Gal Gadot on Feminism, Wonder Woman’s Strength & Independence in Batman v Superman

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In honor of International Women’s Day, how about some nice words from Batman v Superman’s Gal Gadot on Wonder Woman?

Gadot (pronounced “Gah-dote,” which I definitely have not been saying like that this whole time) spoke to Glamour about her time playing the famous Amazon for Batman v Superman but is also excited for her solo film. “Wonder Woman is getting the respect of having her own movie!” she said.

We’ve previously gotten our first look at the solo film which is almost done filming already. Both films will feature lots of fighting and Glamour asked Gadot about her training:

Since I’ve started, I’ve gained about 17 pounds, and it’s all muscle. I feel so much better now. When you feel strong, it changes everything—your posture, the way you walk. I look at photos from five years ago and think, Whoa, I was too skinny. It’s not cool.

It seems as if she’s been on the road to this role for a few years now. “Whenever I met with producers, writers, or directors, I said I wanted to portray a strong, independent woman,” she told them. “Cut to Wonder Woman.” Glamour inquired into what the audition process had been like. You may recall we didn’t find out for sure Wonder Woman would be a part of Batman v Superman (and we recently found out Henry Cavill’s Superman might cameo in her solo film) for a little bit.

GLAMOUR: What was your audition to play Wonder Woman like?

GG: I was in this weird career phase, going back and forth from Tel Aviv to Los Angeles for auditions. I kept getting pretty far—multiple callbacks, camera tests—then it would be a no. Over and over. I was like, “God, Yaron, maybe I should quit.” Then my agent called and said Warner Brothers wanted to audition me for something.

GLAMOUR: When did you learn it was for Batman v Superman?

GG: Zack [Snyder, the director] called before I met with Ben Affleck. He said, “I don’t know if you have this in Tel Aviv, but…have you ever heard of Wonder Woman?” My jaw dropped. I tried to sound nonchalant, like, “Oh yeah, Wonder Woman, sure.” [Laughs.]

I can’t even imagine.

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It was nice to see they also spent some time discussing the character and what she means because while many may not read comic books, Wonder Woman is an icon the world over.

GLAMOUR: Were there certain things that you felt were particularly important in portraying Wonder Woman?

GG: For BvS it was important for me that we show how independent she is. She is not relying on a man, and she’s not there because of a love story. She’s not there to serve someone else.

GLAMOUR: It’s pretty clear she doesn’t need help from anybody!

GG: She has so many strengths and powers, but at the end of the day she’s a woman with a lot of emotional intelligence. She’s loving.

GLAMOUR: We don’t really tend to think about superheroes’ hearts.

GG: And it’s all her heart—that’s her strength. I think women are amazing for being able to show what they feel. I admire women who do. I think it’s a mistake when women cover their emotions to look tough. I say let’s own who we are and use it as a strength.

Gadot also told them it was nice working with Amy Adams on Batman v Superman considering her previous roles had her surrounded by men. “But working with women is just good, you know? Both Amy and I are mothers; we went through similar things,” she said.

She previously told Entertainment Weekly about the effect the character might have on her young daughter when she gets older, “I’m so happy when she grows up she’s going to see a female figure she can be inspired by.”

Lastly, Glamour touched on Gadot’s feelings on feminism considering Wonder Woman herself is a feminist icon (no matter what anyone says to the contrary).

There are such misconceptions as to what a feminist is. Feminism is about equality. I want all people to have the same opportunities and to get the same salaries for the same jobs. I realize I’m doing what I want to do because of the women before me who laid the groundwork. Without them I wouldn’t be an educated working mother who is following her dreams; I wouldn’t be here.

Check out the full interview at Glamour.

2 Responses to “Gal Gadot on Feminism, Wonder Woman’s Strength & Independence in Batman v Superman

  1. It’s comments like these that make me excited for the Wonder Woman movie. Gadot talking about how loving and emotionally intelligent Wonder Woman is, that gives me some faith that at least some of the people involved actually understand her character. Chris Pine and Patty Jenkins also have said similar things, so I’m hoping that they’re the ones with the outlook of the character whose vision most comes through.

    • frodobatmanvader says:

      Yes, agreed. Because the thing is, more than anything, THAT is Wonder Woman’s superpower: her sense of sincere understanding and her loyalty to Truth as a value.