defamation League’s summit in , Gadot didn’t hold back.
“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,” she told the crowd at the time.
While the film is making headlines for the ban abroad, it has also faced a rocky road at the domestic box office. Despite opening on March with a star-studded pedigree, the film has struggled to find its footing with critics and audiences alike.
The remake, directed by The Amazing Spider-Man’s Marc Webb, features a script co-written by Barbie director Greta Gerwig. It stars Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and introduces Tony winner Andrew Burnap as a new male lead named Jonathan.
The film even boasts original music from the EGOT-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the masterminds behind the hits in La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen.
Despite the A-list talent behind the scenes, the “fairest of them all” is proving to be one of the most controversial releases of the year. From casting backlash to international bans, this reimagining of the Brothers Grimm classic is definitely not your grandmother’s bedtime story.
Would you like me to look into how the film’s box office numbers compare to other recent Disney live-action remakes?
