- Monday, May 05, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
The London set of Gal Gadot’s upcoming film The Runner was disrupted on Thursday by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, forcing a temporary halt in production. The protest, reportedly sparked by the Israeli actress’s known support for Israel and her former service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), escalated quickly and drew a police response.
The incident unfolded in north London, where the film’s production crew was actively shooting. According to reports by the Daily Mail, a group of anti-Israel protesters arrived at the location, chanting slogans such as “Stop bombing Palestine,” beating drums, and waving Palestinian flags. The demonstration appeared coordinated, allegedly organized through encrypted messaging apps like Signal and social media platforms including Instagram.
Initial reports indicated that Gadot was on set during the protest and was escorted off the premises by police officers for her safety. Approximately a dozen police officers were said to have responded to the situation, managing the crowd while ensuring that Gadot was moved to a secure location. A body double reportedly stepped in to continue filming during the disruption.
However, conflicting reports from the Jewish Chronicle suggested that Gal Gadot was not present at the time of the protest. Instead, it was her stunt double who was on set when the demonstrators arrived. According to this version, the protest may have been triggered by unfounded online rumors claiming Gadot would be filming at that specific location on the day.
The Metropolitan Police did not release an official statement about the protest or confirm whether any arrests were made. Meanwhile, production was briefly paused before resuming under tighter security.
Gal Gadot has been a vocal supporter of Israel, particularly following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 others into Gaza. Her public stance has drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, especially as tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict continue to affect global opinion and public events.
This is not the first time Gadot has faced backlash due to her nationality and political views. Earlier this year, her role in Disney’s upcoming Snow White remake led to controversy and bans in countries like Lebanon and Kuwait, both citing her Israeli background and past military service as reasons for the censorship.
The incident in London highlights the increasingly complex intersection of politics and entertainment, especially as high-profile celebrities become lightning rods for global issues. Gadot, a former Miss Israel and IDF combat trainer turned Hollywood star, has long been seen as both a cultural icon and a polarizing figure in international discourse.
As The Runner continues production, the team may be forced to reassess filming logistics amid ongoing political sensitivities. Whether or not Gal Gadot was physically present during the protest, it’s clear her involvement in any project is now likely to attract heightened scrutiny and potential disruption.
