Gal Gadot’s heroic new role in Holocaust thriller ‘Ruin’ revealed

Israeli actress Gal Gadot is set to star in Ruin, a gripping post-Holocaust thriller directed by Niki Caro, known for The Zookeeper’s Wife and Whale Rider. Gadot will portray a concentration camp survivor who forms an uneasy alliance with a German soldier, played by Matthias Schoenaerts, to seek vengeance against a Nazi SS squad in post-World War II Germany. The screenplay, penned by cousins Kaz and Ryan Firpo, topped Hollywood’s 2017 Black List, an industry ranking of the best unproduced scripts, joining the ranks of acclaimed films like Spotlight and Argo. This marks Caro’s second Holocaust-themed project, promising a powerful narrative of justice and survival.

Gadot, a vocal advocate for Israel since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, has used her platform to combat antisemitism, making her role in Ruin particularly poignant. However, her advocacy has drawn controversy. On May 1, 2025, anti-Israel protesters disrupted the filming of her project 'The Runner' in north London, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Stop bombing Palestine.” Reports conflict on whether Gadot was present: the Daily Mail claimed police escorted the 40-year-old off set for safety, halting production, while the Jewish Chronicle reported she was absent, with her stunt double filming during the protest. The incident underscores the challenges Gadot faces as a prominent Israeli figure in Hollywood amid heightened global tensions over the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Gadot’s casting in Ruin aligns with her history of portraying resilient, heroic figures, from Wonder Woman to her upcoming role as Cleopatra. The film, backed by Gadot’s production company Pilot Wave, is poised to blend intense drama with historical weight, reflecting her commitment to impactful storytelling. As antisemitism rises, Gadot’s involvement in Ruin and her public stance highlight her resolve to confront hatred through art and advocacy, despite facing hateful disruptions.