# Gal Gadot to Produce and Possibly Star in 'Don't Feed the Lion' Adaptation Fox Entertainment Studios and Moriah Media optioned the 2025 novel addressing antisemitism for film. - **Source:** [Deadline](https://deadline.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bcf826fa-8549-44e7-b748-88ca5398da6d ## Adaptation of Novel Announced Gal Gadot and Jaron Varsano’s production company, Pilot Wave Motion Pictures, has partnered with Fox Entertainment Studios and Moriah Media. They plan to adapt the 2025 middle-grade novel Don’t Feed the Lion into a feature film. Gadot is currently attached as an executive producer and may potentially star in the project. ## Authors and Source Material The book was written by former CNN anchor Bianna Golodryga and Israeli Channel 12 news anchor Yonit Levi. Published by Arcadia Children’s Books, the story centers on a 13-year-old soccer captain named Theo Kaplan. The narrative explores themes of cultural identity and moral courage within a Chicago middle school setting during crises. ## Addressing Rising Antisemitism The plot follows Theo and his friends as they navigate prejudice after a soccer hero posts antisemitic content online. The authors created the book in response to their own children’s questions regarding rising antisemitism. They identified a significant lack of middle-grade fiction that directly addresses these complex social challenges for young readers. ## Production Team and Vision Fox Entertainment Studios and Moriah Media, the storytelling arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, are leading the development. Fernando Szew, President of Fox Entertainment Studios, emphasized the project's human focus. The production aims to make difficult subjects accessible through relatable characters, allowing young audiences to recognize choices from their own daily lives. ## Personal Connection for Producers Gadot and Varsano, who are parents to four daughters, described the project as deeply personal to their family. They expressed a desire for their children to grow up in a world where hatred is actively challenged. The producers believe the film will open doors to important conversations about respect and standing up. ## Moriah Media’s Strategic Role Jim Berk, CEO of Moriah Media, noted that stories often reach young people more effectively than news headlines. The organization previously collaborated with Fox Entertainment and Israel’s Yes TV on the scripted anthology series One Day in October. This new project continues their mission of using media to foster social awareness. ## Pilot Wave Motion Pictures Slate Founded by Gadot and Varsano, Pilot Wave Motion Pictures has a growing portfolio of diverse projects. Their previous work includes the Netflix action thriller Heart of Stone and the National Geographic documentary series Impact with Gal Gadot. This new adaptation aligns with their focus on highlighting stories that make a global difference. ## Context of the Announcement The news coincides with Bianna Golodryga receiving the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Jewish Heritage Award at their 2026 Humanitarian Award Dinner in Los Angeles. This recognition highlights the cultural significance of the authors' work. The project remains in development as the team moves forward with bringing this timely narrative to the screen. ## Sources covering this story - https://deadline.com/2026/11/gal-gadot-bianna-golodryga-yonit-levi-dont-feed-the-lion-1237220055/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._