Tensions escalated on the set of Gal Gadot’s latest film The Runner as five pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested by London police this week for attempting to disrupt production. The arrests highlight the growing backlash faced by the Israeli actress as political controversy continues to shadow her international film projects.
Filming took place in Westminster, where demonstrators gathered armed with megaphones, signs, and kitchenware to amplify their message. Chants and posters condemned Gadot’s presence in London, accusing her of supporting the Israeli military amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Slogans like “Trash Gadot Not Welcome in London” and “Stop Starving Gaza” were prominently displayed as tensions flared on the street outside the filming location.
The Metropolitan Police, who were already monitoring the area due to prior protests at other film sites, moved swiftly to identify and apprehend individuals connected to previous disruptions and to prevent further escalation. According to authorities, all five arrested individuals were charged with offenses related to harassment and obstructing access to a workplace under Section 241 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act. They remain in custody as investigations continue.
At the center of the storm is Gadot, a globally recognized actress known for her roles in Wonder Woman and Fast & Furious. A former Israel Defense Forces soldier, Gadot has been an outspoken advocate for Israel, especially after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack in southern Israel that ignited renewed conflict in Gaza. Her unwavering support has made her a target of criticism among pro-Palestinian groups, with demonstrations now trailing her film career across borders.
The disruption in London is the latest in a series of politically charged incidents tied to the actress. Earlier this year, Gadot received increased security following a wave of online threats after her Snow White co-star Rachel Zegler publicly voiced support for the Palestinian cause. The contrasting political views of the two actresses drew widespread media attention, leading to further polarization among fans and activists alike.
In a separate incident, Gadot’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was recently vandalized. Graffiti branded her with slurs including “baby killer” and replaced her surname with “Greenstein,” the original family name of her parents before it was changed in Israel. The defacement, widely seen as antisemitic, was quickly removed by members of the Israeli community in Los Angeles.
Back in London, police emphasized that while peaceful protest is a protected right, interference with lawful professional activity—especially when motivated by identity or nationality—will not be tolerated. Authorities confirmed that the film set was specifically targeted due to Gadot’s Israeli background and her political stance.
Despite the protests, filming for The Runner continues under heightened security. The film is expected to be a high-stakes thriller, following Gadot’s character—a determined lawyer—on a cross-country mission to rescue her kidnapped son. Production has already faced delays due to demonstrations, prompting producers to adjust schedules and strengthen security protocols to ensure the safety of cast and crew.
Gadot, 40, has remained largely silent in public about the London protests, but her past social media posts reflect deep pride in her heritage and military service. For many of her supporters, she represents a powerful symbol of Israeli resilience. For critics, however, her political alignment makes her a lightning rod for controversy.
As the entertainment industry increasingly becomes entangled with global political discourse, the boundaries between celebrity and activism continue to blur. For Gadot, whose film career has been marked by box-office hits and blockbuster franchises, these challenges highlight the complex intersection of fame, identity, and ideology in today’s hyper-connected world.
With The Runner slated for release in 2025, all eyes remain on how the ongoing controversy will shape public reception. Will audiences embrace the film for its narrative thrills, or will geopolitical tensions define its legacy before it even hits the screen?
One thing is certain: in an era where global conflicts reverberate far beyond the battlefield, even a movie set can become the frontline of ideological resistance.
