Wonder Woman fans have eagerly awaited the release of her own feature film for years. Although many skeptics doubted the casting of Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress who was relatively unknown at the time, she has proven them wrong with her martial arts skills and beauty. Gadot’s rise to fame began when she was approached at a Tel Aviv shopping mall in 2004 and asked to participate in the Miss Israel contest. Winning the competition led her to compete in the annual Miss Universe contest held that year in Quito, Ecuador. However, she intentionally sabotaged her chance of winning due to the unwanted attention that came with the title. Despite this setback, Gadot is now ready to take on the role of Wonder Woman in the upcoming female-led superhero film. During our meeting in West Hollywood, she arrived in a loose, off-white midi dress and sandals, concealing the fact that she was nine months pregnant. As she spoke about her life and career, her hands often moved around her belly in anticipation of her baby’s arrival.
The long-awaited Wonder Woman movie has finally arrived, giving the iconic character her own solo feature film. Fans have been eagerly anticipating this moment for years, with Warner Bros and DC Comics discussing the possibility of a film since the 1990s. Although there were rumors of famous actresses such as Angelina Jolie and Beyoncé taking on the role, the relatively unknown actress Gal Gadot landed the part. When speaking, Gadot is friendly and straightforward, with an Americanized Hebrew accent. She and her husband Yaron Versano, a property developer, share a daughter named Alma who is five years old and they are expecting their second child soon. After taking a month off for maternity leave, the family is planning to embark on a global promotional tour for the movie which Gadot is excited about.
Gal Gadot has been playing the role of Wonder Woman for three years now, and it has become a big part of her life. The actress was cast in the role in 2014 and made her first appearance as a supporting character in the movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice last year. Fans were left wanting more, and critics and audiences alike praised Gadot’s performance as the standout of the film. Most people are already familiar with the character of Wonder Woman, whether through the original DC Comics from 1941 or the popular 1970s TV series featuring Lynda Carter. Diana Prince, an Amazonian warrior princess, is known for her kind-hearted nature and fierce fighting skills.
Born on the fictional island of Themyscira and bestowed with extraordinary powers by the Greek gods, she was trained by her mother to use her talents for promoting peace. She’s a highly skilled athlete who’s not afraid to fight when needed, and her outfit is easily recognizable. In 2017, Gal Gadot portrayed her with a corset, knee-high boots with heels, and a leather skirt similar to a fustanella. Though not involved in its design, Gadot enjoys the convenience and comfort of her costume. The material used in her outfit was changed from the previous version that appeared in Batman v Superman, which was much tighter and restricted her movement. Gadot emphasizes the significance of feeling at ease and able to move freely while wearing a corset and engaging in physical activities.
Last April, the unforgettable portrayal of Wonder Woman by Gadot hit cinemas, showcasing her classic arsenal, which includes a tiara that can be thrown like a star, unbreakable bracelets, a sword and shield, and the lasso of truth. The story of righteousness is central to the character of Wonder Woman, inspired by William Moulton Marston’s wife, lover, and early feminist activists. In the most recent movie set in World War I, Wonder Woman goes to London to fight injustice with American pilot Steve Trevor, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Gadot emphasizes that the film centers on two equals who learn from each other while tackling the challenges they face, with themes of hope, love, action, and nostalgia for comic book enthusiasts.
Gal Gadot, in the company of her husband Yaron Versano and daughter Alma, spent four months living in Hampstead, London while filming Wonder Woman. Despite the cold weather, the energetic film crew, under the leadership of director Patty Jenkins, continued to shoot scenes outdoors, even when temperatures dropped below zero. Although Chris Pine layered up to keep warm, Gadot wore her leather costume and braved the freezing conditions. The crew admired her courage, nicknaming her a real-life incarnation of Wonder Woman.
Gal Gadot didn’t just become a superhero when the cameras started rolling. She put in seven months of hard work to prepare for her role, spending six hours each day training. Her routine consisted of weightlifting and cardio for two hours in the gym, practicing martial arts choreography for another two hours (always with a sword and shield), and sometimes working on horseback riding or lasso techniques. Although some of these skills were already familiar to her, the intense training pushed her to her limits.
Growing up in Rosh Haayin near Tel Aviv, Gal’s parents didn’t allow much TV time and encouraged her and her sister to play outdoor sports like volleyball and basketball. She excelled at these sports and even tried modeling for a year in Europe after participating in beauty pageants. However, she eventually returned to Israel to complete her mandatory military service with the Israel Defense Forces. During this time, she trained in Krav Maga – a mixed martial arts defense system – and even taught it to older male soldiers. Although serving in the military is common in Israel, Gadot never fired a gun outside of training, and most people in the army strive for peace.
Initially, Gal Gadot had her sights set on a career in law following her participation in the Miss Universe pageant. Her passion for justice was a driving force in her life. However, the world of acting soon came knocking at her door thanks to her modelling agent who convinced her to audition for a Bond girl role. This ignited a spark within her and she pursued drama fervently. She then went on to hone her skills on an Israeli soap opera and later starred in Hollywood blockbusters such as the Fast and Furious franchise. Despite the uncertainty that comes with being an actor, she continued to pursue her dream until she was asked to audition for Wonder Woman by Zack Snyder, the director of Batman v Superman. She landed the iconic role despite facing criticism for not having the “right” figure for the character. Nevertheless, Gadot remains unbothered and believes that feminism is all about making choices regarding one’s body and career without succumbing to gender politics.
Gal Gadot believes that her character, Diana, in the movie Wonder Woman, is a complex representation of all women. She hopes that young girls, including her own daughters, view Diana as a role model. Gadot advocates for more female heroes leading films, since men have historically dominated this area. She feels honored to have received messages from young girls who dress up as Wonder Woman. After filming Justice League and becoming pregnant, she intends to resume training if this film is positively received. Gadot emphasizes that women everywhere are heroic in their own right, not just herself.
