Big news on the Man of Steel/Batman vs. Superman front! It has been reported Wonder Woman will indeed appear in the film and she has been cast. Actress, model, and former Israeli soldier Gal Gadot will portray the third member of DC Comics’ triumvirate in the character’s first movie appearance.
Gadot’s resume includes two films in the Fast and Furious franchise and two 2010 films, Knight and Day and Date Night. While her acting career is not particularly extensive, there is evidence to suggest she possesses the physicality required to adequately portray the Amazonian warrior princess. Gadot was born in Israel and joined the Israeli army, the Israeli Defense Forces, at 20 years old. Furthermore, she served as a sports trainer during her two-year term in the IDF. It is likely that her military experience contributed to her success in scoring this coveted role. Director Zack Snyder had this to say about Gadot’s selection:
Wonder Woman is arguably one of the most powerful female characters of all time and a fan favorite in the DC Universe. Not only is Gal an amazing actress, but she also has that magical quality that makes her perfect for the role. We look forward to audiences discovering Gal in the first feature film incarnation of this beloved character.
I have to hand it to Warner Bros., picking Gadot to portray Wonder Woman is a brilliant move. Executives have been wringing their hands and worrying about this character’s debut on the silver screen (a bit too much, in my opinion) for years. Gadot’s diverse and unorthodox background provides a number of attributes that safely account for any complaints or excuses that could hinder Woman Woman’s appearance in Batman vs. Superman.
I am especially pleased that they opted to pick someone who can fight and likely has some experience in an actual combat scenario over anything else. There are plenty of other actresses that have more experience than Gadot, but Wonder Woman’s penchant for combat and aptitude for warfare are among her most distinctive features. Given that this is her first appearance in a movie, it is important to emphasize Diana’s fighting prowess early on and demonstrate it well. WB was wise to look to the IDF, one of the fiercest armies in the entire world, for a battle-tested actress up to this task.
I can only hope that the material she has to work with allows her to succeed in the role. After all, Zack Snyder and David S. Goyer are still the creative engines behind this project and their previous efforts brought us Man of Steel, one DC’s most polarizing films. Pessimism aside, Gadot’s addition is the first piece of news that has me excited for this film. I didn’t know it, but she’s the Gadot I’ve been waiting for this entire time!
What say you, Us Nation? Does Gadot’s inclusion positively influence your expectations for Batman vs. Superman? Is there someone you believe would make a better choice? Let us know in the comments!
Via Deadline and Entertainment Weekly
