BDS calls for boycott of Disney's 'Snow White' starring Israeli Gal Gadot amid growing controversy

Disney's upcoming Snow White remake, set for release on March 21, 2025, has become the center of controversy following the release of its trailer on August 10. The film, starring Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, has faced significant backlash, particularly from pro-Palestine supporters. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement has recently amplified these calls, urging a boycott of the film due to Gadot's outspoken support for Israel.

Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress, has been criticized for her political stance, particularly after she posted "I stand with Israel" on Instagram on October 8, 2023. Gadot also organized a special screening of an Israeli documentary provided by the Israeli Defence Force for Hollywood celebrities, further fueling the backlash. The BDS movement, known for its advocacy of Palestinian rights, shared a thread on X (formerly Twitter) calling for a boycott of the film as a means of pressuring Disney.

Adding to the controversy, Rachel Zegler, who plays Snow White, shared a message in support of Palestine shortly after the trailer's release. Zegler thanked fans for the trailer's 120 million views in 24 hours and followed up with a post that read, "Always remember, free Palestine." Her statement quickly gained traction, with the "free Palestine" post receiving 7.7 million views on X.

While Zegler's statement was praised by some for its boldness, the majority of pro-Palestine supporters continue to call for a boycott of the film due to Gadot's involvement. The controversy has cast a shadow over the film's upcoming release, with online debates intensifying as the release date approaches.

This situation poses a significant challenge for Disney, as it navigates the growing tensions and the potential impact on the film's reception.