Disney’s latest musical fantasy Snow White, inspired by the timeless fairy tale, was released on March 21 with a massive budget of approximately $270 million. The film has been doing well at the global box office. However, it has recently landed in controversy, especially in the Middle East, where reactions have been mixed. Notably, Snow White has been officially banned in Lebanon.
The reason? The film features Israeli actress Gal Gadot, best known for her role as Wonder Woman, in the key role of the Evil Queen.
Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar recently issued an official order prohibiting the screening of the film. The ban was explicitly due to Gadot’s presence in the cast.
A regional film distributor told Variety that Gal Gadot has long been on Lebanon’s “Israeli Boycott List,” which automatically disqualifies any film featuring her from being shown in the country. A similar ban was imposed on Captain America: Brave New World because it starred another Israeli actress, Shira Haas.
Gal Gadot, a globally recognized actress and former member of the Israeli military, has been the center of numerous controversies over the years. While she gained fame through films like Wonder Woman, Fast & Furious, Justice League, and Red Notice, her outspoken support for Israel—especially during military operations in Palestine—has drawn intense criticism worldwide.
Most recently, Gadot was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, the event sparked protests. Demonstrators waving Palestinian flags gathered at the ceremony, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The protest led to tensions and even clashes at the venue.