Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White has been making headlines, but not just for its cinematic appeal.
The film’s promotional tour has been anything but smooth, with behind-the-scenes tensions, casting controversies, and a low-profile European premiere fueling speculation.
A Secret Premiere Raises Eyebrows
Instead of a grand UK red carpet event, Disney opted for an exclusive VIP gathering at a secluded castle in Segovia, Spain.
Lead actress Rachel Zegler, 23, was the only star in attendance, performing for a select group of about 100 guests, primarily influencers and local families.
Notably absent was co-star Gal Gadot, 39, who plays the Evil Queen, adding to rumors of a rift between the two actresses.
Feud Rumors Spark Debate
While the film itself tells a story of rivalry, speculation is growing that tensions have carried over into real life.
The rumored fallout between Zegler and Gadot appears to stem from their opposing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Zegler has publicly supported the Palestinian cause, sharing posts and encouraging donations to emergency aid for Gaza.
On the other hand, Gadot, a former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier, has been vocal about rising anti-Semitism and Israel’s resilience following recent conflicts.
Social Media and Casting Controversies
The situation intensified when the Snow White teaser trailer dropped last summer.
Some fans questioned the casting of Zegler, a Latina actress, in a role traditionally described as “white as snow.”
Meanwhile, others criticized Disney for casting a Jewish-Israeli actress as the villain amid the ongoing war.
Tensions escalated further when Zegler shared the trailer and captioned it with “free Palestine.”
Gadot, while not directly addressing Zegler, later posted a Martin Luther King Jr. quote about love overcoming hate.
She also briefly reposted a tweet that criticized actors using political stances to boost their public image, which many interpreted as a subtle dig at Zegler.
What’s Next?
Despite the speculation, neither Zegler nor Gadot have publicly acknowledged a feud.
However, with the cast set to attend a pre-party and screening at Los Angeles’ El Capitan Theatre, all eyes will be on their interactions—or lack thereof.
Disney is reportedly shifting its promotional strategy to focus on influencer interviews rather than traditional media, signaling an attempt to move past the controversy.
Whether this approach will smooth things over or add more fuel to the fire remains to be seen.