Maxim’s list of the most attractive women in 2014 featured Gal Gadot, who is now captivating audiences as a female warrior who has lived for five thousand years. Born on April 30, 1985, in Rosh Ha’ayin, Israel, Gal Gadot comes from a Jewish family with roots in Germany and Northern Europe. What sets her apart is that she joined her country’s Defense Forces for two years right after winning the Miss Israel 2004 crown. Despite being typecast into roles that merely require her to enhance the visual appeal of the films rather than showcase her acting skills, Gal Gadot persevered and eventually landed a breakthrough role in The Fast and the Furious series.
Gal Gadot, who is now a renowned actress, had a unique journey that led her to where she is today. Prior to her acting career, she served as a soldier and underwent rigorous training as part of her service. Director Justin Lin recognized this and chose her to play the role of Gisele Harabo, a prostitute who left a drug trafficking organization to help racing boss Dominic Toretto, in the 2009 movie Fast & Furious.
When asked about her character Gisele Harabo, Gal Gadot described her as a combination of strength and femininity, with some similarities to herself. Gisele is an intriguing character who has been brought to life on screen by Gadot, showcasing the image of a charming, resilient, and likable woman. In a world where female role models are abundant, Gisele stands out with her strong presence. As a former soldier, Gadot appreciates the opportunity to portray a capable and empowered woman, rather than the typical female role of a broken-hearted girl in need of protection. She finds the Fast and Furious series to be refreshing in this regard, and takes pride in her portrayal of Gisele.
Gal Gadot gained international recognition for her role as Gisele Harabo. Though she initially auditioned for the part of Caмille Montes in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, the role eventually went to Olga Kυrylenko. However, the casting director recognized Gadot’s potential and suggested her for the role of Gisele in Fast & Furious. Director Justin Lin agreed and Gadot’s career took off from there.
By chance, Gisele Harabo approached Gal Gadot at the very moment that a role she had been passed over for was no longer hers. Interestingly, missing out on the part of Bond Girl turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Gal Gadot, as the character of Camille was pigeonholed as the girl who always hung around with the guys. Nonetheless, Gal Gadot eventually surpassed Olga Kurylenko and secured the role of Wonder Woman in the hit movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Although fame came late to her, Gal Gadot achieved it with confidence and certainty.
It is rare for Bond girls to maintain their captivating presence for long, as the competition among male characters can be fierce. Gal Gadot, who played the role of Gisele Harabo in Furious 6 (2013), faced criticism from fans when she was cast as Wonder Woman soon after Gisele’s unfortunate death. Many fans believed that the Israeli actress was too thin to play the iconic Amazon warrior princess with a curvy physique and large breasts as depicted in the original comics.
Numerous individuals believe that Gal Gadot does not have the appropriate physique to portray Wonder Woman. During an interview, the actress shared her thoughts on the matter by stating: “People say that I am too thin and my breasts are too small. When I was younger, I used to struggle with criticism like this. However, now it is becoming quite exasperating.” Interestingly, Amazons typically have smaller chests as it allows them to carry weapons such as bows and arrows with ease. Despite efforts to please everyone, it is nearly impossible to do so.
According to Gal Gadot, criticisms about her portrayal of Wonder Woman are simply nonsense. She believes that part of her job is to listen to feedback and be open to criticism. However, she also thinks that people should try to learn beyond what they see in comic books. In order to prepare for the role, she follows a strict diet and exercise routine to maintain a healthy body. Additionally, she undergoes intense training in martial arts, including Kung Fu, Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, and swordsman techniques.
The actress who portrays Wonder Woman in the movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Gal Gadot, is praised for her captivating performance. Despite initial skepticism from some viewers, Gadot’s portrayal of the character is personable, mysterious, seductive, strong, and dangerous. Additionally, she breaks away from the stereotype of a scantily clad female hero and instead embodies a thorny rose in the male-dominated battlefield. Director Zack Snyder accurately chose Gadot for the role due to her magical qualities and exceptional acting skills.
Interestingly, Gadot almost missed the opportunity to play Wonder Woman because she was invited to play Faora in the movie Man of Steel while pregnant. Nevertheless, she persevered and became a symbol for modern, talented, and fierce women, just like her roles as Wonder Woman and Gisele. Furthermore, she is admired for her simple and healthy lifestyle and ability to avoid gossip. With her current success, there is no doubt that Gal Gadot will continue to shine brightly in the entertainment industry.
Gal Gadot will be reprising her role as Wonder Woman in multiple upcoming Warner Bros. and DC projects, including Wonder Woman (2017), The Justice League Part One (2017), and Justice League Part Two (2019). Additionally, audiences can currently catch her in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which is currently showing in theaters nationwide.