The movie was banned because the lead actress is Israeli.
The ban on screening the film in Lebanon was imposed by the country’s Ministry of Economy and Trade a few hours before the scheduled premiere. The ministry described it as “the Israeli soldier film”, because the lead actress, Gal Gadot, is Israeli and served in the Israeli army. Lebanon’s 1955 law forbids any contacts with Israel and Israeli citizens and boycotts Israeli goods.
Lebanese activists urged the authorities to ban the film in April. They said the actress had served in the Israeli army and openly supported Israeli military forces and Operation Protective Edge. In 2014, Gadot published a photo of herself praying with her daughter on Instagram after she was chosen for the role in Wonder Woman. She wrote:
“I am sending my love and prayers to my fellow Israeli citizens. Especially to all the boys and girls who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas, who are hiding like cowards behind women and children...We shall overcome!!! Shabbat Shalom!”
The post had the hashtags “#weareright”, “#freegazafromhamas”, “#stopterror” and “#loveidf”. The actress and model’s original post was reposted by @humansofjudaism.
Lebanese blogger Elie Fares writes that activists supporting the boycott act inconsistently. For instance, films starring Israeli-born actress Natalie Portman and The Fast and the Furious franchise starring Gadot were screened without any problems. The blogger notes the decision to boycott the movie will cause heavy financial losses to the Lebanese company that won its distribution rights.
The film features Amazonian princess Diana (Gadot) who leaves her isolated island to join World War I. The film is based on the DC Comics character. The film premiered in Shanghai on May 15. The US release is scheduled for June 2.
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