Disney's upcoming live-action remake of Snow White has been generating buzz for quite some time—though not always for the right reasons. While fans are eager to see how the classic 1937 animated film has been reimagined, behind the scenes, sources suggest there's been some tension between its two leading stars, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. And it’s not just a minor disagreement—it reportedly stems from their vast differences in age, life experiences, and political beliefs.
Zegler, at just 23, is a rising star who gained recognition for her role in West Side Story, while Gadot, 39, is an established actress best known for her portrayal of Wonder Woman and a mother of four. According to sources, their differing worldviews have made it challenging for them to find common ground. “They have nothing in common,” one insider told PEOPLE. “Gal is a mom, she has a different perspective on life, and Rachel is still quite young and outspoken in her own way.”
Clashing Perspectives?
Beyond the age gap, political differences have reportedly fueled some of the underlying tension. Gadot, born in Israel and a former member of the Israel Defense Forces, has been vocal about her support for Israeli hostages amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Zegler, on the other hand, has expressed support for Palestine through her social media posts. While both women have strong opinions, it seems their stances have created a noticeable divide between them.
But it’s not all bad blood. A source close to the situation clarified that the tension hasn’t reached a breaking point. “This isn’t a ‘stay away from me’ kind of thing,” the insider revealed. “They were at the Oscars together. They'll be together this weekend for the Snow White premiere.”
A Movie with Pre-Release Drama
It’s not just Zegler and Gadot’s relationship that has caused a stir—Snow White itself has been a hot topic of controversy long before its March 21 theatrical release. When Zegler was first cast as the beloved Disney princess in 2021, she faced a wave of backlash online from critics upset about a Latina actress taking on the traditionally European role. Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent, didn’t hold back in responding to critics, further amplifying discussions about the film’s modernized approach.
The actress also made headlines when she described the original Snow White as “dated” and suggested that the remake would focus on a more independent version of the character rather than a princess waiting for a prince. Some Disney fans embraced the update, while others were skeptical about changing a timeless classic.
Gadot, however, reportedly doesn’t share Zegler’s approach when it comes to speaking out about a project she’s involved in. “Gal’s attitude is that you don’t criticize and cause drama for something you signed on to do,” another source explained. “She just doesn’t get why Rachel would stir up controversy around it.”
Hollywood Appearances: Together or Apart?
Despite the rumored friction, both actresses have been actively promoting the film. They’ve appeared together at various events, including Disney’s D23 Expo in 2022, where they shared the stage to talk about their roles. More recently, they reunited at the 2024 Academy Awards to present the award for Best Visual Effects. However, fans couldn’t help but notice that Gadot skipped Snow White’s European premiere in Spain on March 12.
Rumors quickly swirled that the absence was related to their reported tension, but a source shut that down, explaining that Gadot was never meant to attend the Spain event. “She was doing press in New York,” they clarified.
All Eyes on the Premiere
As the March 15 Los Angeles premiere at the El Capitan Theater approaches, all eyes will be on Zegler and Gadot to see how they interact in the public eye. While disagreements and personality clashes are nothing new in Hollywood, the tension between the Snow White leads has certainly added another layer of intrigue to the film’s rollout.
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Disney is betting big on this reimagining of Snow White. With director Marc Webb at the helm and a musical score featuring original compositions by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the film aims to bring a fresh take to a beloved classic. But will the audience embrace it? Only time will tell.
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