The production of The Runner, a new action-packed thriller starring Gal Gadot, faced intense disruption this week as five pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested in central London. The arrests come amid growing tensions surrounding the film, driven by opposition to Gadot's Israeli nationality and outspoken support for her home country.
On Wednesday, officers from London’s Metropolitan Police responded to a demonstration at the Westminster filming location. Three individuals were arrested for harassment and obstructing access to the set, while two others were detained in connection with prior protests linked to the same production. All five remain in police custody.
The Met Police confirmed the film was deliberately targeted due to Gadot’s involvement, noting that the protests were not about the content of the film itself but rather the actress’s political and national identity. Gadot, who served in the Israeli Defense Forces and has publicly supported Israel in recent conflicts, has become a polarizing figure, attracting both admiration and condemnation across global audiences.
Superintendent Neil Holyoak, who led the police operation, emphasized the importance of protecting both the right to peaceful protest and the ability of professionals to work without interference. He described the protests as having crossed the line into unlawful disruption and harassment, which prompted law enforcement to act decisively.
The Runner has been filming across various London locations over the past several weeks, with heightened security in response to growing tensions. The film follows a high-stakes narrative in which Gadot plays a high-powered lawyer racing against time to rescue her kidnapped son—a role that has sparked anticipation from fans and critics alike.
However, the filming process has been anything but smooth. Demonstrators have turned up at multiple locations, sometimes carrying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans condemning Israel and Gadot’s perceived support of its military actions. The protests have resulted in production delays, rerouted filming schedules, and increased safety protocols for cast and crew.
The events on Wednesday mark the latest chapter in a series of politically charged demonstrations that have accompanied many of Gadot’s recent public appearances. In March, her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony was disrupted by protesters, and calls for boycotts of her films have been amplified by activist groups such as the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI).
Despite the backlash, Gadot remains a central figure in international cinema, known for her commanding presence and ability to lead high-budget, globally distributed films. The Runner is expected to be another major entry in her career, but the political spotlight continues to follow closely behind her every move.
The film’s production team has remained tight-lipped amid the controversy, choosing not to comment publicly on the protests. Sources close to the project have indicated, however, that production will proceed as planned, with increased police presence and tighter security at all remaining shoot locations.
In today’s entertainment landscape, where celebrity personas often intersect with political ideology, Gadot represents a complex case. As an actress who wears her national identity with pride, she finds herself at the center of geopolitical conversations far removed from the film scripts she brings to life.
Law enforcement has made it clear that while peaceful protests are a protected right, actions that disrupt legal, professional work—especially when motivated by personal identity or nationality—will be met with consequences.
The incident in London serves as a stark reminder of how deeply intertwined entertainment, politics, and activism have become. In the case of The Runner, what began as a high-stakes thriller is now unfolding under the real-world pressure of international controversy.
With filming still underway and the release expected in 2025, it remains to be seen whether the film’s reception will be shaped more by its storyline or by the political storm surrounding its leading star. What is certain, however, is that Gadot continues to draw global attention—both on and off the screen.
