Disney’s upcoming remake of “Snow White” has become a hotbed of controversy following the release of its trailer on August 10.
The casting of Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen has ignited significant backlash, particularly from pro-Palestine advocates who are calling for a boycott of the film.
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement has amplified this call, using social media platform X to urge a boycott of the film in an effort to pressure Disney.
Gadot, an Israeli actress known for her vocal support of Israel, has been at the center of the criticism. On October 8, 2023, Gadot posted “I stand with Israel” on Instagram and, in November, organized a special screening of an Israeli propaganda documentary for Hollywood celebrities, further fueling the controversy.
In contrast, Rachel Zegler, who stars as Snow White, has voiced support for Palestine.
Following the trailer’s release, Zegler used social media to promote the film while also advocating for Palestine. Her posts—one thanking fans for the trailer’s 120 million views and another urging “free Palestine”—have garnered substantial attention, with the latter receiving 7.7 million views on X.
The backlash has been strong, with many pro-Palestine users calling for a boycott of the film due to Gadot’s casting. While some supporters of Zegler commend her bravery and express a desire to support her by watching the film, many agree that a boycott is necessary to send a message to Disney and other Hollywood studios.
Zegler has a history of supporting the Palestinian cause, having previously posted on X about “free Palestine” and encouraged donations to Palestinian relief funds.
As the debate continues, the controversy surrounding the film’s casting may impact its scheduled release in the United States on March 21, 2025. How Disney will address these tensions remains to be seen.
