Lebanon continues its cinematic bans against Gal Gadot, prohibiting Disney’s “Snow White” amid escalating political tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Disney’s “Snow White” has been banned in Lebanon due to Israeli actress Gal Gadot’s involvement.
- The ban aligns with past prohibitions of Gadot’s films like “Death on the Nile” and “Wonder Woman.”
- Lebanon’s Interior Minister ordered the ban amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Hezbollah.
- “Snow White” features politically opposed stars: Israeli advocate Gal Gadot and pro-Palestine Rachel Zegler.
- The film faced production challenges and underperformed at the global box office.
Lebanon’s Ban on “Snow White”
Lebanon’s decision to ban Disney’s latest “Snow White” is linked to Israeli actress Gal Gadot’s role in the film. Known for her outspoken support of Israel, Gadot’s involvement prompted the Lebanese government to take action. This mirrors previous bans on Gadot’s past films “Death on the Nile” and “Wonder Woman,” which were not shown in Lebanon due to her Israeli ties.
Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar issued the order amid the recent Israeli attacks on Hezbollah within the country. The tense political climate in the region has made the showing of films with connections to Israel highly controversial, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions. The ban has become a point of contention and discussion among international observers.
Concerns Over Political Implications
Gal Gadot, serving not only as an actress but a former member of the Israel Defense Forces, has consistently advocated for Israel, which further complicates her reception in several Middle Eastern countries. Following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, Gadot amplified her statements supporting Israel. Her advocacy positions, including the portrayal of historical conflicts, have attracted both support and backlash in the international arena.
“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,” Gadot said in a speech.
In addition to Gadot’s stance, “Snow White” features Rachel Zegler, whose political views contrast significantly as she vocally supports Palestine. This divergence has been reported as a source of tension on and off the set, revealing the broader complexities faced by the film within the geopolitical context.
Impact of the Ban and Broader Repercussions
The broader implications of Lebanon’s decision to ban “Snow White” extend beyond just a single film. The situation has brought attention to the ongoing pattern of films featuring Israeli actors being banned in Lebanon, contributing to the ongoing cultural and political division. Furthermore, Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World” saw a similar ban due to actress Shira Haas’ Israeli nationality, reflecting a sustained approach by Lebanese authorities to exclude Israeli ties from their cinematic landscape.
Despite anticipated global attention, the film has faced significant challenges and underperformed commercially, grossing significantly less than required to break even. Production issues, political controversies, and public protests have all contributed to its disappointing performance, both in theaters and in public reception.
