The upcoming live-action remake of Snow White has reportedly been banned in Lebanon, following growing backlash against the casting of Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen in the film. The ban comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with Gadot’s public support for Israel sparking outrage among some communities.
Lebanon’s General Security agency, which oversees censorship and media approvals, is believed to have made the decision based on Gadot’s previous statements and her past service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Activists and local groups had been calling for a boycott, arguing that her involvement in the film was politically and culturally insensitive, particularly during a time of heightened conflict in the region.
Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress best known for her role as Wonder Woman, has faced similar criticism in the past. Her open support for the Israeli military during conflicts in Gaza has drawn condemnation in several Arab countries.
This is not the first time Lebanon has banned films featuring actors with ties to Israel. In previous years, movies such as Wonder Woman (2017) and Death on the Nile (2022), both starring Gadot, were also banned under similar circumstances.
Disney has not yet issued an official statement regarding the ban, and it remains unclear whether other countries in the region will follow Lebanon’s lead. The film, which stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White, was originally set for a global release in 2025.
As the entertainment world becomes increasingly intertwined with global politics, Snow White is now the latest example of how a film’s reception can be shaped not just by its story or cast, but by broader geopolitical issues.