The release of Disney’s live-action *Snow White* has ignited more than just excitement over its storybook magic and stunning visuals.

What’s dominating headlines is the brewing off-screen drama between the film’s stars, Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler.

Far from the fairy tale enchantment, fans and insiders are now unraveling a real-life soap opera filled with tension, social media snubs, and political divides.

Snow White''s Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler 'Have Nothing in Common' (Exclusive Sources)

On March 21, 2025, Rachel Zegler, who stars as Snow White, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram celebrating the film’s release.

The post was full of nostalgia, gratitude, and behind-the-scenes moments with her castmates.

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However, eagle-eyed fans immediately noticed one glaring omission: Gal Gadot, who plays the iconic Evil Queen, was nowhere to be found in the post.

Not only was Gadot not tagged, but she also wasn’t mentioned or shown in any throwback photos.

 

This absence sparked widespread speculation.

Was it a simple oversight or a deliberate snub? Fans quickly shifted from discussing costumes and cinematography to dissecting the social media silence, wondering if there was deeper tension between the two leading ladies.

 

Digging deeper, many pointed to the stark political differences between Gadot and Zegler as a possible root cause.

Gadot, an Israeli actress and public supporter of Israel, contrasts sharply with Zegler, who has openly voiced support for Palestine.

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Zegler’s “Free Palestine” tweet during filming reportedly caused significant backlash and tension on set, with rumors swirling that the atmosphere was less about camaraderie and more about navigating political divides.

 

This political rift added a complex layer to their professional relationship, making the possibility of genuine friendship between them seem unlikely.

Their differing worldviews and life stages—Gadot, a 39-year-old mother of four with a long-established career, and Zegler, a 23-year-old rising star balancing newfound fame and personal growth—only widened the gap.

 

Despite the rumors, both actresses appeared together at the film’s Los Angeles premiere on March 15, 2025.

Photos showed them side by side, but fans quickly noticed the forced smiles and stiff body language.

The warmth expected between co-stars was absent, replaced by a palpable awkwardness akin to colleagues at an obligatory office event.

 

This public display of professionalism, paired with private coldness, reinforced the narrative that their relationship was strained at best, hostile at worst.

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In interviews following the premiere, Rachel Zegler sought to change the conversation.

She spoke about the importance of women supporting each other in Hollywood and pushed back against the culture of rivalry often portrayed in the media.

However, she never directly mentioned Gadot, leading fans to interpret her statements as indirect commentary on their off-screen relationship—was it an olive branch or a subtle jab?

Disney, meanwhile, found itself in damage control mode.

The studio, typically adept at managing blockbuster releases, scaled down the *Snow White* premiere and avoided a lavish press junket.

The ongoing drama overshadowed the film itself, creating a PR crisis that distracted from what should have been a celebratory moment.

 

Adding to the complexity was the controversy over casting Rachel Zegler as Snow White.

Traditionally portrayed as a character with “skin as white as snow,” the choice of Zegler—a Latina actress of Colombian and Polish descent—sparked heated debate.

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While many applauded Disney for embracing diversity and modernizing the fairy tale, conservative commentators and some fans criticized the casting as straying too far from the original story.

 

Disney didn’t just cast diversely; they rewrote the story.

In this new adaptation, Snow White’s name isn’t a reference to her complexion but to her resilience after surviving a literal snowstorm as a baby.

The film shifts focus from beauty and romance to strength, survival, and leadership.

 

Rachel Zegler has described this version of Snow White as a symbol of empowerment rather than traditional fairy tale innocence.

“One of the core points in our film is reminding young people how strong they actually are,” she said, emphasizing the film’s message of resilience and self-worth.

 

The changes sparked polarized reactions.

Critics accused Disney of “wokeness” and eroding the story’s roots, while supporters celebrated the fresh take and increased representation.

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Film historians pointed out that stories have always evolved alongside society, and adapting fairy tales to reflect modern values is a natural progression.

 

This cultural tug-of-war highlights broader societal tensions between honoring tradition and pushing for inclusivity.

 

The Gadot-Zegler saga and the *Snow White* controversy expose Hollywood’s ongoing growing pains.

The entertainment industry is grappling with how to balance legacy characters and stories with the demands for diversity and social awareness.

 

For Disney, the stakes are high.

This casting decision and the accompanying story overhaul represent a bold move toward inclusivity but also risk alienating some longtime fans.

Snow White''s Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler 'Have Nothing in Common' (Exclusive Sources)

The drama surrounding *Snow White* goes beyond celebrity spats and casting debates.

It reflects a larger conversation about identity, representation, and the evolving nature of storytelling in the 21st century.

 

Gal Gadot’s silence and Rachel Zegler’s outspoken stance symbolize the complexities of working in an industry where personal beliefs, politics, and public perception collide.

Meanwhile, Disney’s willingness to rethink a classic tale shows that even the most beloved stories must adapt to stay relevant.

 

Whether you love the new *Snow White* or not, one thing is clear: this film has sparked important discussions that will resonate far beyond the silver screen.

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