Tensions flared in central London this week as five individuals were arrested following a series of pro-Palestinian protests aimed at the production of The Runner, a new action thriller starring Israeli actress Gal Gadot.
On Wednesday, officers from the Metropolitan Police responded to ongoing demonstrations near the film's set in Westminster. Three individuals were arrested on the spot for harassment and for unlawfully obstructing access to the workplace, while two others were detained in connection with previous protest activities. All five remain in custody as authorities continue their investigation.
According to police statements, the protests targeted the film specifically due to Gadot’s nationality and her public support for Israel. The 40-year-old actress, best known for her iconic role as Wonder Woman, is an Israeli native who served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and has previously voiced strong support for her country’s military.
The production of The Runner—a high-stakes thriller that follows a lawyer’s desperate journey across the UK to rescue her kidnapped son—has drawn attention not just for its plot, but for the political controversy it has ignited. Protesters have made clear their opposition to Gadot’s involvement, with placards and chants criticizing her pro-Israel stance.
This week’s arrests fall under Section 241 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act, which makes it an offense to wrongfully obstruct access to a workplace. Authorities say the demonstrations moved beyond peaceful protest, disrupting professional activity and creating safety concerns on set.
The protests follow a broader trend of politically charged demonstrations targeting public figures with connections to Israel. Gadot has become a focal point for such actions, with recent incidents including protests during her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in March. Demonstrators at that event similarly condemned her for perceived support of Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Superintendent Neil Holyoak, who oversaw the operation in London, emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between the right to protest and the right to work safely. He stated that while peaceful demonstrations are respected, actions that escalate into harassment or obstruction will prompt intervention.
The production team behind The Runner has reportedly worked closely with authorities to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of cast and crew. Despite the ongoing unrest, filming is continuing under heightened security measures and adjusted schedules.
The political spotlight surrounding Gadot is not new. Earlier this year, she was at the center of another media storm when opposing political views between her and Snow White co-star Rachel Zegler made headlines during press tours. That clash further amplified the scrutiny surrounding Gadot’s public image.
Adding to the controversy, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) has previously called for international boycotts of Gadot’s films. The organization claims that her public endorsements of the IDF and Israeli policies make her an unsuitable representative in global media and culture.
Still, The Runner continues to move forward with production, aiming for a 2025 release. The film’s producers remain committed to completing the project, despite the challenges presented by protests and political backlash. For Gadot, whose film career continues to thrive amid growing geopolitical tensions, the role could mark another pivotal moment—both on-screen and in the cultural debate surrounding celebrity and activism.
As the protests underscore, the intersection of entertainment and international politics is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. With global audiences more attuned to the personal and political affiliations of public figures, stars like Gadot find themselves not just acting on-screen, but also navigating intense scrutiny off it.
Whether The Runner will be embraced by audiences or caught in the crossfire of a cultural boycott remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in today’s entertainment landscape, even a film set can become a battleground for global debate.
