Lebanon has barred Disney’s “Snow White” from its theaters, citing political tensions linked to Israeli actress Gal Gadot’s connection to Israel.
Quick Takes
- The ban follows Gadot’s inclusion on Lebanon’s boycott list, due to her Israeli heritage.
- Earlier, Lebanon banned other films featuring Gadot and Israeli actress Shira Haas.
- The ongoing Hezbollah-Israel conflict partly fuels Lebanon’s film ban.
- Gadot’s outspoken support for Israel intensified backlash against the film.
Lebanon’s Film Ban Details
Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar prohibited “Snow White” from screening, attributing the decision to ongoing Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Gadot’s known advocacy for Israel—especially since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks—and her former service in the Israel Defense Forces contributed to Lebanon’s stance.
The film’s Lebanese ban is not isolated; Gadot’s movies like “Death on the Nile” faced similar action. Additionally, Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World,” featuring Israeli actress Shira Haas, was banned. These decisions reflect the region’s broader tensions and adherence to an anti-Israel stance.
Controversy Surrounding the Film
The film’s production encountered hurdles, including COVID-19 delays and increased security due to backlash over the casting of politically opposed actresses Rachel Zegler and Gadot. Amidst protests, Gadot faced death threats, and Disney enhanced her security. These obstacles, coupled with a high production budget, significantly impacted the film’s reception and financial performance.
“Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States, and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying and cheering on a massacre of Jews,” said Gadot in a speech.
The movie, directed by Marc Webb and scripted by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, featured new music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Despite a 72% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, it grossed only $182.6 million worldwide, failing to break even on its $270 million budget.
Global Implications and Reactions
The ban highlights the entanglement of entertainment with geopolitics, especially in regions with fraught Israeli relations. Gadot’s vocal stance and the film’s content unwittingly became symbols in wider socio-political conflicts. This situation emphasizes the precarious balance between artistic expression and political viewpoints.
While Disney, Gadot, and distributors in Lebanon have remained silent, the controversy has made international headlines, illustrating the complex dynamics between regional politics and global media. The unfolding events around this ban continue to stir discussion on how political allegiances influence cultural consumption.
