A recent report from Variety has shed light on the behind-the-scenes tension between Snow White stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. While the two actresses were reportedly on good terms during filming, their relationship took a turn in the months leading up to the film’s March 21 release.
Social Media Post Triggers Speculation
Speculation initially suggested that differences over the Gaza conflict had created a rift between Zegler, 23, and Gadot, 39. However, sources claim that the tension stemmed from a social media post Zegler made in early March.
According to Variety, Zegler referred to Gadot as “a professional pageant queen” in an Instagram comment after they co-presented an award at the Oscars on March 2. Insiders suggested that this remark was perceived as dismissive toward Gadot, fueling speculation of a falling-out.
As the film’s release neared, Disney made the decision to schedule Zegler and Gadot’s promotional appearances separately, further amplifying rumors of a rift. During the premiere on March 15 at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, the two actresses were reportedly kept apart. At the post-premiere screening, Zegler was seated two rows ahead of Gadot and her family, reinforcing the perception that the studio was managing potential tensions between them.
Disney’s Concerns Over ‘Snow White’
By the time of the premiere, Disney was already bracing for a difficult reception. The film had been mired in controversy for months, and executives reportedly believed that it would struggle to recover from ongoing backlash.
Another source of strain arose months earlier when Zegler posted “Free Palestine” on X in August 2024, around the same time the first Snow White trailer debuted. The post reportedly led to tensions between her and Gadot, who is Israeli.
According to Variety, the film’s producer, Marc Platt, traveled to New York to speak with Zegler regarding the post, asking her to consider the potential impact on the film and her co-star. However, she reportedly declined to remove it.
The fallout from the post allegedly led to security concerns for Gadot. The report claims that she received threats, prompting Disney to implement additional security measures to ensure her safety.
Political Fallout and Industry Response
A source cited by Variety claimed that Zegler was not fully aware of the broader consequences of her social media activity. In addition to the controversy over her “Free Palestine” post, she also faced backlash after making comments about Donald Trump’s supporters following the 2024 election. The criticism led to calls for a boycott of Snow White from some Disney fans.
In response to the growing concerns about her online presence, Disney reportedly had Platt meet with Zegler again. She then agreed to work with a social media specialist hired by the studio to review her posts before the film’s release.
Zegler’s pro-Palestine post gained nearly 9 million views, and while some fans supported her stance, others criticized her for discussing political matters while promoting a Disney film. The controversy also led to increased scrutiny of Gadot, with some accusing her of being complicit in Israeli policies due to her public support for her home country.
Gadot Maintains Her Position
Gadot has been vocal about her stance on Israel, particularly following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians. In an Instagram post, she expressed her solidarity with her homeland, writing, “I stand with Israel, you should too.”
During an interview with Variety in March 2024, she acknowledged that her public statements on the matter had led to significant backlash. At her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, she addressed the criticism, stating, “After October 7, I don’t talk politics—because who cares what a celebrity has to say? I’m an artist. I want to bring hope.”
Despite her attempt to avoid further political discussions, her ceremony on March 18 was disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters. Demonstrators held signs criticizing her support for Israel, further highlighting the polarizing impact of her statements.
The Future of ‘Snow White’
With these mounting controversies, Snow White finds itself in a precarious position. The combination of online disputes, political divisions, and negative publicity has overshadowed the film’s release, leaving Disney in damage-control mode.
While Zegler and Gadot may not have engaged in a direct feud, their differing political stances and the response from the public have undeniably added to the film’s struggles. As Snow White faces an uphill battle at the box office, Disney’s concerns about audience reception appear to have been justified.