Disney's Live-Action 'Snow White' Faces Censorship in Lebanon
Lebanon has officially banned Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White from screening in its theaters due to the involvement of Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen. The decision was made by Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, following pressure from the country’s film and media regulatory authorities. The move comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, resulting in civilian casualties.
Lebanon’s Longstanding Ban on Israeli Figures
Gadot, who was born in Israel and served in the Israel Defense Forces, has been a vocal supporter of Israel, particularly during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. As a result, she has long been included on Lebanon’s “Israel boycott list,” a policy that has prevented any film featuring her from being shown in the country. A representative from Italia Films, the distributor for Disney movies in the region, confirmed that Gadot’s previous films, including Wonder Woman and Fast & Furious, were also blocked from release in Lebanon.
Gadot’s Political Stance and Impact on Her Career
Gal Gadot has been outspoken about her political views, especially after the violent escalation in the region. In a speech delivered at the Anti-Defamation League summit in March 2025, Gadot expressed her horror over global reactions to the violence in Israel, calling attention to the troubling support for Hamas and the massacre of Jewish people. Gadot’s strong stance on Israel has contributed to her exclusion from various film markets, including Lebanon, where tensions with Israel have led to widespread censorship of Israeli-linked content.
Similar Censorship for Other Israeli Actors
This ban on Snow White follows a similar censorship action taken by Lebanon’s authorities earlier in 2025, when Captain America: Brave New World was also blocked due to the presence of Israeli actress Shira Haas. The ongoing political climate in the Middle East continues to shape the entertainment industry, with actors like Gadot and Haas facing challenges in certain regions due to their national affiliations and political statements.