:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2):format(webp)/Rachel-Zegler-and-Gal-Gadot-031425-99a28b590fbd4992bc5d53a85db190b7.jpg)
Tensions surrounding Disney’s Snow White remake may extend to stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, according to sources.
While noting that Zegler is 23, a source tells PEOPLE that the actress “has nothing in common with Gal Gadot, a mom of four kids.”
“On top of that, their political views differ, adding to the tension,” continues the source.
Reps for Zegler and Gadot did not respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.
Rachel Zegler Says This Year 'Could Be the Biggest Year' of Her Life: 'So Grateful' (Exclusive)
Tensions have plagued Disney’s live-action remake of the 1937 animated Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs well ahead of its March 21 theatrical release. Starring Zegler as the titular princess and Gadot, 39, as the Evil Queen, the film is directed by Marc Webb and was written by Erin Cressida Wilson. It features original songs from composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1039x132:1041x134):format(webp)/Rachel-Zegler-and-Gal-Gadot-031623-02f0f2bd041b4576b598084ce32103e3.jpg)
Zegler, Gadot and the filmmakers are expected to attend the movie’s Los Angeles premiere at the El Capitan Theater tomorrow, March 15.
Zegler and Gadot have appeared at multiple events in the past to promote their long-delayed film, including at Disney’s D23 Expo in 2022 and at the recent Academy Awards, where they took the stage to present the best visual effects category together. The Wonder Woman star did not attend Snow White’s European premiere in Spain on March 12.
A source familiar with the situation told PEOPLE Gadot was "never supposed to be in Spain" and was instead doing press in New York.
"This isn’t like a ‘stay away from me' situation," the source said of the stars' dynamic. "They were at the Oscars together. They'll be together this weekend."
A third source also pointed out that the two costars "have a huge age gap and very different political views.” (The Israeli-born Gadot, who served in the Israel Defense Forces, has advocated for the release of Israeli hostages, while Zegler has voiced support on social media for Palestine amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2):format(webp)/rachel-zegler-gal-gadot-oscars-2025-031325-975cfc85e28a4245a3089440883aa93a.jpg)
“Gal is annoyed by the movie drama,” the third source tells PEOPLE. “She enjoyed filming. She was fine with Rachel but they are not friends. They have nothing in common... They did a job together and that’s it.”
Following her casting announcement in 2021, Zegler faced racist backlash from social media users over a person of Latinx background being cast as the Disney princess. (Zegler is of Colombian and Polish descent.) The West Side Story star also made headlines when she said in interviews that the new movie would modernize Snow White and that the original was “dated.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(652x257:654x259):format(webp)/Rachel-Zegler-snow-white-022525-4b2d719cfd6d4205aa1fb59c1b5c2ce3.jpg)
According to the second source, Gadot doesn’t see eye-to-eye with Zegler when it comes to such comments. “Gal’s attitude is that you don’t criticize and cause drama for a project you signed on to do. She just doesn’t get it.”
Gal Gadot’s Daughter Said ‘How Appropriate’ When She Heard Mom Will Play Evil Queen in ‘Snow White’ (Exclusive)
Snow White hits theaters on March 21.
Rachel Zegler's Tearful Speech: Love for 'Everybody' Amid Snow White Drama
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(725x183:727x185):format(webp)/Rachel-Zegler-attends-the-World-Premiere-of-Walt-Disney-Studios-Snow-White-031725-fcdf371b7fe849858d93a609054ef555.jpg)
Rachel Zegler is showing gratitude for her Snow White role.
Ahead of a recent early screening of the live-action Snow White remake, Zegler surprised fans when she appeared and gave an emotional speech about what playing the Disney princess has meant to her.
"This is a movie that is so close to my heart. I auditioned for this movie when I was 19 years old and I am about to turn 24," Zegler said, in video shared by Disney. "So it's a really big chunk of my life, and about five of the seven years of my career, which is crazy. I love everybody in this movie so dearly."
Zegler reflected on her journey playing the titular character, who first appeared in 1937's animated Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, sharing that seeing the movie come to life has been "emotional" for her.
Rachel Zegler Praised by Critics as a 'Shining Supernova' in the Live-Action Remake of Snow White: 'Pure Disney Magic'
"Coming to the end of this road of this release feels really crazy because when you spend so much time with something, it becomes such a big part of you and a big part of your heart. Snow White has really been that way for me and to see this is really emotional for me. So I'm going to try not do that," Zegler said, her voice cracking a little.
"I love her and I am so glad to see that so many of you love her as well," Zegler continued. "Her superpower is her heart. It's nothing supernatural. It's something that all of us have. Deep within us, there is an inherit good and belief in the kindness of humanity."
"I hope that you walk away from this film understanding what the true meaning of fair is. I really hope that for the world as well. Thank you so much for allowing me to be your Snow White. It means the world to me."
Zegler's speech comes amid tensions plaguing Disney’s live-action remake ahead of its March 21 release, which has extended to both the West Side Story actress and her costar Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen.
A source told PEOPLE that Gadot and Zegler have "nothing in common" due to their age difference and “on top of that, their political views differ, adding to the tension."
Zegler and Gadot have appeared at multiple events in the past to promote their long-delayed film, including at Disney’s D23 Expo in 2022 and at the recent Academy Awards, where they presented the Best Visual Effects category together. They posed together at the film's Los Angeles premiere on Saturday, March 15.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(696x387:698x389):format(webp)/snow-white-gal-gadot-queen-031225-4e92edd4bdbe4dee8c9d0e0cc37dbf50.jpg)
After her casting announcement in 2021, Zegler faced racist backlash from social media users over her being of Latinx background and playing the Disney princess. (Zegler is of Colombian and Polish descent.) Zegler also made headlines when she said in interviews that the new movie would modernize Snow White and that the original was “dated.”
While speaking with Vogue Mexico, Zegler addressed negative reactions over her casting as well as past statements she's made about the original animation, saying audiences were being protective over the famous princess.
“I interpret people’s feelings about this film as their passion for her and what an honor to be a part of something that people are so passionate about,” Zegler said. “We are not always going to have the same feelings as everyone around us and all that we can do is do our best." (Zegler's interview was conducted in Spanish. Quotes were independently translated from Spanish to English by PEOPLE.)
Snow White is in theaters March 21.
Be the first to comment on this article!