by The Rise of Wonder Woman: How Gal Gadot Became a Global Icon
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In 2017, the world was introduced to Gal Gadot in her breakout role as the titular character in Wonder Woman. Though already an established model and actress in her native Israel, it was this film that catapulted Gadot into international stardom. So how did this one movie turn a relative unknown into a beloved global icon?
The Origin Story
Long before donning the bulletproof bracelets and golden lasso, Gal Gadot had humble beginnings. She was born and raised in Rosh HaAyin, Israel in 1985. As a teenager, she began modeling locally and went on to win the Miss Israel pageant at age 18. This launched a successful modeling career overseas.
Gadot served the mandatory two years in the Israeli Defense Forces as a combat instructor, drawing upon these experiences of strength for later iconic roles. She went on to study law and international relations before pursuing her true calling in acting.
Early Roles
Gadot made her on-screen debut as Gisele Yashar in the Fast & Furious franchise, appearing in three of the blockbuster films. Though a relatively small role, it gave her a taste of Hollywood and the experience of working on large action films. Her big break came in 2016 when she landed the coveted role of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman over six other actresses.
The Power of Wonder Woman
So what was it specifically about Wonder Woman that propelled Gal Gadot into the A-list stratosphere? As the first female-led superhero film of the modern era, it carried enormous weight and pressure to succeed. If it failed, it could stall opportunities for future female-centric films. But if it worked, it would pave the way for more representation and diversity in the notoriously male-dominated genre.
Not only did Wonder Woman work, it smashed records left and right. With a domestic gross of $412 million and reviews lauding it as a long-overdue game changer, the film became an undisputed pop culture sensation. And at the center of it all stood Gal Gadot, instantly immortalized as the embodiment of the iconic Amazonian princess.
Why She Was Perfect
So what made Gadot so perfectly cast for the game-changing role? For starters, she had just the right mix of muscular physique, graceful femininity, exotic beauty and innate charm to convince as Wonder Woman. Gadot also brought a unique combination of intelligence, wit and heart to the part – not relying solely on the character’s physicality.
Having served in the Israeli army, Gadot also possessed a legitimate toughness and grit required for the action-packed role. In interviews about her training for the film, she described her background in the military as essential preparation for the demands of the shoot. Her weapons handling and combat skills lent an authenticity to the battle sequences.
Through it all, Gadot displayed a warm, down-to-earth presence in promoting the film. Her infectious enthusiasm and pride in playing such an iconic character was a huge part of Wonder Woman’s appeal. She made people care deeply about Diana’s story in a way no actress had done before with a superhero.
Wonder Woman’s Legacy
While Wonder Woman grossed over $800 million and scored with critics, its impact went beyond box office figures. It inspired a cultural phenomenon. Little girls dressed up as Diana Prince for Halloween. Real-life heroes like firefighters donned her iconic bracelets. And audiences hungry for content related to the Amazonian warrior instantly catapulted Gadot to A-list fame.
Almost overnight, Gadot became a household name. Other actresses took note, seeing her success as Wonder Woman as a sign that more female-led superhero films could soar. Gadot used her new star power as a platform for important causes like gender equality and environmentalism. Young girls now had a powerful role model in Gadot’s Wonder Woman – both onscreen heroics and offscreen activism.
Life After Wonder Woman
The astronomical success of Wonder Woman launched Gadot’s acting career into the stratosphere. The very next year she hosted Saturday Night Live, appeared on numerous magazine covers and earned multiple awards and nominations for the star-making role. What followed was a steady stream of projects…
In 2018’s caper film Ocean’s 8, Gadot led an impressive ensemble cast of A-list actresses. She then returned to her blockbuster breakthrough role in 2020’s Wonder Woman 1984, which performed well despite pandemic complications. 2022 brought leading parts in Netflix’s international spy thriller Heart of Stone and Disney’s live-action Snow White remake.
Through it all, Gadot has remained deeply grateful to and impacted by her time as Diana Prince. “Wonder Woman changed my career and life in so many ways,” she said recently. “She’s always going to be very, very dear to my heart.” The feeling appears mutual from fans everywhere who were changed by witnessing her bring their beloved superhero to life.
The Verdict
From the moment Gal Gadot stepped onto the screen as Wonder Woman, she embodied everything fans loved about Diana Prince – strength, courage, compassion and determination shining through. Though already successful in her own right, Wonder Woman catapulted her to superstardom.
The film smashed box office records and barriers for female-led superhero movies. In the process, it cemented Gadot as a feminist icon and A-list star who continues landing coveted, complex roles. Most satisfyingly, she inspired a new generation of empowered young girls. Just like her Wonder Woman character, Gal Gadot had conquered seemingly insurmountable odds to become a global sensation.
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