Lebanon Bans Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Over Gal Gadot’s Casting

Citing Israeli actress Gal Gadot’s inclusion in the cast, Lebanon halts release of Disney’s live-action remake due to her ties to the Israeli military and vocal support for Israel

The Lebanese government has officially banned the release of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake due to the inclusion of Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen in the film. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and Lebanon’s longstanding boycott of Israeli-linked media.

Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar recommended the ban, according to Lebanon’s An-Nahar newspaper, enforcing the country’s law that prohibits the public promotion of Israeli individuals or entities. Gadot, a former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier and vocal supporter of Israel, has previously been the reason for similar bans in Lebanon, including on films like Wonder Woman and Death on the Nile.

Gadot has been particularly outspoken in support of Israel since October 7, following Hamas’ attack and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. During a 2024 Anti-Defamation League summit, she criticized global reactions to the conflict, saying:

“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.”

Snow White, which opened in U.S. cinemas on March 21, has already faced a rocky reception, floundering both critically and commercially. The film is a reimagining of the Brothers Grimm fairytale, with Rachel Zegler in the lead role. Directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man) and penned by Greta Gerwig (Barbie) and Erin Cressida Wilson, the film introduces new characters like “Jonathan,” played by Andrew Burnap, and features original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the Oscar-winning duo behind La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen.

Despite its high-profile cast and creative team, Snow White’s box office struggles combined with regional bans such as Lebanon’s signal a broader challenge for Disney’s global reach in politically sensitive territories.