Disney’s Snow White Remake Banned in Lebanon

Disney’s foray into live-action remakes has always been met with a mixed bag of enthusiasm and skepticism. This time, the reimagining of the 1937 classic Snow White has entered the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, resulting in a ban in Lebanon—a significant development considering the political and cultural undercurrents at play. Directed by Marc Webb and featuring Rachel Zegler as the titular character alongside Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, this remake has faced criticism and controversy even before its release on March 21.

The Decision to Ban

According to reports from Variety, Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar made the call to prohibit Snow White in theaters due to Gadot’s Israeli roots, a decision that is deeply intertwined with the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Local media suggest that this ban came in light of the recent hardships resulting from Israel’s military engagements in Lebanon against Hezbollah, with Gadot’s vocal support of Israel positioned as a primary catalyst for the ban.

A representative from Italia Films, a Beirut-based distributor, pointed out that Gadot has long been on Lebanon’s “Israel boycott list,” a label attached to her due to her outspoken views regarding Israel and her support during heightened tensions following the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Notably, Gadot’s other projects have similarly faced bans in Lebanon, as no film featuring her has ever been released there.

A Movie Marred by Controversy

While Gadot’s stance has drawn scrutiny, the controversy surrounding Snow White extends beyond her involvement. In the lead-up to the film’s release, Rachel Zegler made remarks celebrating the film’s attempt to update traditional female roles, leading to a backlash that often took on racist overtones—largely due to her Latin heritage. The criticism ignited debates about representation and how modern iterations of classic tales can be perceived differently by various audiences.

The film has had a rocky box office journey as well, with an estimated budget of $250 million but only grossing approximately $182 million worldwide. Although it saw a moderate audience score of 72% on Rotten Tomatoes, critical reception was tepid at best, with a dismal 40% rating. Such numbers suggest that this live-action adaptation might not only be a financial disappointment for Disney but also a cultural flashpoint igniting discussions about representation, legacy, and the evolving nature of storytelling.

The Broader Context of Disney’s Live-Action Remakes

The challenges faced by Snow White are reflective of a larger trend within Disney’s live-action remakes. Many critics argue that these films are safe cash-grabs, rehashing beloved classics without taking creative risks. In an era where inclusive storytelling is increasingly valued, the attempt to modernize these tales has not come without backlash and controversy.

As the film’s banning in Lebanon unfolds, it underscores how international politics can influence cultural products. While the Lebanese audience may be losing out on the chance to experience a reimagined fairy tale, the decision also reflects the complexities of global entertainment in a world rife with conflict and differing social values.