Lebanon has officially banned the release of Disney’s live-action film “Snow White” due to the involvement of actress Gal Gadot, who is listed on the country’s “Israel boycott list.” The ban, which was ordered by Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, is a continuation of deep-rooted tensions over Israeli representation in Lebanese media outlets. Gadot, an outspoken supporter of Israel, honorably served in the IDF before beginning her modeling and film career which would make her world-famous. Serving in the IDF is a draft requirement for her home country.
Controversy has followed Gadot in the past. This ban marks the latest instance of her film oeuvre provoking major controversy in Lebanon. Gadot’s outspoken support for Israel during the recent surge violence has already resulted in heavy backlash. Consequently, Lebanese authorities have prohibited any film starring her. First, it is key to underscore that no film featuring Gadot has ever been allowed to open in Lebanon. This is largely a function of her political connections, and the current geopolitical climate between both countries.
In addition to Gadot’s involvement, the casting of Israeli actress Shira Haas in Marvel Studios’ upcoming “Captain America: Brave New World” has contributed to the ban. The Lebanese government’s actions shine a light on the contested nature of Lebanon’s relationship with Israel, especially in the context of cultural diplomacy.
White, which has received overwhelmingly mixed-negative reviews from critics, as it hit Rotten Tomatoes to a lowly 40% score. Still, audiences are enjoying the film a little better, giving it a B+ CinemaScore grade. This rating is the lowest ever obtained by a live-action Disney remake. So far, that’s resulted in a worldwide box office gross of just over $181 million. It had a production budget of $250 million, and some analysts suggest the total costs when marketing expenses are considered could be as high as $350 million.
The backlash against “Snow White” underscores the minefield filmmakers have to navigate today. For studios to succeed they will need to politically navigate the unique sensitivities found in the region. Gadot’s prior statements and public stances regarding Israel have positioned her as a controversial figure in parts of the Arab world. Additionally, whenever she joins a project, it seems to generate a huge amount of public discussion about representation and identity.