Gal Gadot to Produce Film Adaptation of Youth Novel on Antisemitism
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
Israeli actress Gal Gadot and her husband Jaron Varsano are producing a film based on the youth novel "Don't Feed the Lion," which addresses antisemitism and civil courage. The project, a collaboration with Fox Entertainment Studios and Moriah Media, is in development and may feature Gadot in a role. The story follows two siblings confronting prejudice after an antisemitic online message impacts their Chicago school. Gadot cited personal reasons for her involvement, emphasizing the importance of respect and combating hate for her daughters.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Gal Gadot and Jaron Varsano will produce a film adaptation of the youth novel "Don't Feed the Lion."
- The film will explore themes of antisemitism, exclusion, and civil courage, based on a book by Bianna Golodryga and Yonit Levi.
- Fox Entertainment Studios and Moriah Media are partnering with Gadot's Pilot Wave Motion Pictures on the project.
- The story is set in Chicago and follows siblings Theo and Annie as they confront online hate and school prejudice.
- Gadot stated the project is personally significant as a parent concerned about her daughters' future society.
- The book's authors were motivated by their children's questions about rising antisemitism.
Israeli actress Gal Gadot and her husband Jaron Varsano are set to produce a film exploring themes of antisemitism, exclusion, and civil courage. Their production company, Pilot Wave Motion Pictures, has partnered with Fox Entertainment Studios and Moriah Media for the project. The film will be based on the youth novel "Don't Feed the Lion," published in 2025 by Bianna Golodryga and Yonit Levi. Gadot may also take on an acting role. Fox Entertainment Studios and Moriah Media, the production arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, have secured the rights to the book. The project is currently in development, with Gadot and Varsano serving as executive producers. The novel's story centers on 13-year-old Theo and his younger sister Annie, who spend time with their grandparents during traditional Shabbat dinners. The narrative highlights their family's immigrant background and explores issues of Jewish identity, personal responsibility, and the courage to confront injustice.
The plot is triggered by an antisemitic online message posted by a famous soccer player, Theo's idol, which quickly gains traction. The repercussions extend to Theo's school in Chicago, where he, his sister, and their classmate Gabe face prejudice, peer pressure, and harassment. The story emphasizes the importance of finding allies and speaking out against the persecution of others. Gadot and Varsano stated the project holds personal significance for them as parents of four daughters, concerned about the society their children will grow up in. They expressed a desire for their children to live in a world that respects differences, combats hate, and ensures no one feels alone when standing up for what is right. The authors, Golodryga and Levi, wrote the book in response to their children's questions about rising antisemitism and the perceived lack of youth literature addressing the topic.
Bianna Golodryga is an Emmy-winning journalist formerly with CNN, and Yonit Levi is a prominent Israeli television journalist. The film announcement coincides with Golodryga receiving the Jewish Heritage Award at the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Humanitarian Award Dinner on November 11th in Los Angeles, where Ynon Kreiz, Co-head of Skydance, will also be honored. Gal Gadot, David Ellison, and Jeffrey Katzenberg are among the scheduled presenters.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 4Right 1Other 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
