Gal Gadot’s film set stormed by Pro-Palestinian protesters in London

Production of the upcoming film “The Runner” in north London was temporarily halted on Thursday, May 1, 2025, when pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the set, targeting Israeli actress Gal Gadot. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Stop bombing Palestine,” waved Palestinian flags, and banged drums, creating a chaotic scene that prompted a police response. Approximately a dozen Metropolitan Police officers arrived to manage the situation, though no immediate reports confirmed arrests.

Conflicting accounts emerged regarding Gadot’s presence during the protest. The Daily Mail reported that the actress was escorted off the set for her safety, with a body double stepping in to continue filming. Conversely, The Jewish Chronicle claimed Gadot was not on location, stating that her stunt double was filming when activists arrived, spurred by social media rumors falsely suggesting Gadot’s presence. The protest, reportedly organized via encrypted platforms like Signal and Instagram posts, appeared to target Gadot due to her vocal support for Israel and her past service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Gadot has faced ongoing scrutiny since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 kidnapped to Gaza. Her public backing of Israel has drawn backlash, including controversy over her role in Disney’s “Snow White” remake, banned in Lebanon and Kuwait due to her Israeli nationality and military background. The London protest underscores the heightened tensions surrounding Gadot’s public persona and her association with Israel.

The disruption highlights broader challenges faced by high-profile figures linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with social media amplifying calls for action against them. As “The Runner” resumes production, the incident raises questions about security measures for film sets and the impact of political protests on creative industries, particularly when targeting individuals for their national identity or past affiliations.