Lebanon Bans Disney’s Live-Action Snow White Over Gal Gadot’s Casting

Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanon has officially banned Disney’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Snow White from being screened in movie theaters across the country, citing the casting of Israeli actress Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. The decision, confirmed by a representative from Italia Film, Lebanon’s film distribution company, aligns with the country’s longstanding boycott of works featuring Gadot, who has been on an Israeli boycott list for years.

According to the Italia Film spokesperson, Lebanon’s censorship policies prohibit the release of any film starring Gadot due to her Israeli citizenship. Lebanon, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, enforces strict laws that ban dealings with Israeli citizens or entities, including cultural products like films. “No movie featuring Gal Gadot is allowed to be released in Lebanon,” the representative stated, emphasizing that this restriction is not new and has been consistently applied to Gadot’s previous projects.

The ban on Snow White, directed by Marc Webb and starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess, marks the latest instance of Lebanon blocking a Gadot film. Previous examples include Warner Bros.’ Wonder Woman (2017) and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), where Gadot starred as the iconic superhero, as well as 20th Century Fox’s Death on the Nile (2022), in which she played the character Linnet Ridgeway-Doyle. These films were similarly barred from Lebanese theaters due to the boycott.

Lebanon’s boycott of Israeli-linked cultural products is rooted in the country’s broader political stance against Israel, with which it remains technically at war. The Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade maintains a list of individuals and entities subject to boycott, and Gadot’s inclusion on this list has made her a consistent target for censorship in the country. This policy extends beyond cinema, affecting various forms of media and commerce involving Israeli nationals.

The decision to ban Snow White has sparked discussions among filmgoers and industry observers in Lebanon and beyond. While some support the boycott as a matter of national policy, others lament the loss of access to major Hollywood releases, particularly a high-profile Disney production expected to draw global audiences. The film, a reimagining of the 1937 animated classic, features a star-studded cast and has generated significant buzz ahead of its release.

Italia Film clarified that the ban is specific to Lebanon’s theatrical releases and does not necessarily reflect the policies of other countries in the region. However, similar boycotts of Gadot’s films have occurred in other Middle Eastern nations, including Tunisia and Kuwait, where Wonder Woman faced restrictions in 2017. These actions highlight the broader regional sensitivities surrounding Israeli involvement in global entertainment.

Disney has not issued an official statement regarding Lebanon’s ban on Snow White. The studio is moving forward with its global promotional campaign, focusing on the film’s modern take on the fairy tale and its appeal to new generations. Meanwhile, Lebanese audiences hoping to see the film will need to seek alternative means, such as international streaming platforms or screenings in neighboring countries, though access may be limited by regional distribution agreements.

The ban underscores the intersection of politics and entertainment in the Middle East, where cultural products often become flashpoints for broader geopolitical tensions. As Snow White prepares for its global debut, Lebanon’s decision serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by filmmakers and distributors navigating complex regional dynamics.

For now, Lebanese cinephiles will miss out on the latest chapter in Disney’s live-action legacy, while the controversy surrounding Gadot’s casting continues to reverberate in the region.