The highly anticipated live-action remake of Disney’s Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, has been mired in controversy since its announcement, and the tension between its leading ladies, Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler, has only fueled the fire. Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, recently broke her silence in an interview with Variety on May 22, 2025, addressing the rumored “bad energy” from her co-star Zegler, who portrayed Snow White. The film, which grossed a disappointing $66.8 million domestically against a $270 million budget, has been a lightning rod for criticism, with many pointing to the strained dynamic between the two actresses as a contributing factor to its failure.
Gadot, 39, reflected on her experience working with Zegler, 24, saying, “I’m an artist, and I aim to bring light and positivity to every project. But I’ll be honest—it was challenging at times. There was a certain energy on set that made it difficult to fully connect.” While Gadot didn’t directly name Zegler, sources close to the production have long hinted at friction between the two, often citing their clashing personalities and political views. Zegler, a vocal advocate for Palestine, posted “free Palestine” on X in August 2024 after sharing the Snow White trailer, a move that sparked backlash and reportedly strained her relationship with Gadot, an Israeli actress and former IDF member who has publicly supported Israel.
The Snow White production faced multiple hurdles, from racist backlash over Zegler’s casting as a Latina actress to debates over the film’s portrayal of the dwarves, reimagined as CGI “magical gnomes.” Zegler’s comments about the 1937 original, calling it “dated” and criticizing its focus on a “stalker-like” Prince Charming, also drew ire from fans. Meanwhile, Gadot’s performance as the Evil Queen received mixed reviews, with some critics and audiences describing it as “emotionless” and “overacted,” while Zegler was often praised for her singing but criticized for lacking emotional depth in her acting.
Behind the scenes, tensions reportedly escalated. Sources told People in March 2025 that Gadot and Zegler “have nothing in common,” citing their age gap and differing political stances. The two were often kept apart during promotional events, including separate press schedules and limited interactions at the film’s premiere on March 15, 2025. Zegler’s Instagram tribute to the Snow White cast and crew notably omitted Gadot, further fueling feud rumors. Gadot, in her recent interview, addressed this indirectly, stating, “I focus on the work and the people who share that vision. I don’t hold grudges, but I do value professionalism.”
The film’s failure has been a sore point for Disney, with some insiders blaming Zegler’s outspokenness for alienating audiences, while others argue Gadot’s controversial background and lackluster performance were the true “poison apple.” Social media sentiment has been divided, with hashtags like #BoycottGalGadot trending alongside defenses of Zegler as a young actress unfairly targeted by Hollywood’s double standards. As of May 23, 2025, neither actress has commented further, but the Snow White saga continues to highlight the challenges of navigating personal beliefs and professional expectations in an increasingly polarized industry.
