The live-action remake of Disney’s Snow White, released on March 21, 2025, continues to stir controversy, with tensions simmering between its leading stars, Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler. The film, which grossed a disappointing $66.8 million domestically against a $270 million budget, has become a focal point of blame, with much of the criticism directed at Zegler. Reports suggest Gadot, who played the Evil Queen, is growing frustrated as her co-star bears the brunt of the fallout, despite their reportedly amicable on-set relationship.
Gadot, 39, has remained largely silent on the matter, but sources close to the production told Variety on May 22, 2025, that she feels the narrative unfairly singles out Zegler, 24. “She enjoyed filming. She was fine with Rachel, but they are not friends. They have nothing in common… They did a job together and that’s it,” a source revealed. The frustration reportedly stems from the intense scrutiny Zegler has faced, particularly over her outspoken political views, which some argue contributed to the film’s poor performance. Zegler’s August 2024 X post stating “free Palestine” following the trailer’s release, alongside her criticism of the original Snow White as “dated” and its prince as a “stalker,” ignited widespread backlash. This has led to accusations that her comments alienated audiences, a claim Gadot seems reluctant to endorse.
The production faced additional challenges, including racist backlash over Zegler’s casting as a Latina Snow White and debates over the CGI reimagining of the dwarves. Yet, it’s Zegler’s social media activity that has drawn the most ire, with reports indicating Disney hired extra security for Gadot due to death threats linked to Zegler’s pro-Palestine stance. Gadot, an Israeli actress and former IDF member, has faced her own criticism for supporting Israel, but the studio’s focus on managing Zegler’s image— including assigning her a social media consultant—has amplified the perception that she’s the sole culprit. Gadot’s limited public comments, such as her recent Variety interview where she emphasized positivity, suggest she’s distancing herself from the drama while quietly disapproving of the scapegoating.
Zegler, meanwhile, has defended her role, posting heartfelt tributes on Instagram about her Snow White experience, though notably excluding Gadot from the photos. The actresses’ differing political views—Zegler’s pro-Palestine stance versus Gadot’s pro-Israel position—have fueled speculation of a feud, despite insiders insisting they got along during filming. Disney’s decision to keep them apart during promotions, including separate press events and a scaled-back premiere on March 15, 2025, has only heightened the tension.
As of 8:37 PM on May 23, 2025, the Snow White saga remains a cautionary tale of how personal beliefs can collide with Hollywood’s commercial interests. Gadot’s reported frustration hints at a complex dynamic, where Zegler’s boldness may be unfairly shouldering the blame for a project plagued by broader missteps. Whether this will reshape their careers or fade as another chapter in Disney’s string of remake struggles remains uncertain.
