Marvel's 'Zodiac' Series Sparks Anti-Israel Backlash Online

Israeli screenwriters Ron Leshem and Amit Cohen are reportedly set to write Marvel's new spy series, "Zodiac," for the Disney+ platform. The news, however, has ignited a wave of anti-Israel sentiment and online criticism.

According to Deadline, the series will focus on two spies pursuing adversaries with special abilities. "Zodiac" was announced in early October at New York Comic Con, with a planned premiere in 2028 and filming to commence in 2027. Marvel has not yet officially confirmed Leshem and Cohen's involvement.

The announcement quickly drew backlash on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where a post by DiscussingFilm garnered millions of views. Many users criticized the screenwriters based on their Israeli origin. One comment stated, "Can't wait to see what kind of detached-from-reality Zionist propaganda they'll try to force into the series." Another widely cited comment claimed the series would be "an operation to shape public opinion in favor of Israel, in which Zionists will save the world and Arabs will be villains."

This is not the first time Israeli participation in Marvel projects has led to boycott calls. Previously, pro-Palestinian activists protested after Israeli actress Shira Haas was cast as Sabra, an Israeli superhero and Mossad agent, in "Captain America: Brave New World." Despite changes to the character's backstory in the film, boycott calls persisted.

Ron Leshem is known as a co-creator of the Israeli series "Euphoria" and executive producer of its American adaptation. Amit Cohen co-created the Israeli series "The Gordin Cell" and "Doubt" (Kfulim), which was adapted into the Apple TV+ series "Suspicion." Leshem and Cohen have collaborated on several Israeli projects, including "Zero Hour" and "The Red Sky."

Even without official confirmation from Marvel, the news of Leshem and Cohen's potential involvement highlights how creative appointments can become entangled in political disputes.