Gal Gadot, best known for her role as Wonder Woman, is once again facing a wave of criticism about her acting abilities. The spotlight has intensified in recent months as her 2021 Netflix hit Red Notice begins to slip from its top spot, while her more recent role in Disney’s live-action Snow White has been branded a disappointment by critics and audiences alike.
The controversy resurfaced after YouTube critic Cooper Neidecker released a video in May dissecting Gadot’s performances, starting with her 2020 portrayal of Wonder Woman opposite Pedro Pascal. He mocked a dramatic chase scene, pointing out Pascal’s intensity compared to Gadot’s flat delivery. According to him, Gadot’s line delivery came off so casual that it could have been mistaken for small talk rather than a high-stakes moment. Neidecker went further, reading reviews that suggested Gadot’s acting becomes less convincing the more prominent her roles are.
The criticism only grew harsher with her turn as the Evil Queen in Snow White, released in March 2025. While co-star Rachel Zegler’s performance as Snow White drew praise, Gadot’s was widely panned. Neidecker called her portrayal “terrible” and described it as “the real poison apple” that doomed the film. He argued that Gadot’s shortcomings weren’t just isolated missteps but a recurring pattern in her career.
Reviews weren’t kind either. Some noted that her Evil Queen lacked depth, while others felt her presence distracted from the story rather than elevating it. Neidecker even claimed the film’s failure could be traced back to weak character design and Gadot’s lackluster performance, sparking debate about why she continues to be cast in major roles.
Gadot, however, sees things differently. In an interview with the Israeli TV program The A Talks, she said she genuinely enjoyed working on Snow White and praised Zegler despite rumors of tension between them. Gadot admitted she believed the movie would be a huge success, but argued that politics surrounding global events—particularly the October 7 incursion—overshadowed its release and damaged its reception.
Meanwhile, her older projects still play a big part in her career. On Netflix, Red Notice—where she stars alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Ryan Reynolds—has accumulated nearly 231 million views. Still, it risks being overtaken by Kpop Demon Hunters, an animated film released in June 2025 that has already racked up 210 million views in just a few months.
Despite the growing criticism, Gadot’s résumé tells a different story. According to IMDb, she has 33 award wins against 32 nominations, the majority tied to her role as Wonder Woman. That success suggests that while critics may slam her acting style, audiences and award committees have recognized her impact on screen.
Public perception, however, remains divided. One viewer summed up the backlash by comparing her acting to an “average person competing at the Olympics,” pointing out how her performances often highlight just how skilled professional actors truly are. For detractors, she’s seen as a star whose fame outpaces her talent. For supporters, she’s a beloved icon who continues to bring in audiences worldwide, no matter what critics say.
Whether her career weathers this storm depends largely on how she responds to ongoing criticism and the roles she chooses next. For now, Gal Gadot remains one of Hollywood’s most polarizing figures—a star with undeniable presence but a talent many believe still hasn’t lived up to its potential.
