What Did ‘Justice League’ Actor Gal Gadot Star in Before ‘Wonder Woman?’
Gal Gadot became a household name seemingly overnight, after taking on the title character in 2017’s Wonder Woman. The Patty Jenkins-directed movie premiered to strong critical and audience reception and broke the box office in-tandem.
Following Wonder Woman, Gadot appeared in Justice League opposite Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill and then went on to star in Wonder Woman 1984. Thus, Gadot is now intimately attached to Princess Diana — a role formerly iconicized by the one and only Lynda Carter. Yet, who was Gadot before Wonder Woman fell into her lap?
Gal Gadot’s early years
As TheThings notes, acting was not originally on the agenda for Gadot; she planned to become a dance choreographer. And, for twelve years, she studied ballet, jazz, and hip-hop, which could be proving useful when it comes to remembering fight choreography — and making it look both badass and graceful.
Gadot was born in Israel, and she was crowned Miss Israel back in 2004, which gave her a decent amount of exposure. She then went on to compete in Miss Universe, but she reportedly tanked the process on purpose, as she didn’t have an interest in competing in that world long-term.
As is the case for many actors, Gadot started modeling before fully making the transition to the performance world. Gadot also managed to study law and served in the Israeli military, but she is now an established actor who appeared in a handful of smaller roles before landing Wonder Woman.
Gal Gadot’s pre-‘Wonder Woman’ roles
Outside the DC Extended Universe, Gal Gadot’s most notable role is arguably in the Fast and Furious franchise. Gadot starred in Fast & Furious, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6, and Furious 7 as Gisele. Gisele helps Dominic Toretto’s team while forming a romantic relationship with team member Han Lue.
The role went on to receive backlash for its misogynistic depiction of women, as the character was overtly sexualized and deemed unrealistic. However, there were people on the other side of the coin, arguing that the depiction was both free and unfettered by social expectations tied to female sexuality. Gadot performed her own stunts while shooting.
In terms of roles outside franchises, Gadot has also starred in Kicking Out Shoshana, Triple 9, Kathmandu, Asfur, Knight and Day, Date Night, and more. She boasted mostly small roles in these productions, but they must have been enough to catch the attention of some important casting directors.
