Death on the Nile banned in Lebanon and Kuwait over Gal Gadot’s past IDF involvement
Gadot’s ‘Wonder Woman’ was also not released in Lebanon in 2017
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Death on the Nile will not be released in two Middle-Eastern countries due to Gal Gadot’s connection to the Israel Defence Forces.
The Israeli actor stars in Kenneth Branagh’s much-delayed Agatha Christie adaptation alongside Armie Hammer and Russell Brand.
Death on the Nile was released globally on Friday (11 January).
However, the film will not be released in Lebanon and Kuwait as a protest against Gadot’s past support of the IDF, Deadline has confirmed. It was released elsewhere in the Middle East over the weekend.
The Independent has contacted Gadot’s representatives for comment.
According to The Daily Mail, Death on the Nile was banned in Kuwait following protests on social media over Gadot’s role.
The actor served two years in the Israeli army and famously expressed support for Israeli forces as the country led a military offensive against Gaza in 2014.
Last year, she disabled comments on a tweet calling for unity amid a period of intense conflict between Israel and Palestine, which many followers had interpreted as pro-Israel propaganda.
In 2017, Gadot’s Wonder Woman was officially banned in Lebanon and Qatar due to her involvement with the IDF.
Lebanon also blocked the release of its sequel Wonder Woman 1984.