Gal Gadot: “I’m not obsessed with my looks and wondering if it overshadowed my talent. I don’t ask myself those questions”

Earning a prime position atop the Los Angeles hills was no easy task for Gal Gadot (Petach Tikva, Israel, 38). This couldn’t even be considered a wish, given that his first goal when moving to the United States was to complete a law degree. Before, with the newly acquired age of majority and awaiting the call to comply with compulsory military service, she decided to enter beauty pageants for fun and ended up being crowned. The joke escalated and she was forced to boycott her candidacy for not taking the Miss Universe title as well, although she would eventually achieve this, unofficially but indisputably, by turning her wonder woman into a global cinematic icon and emotional reference that would channel the feelings of a wave of women charged with reasons to fight. A role she got when she was on the verge of quitting acting, after years of being typecast in supporting roles more focused on exploiting her slenderness and innate elegance than her talent. Today, with the lesson learned and the glass ceiling shattered, Gadot takes action literally and figuratively with Stone heart (released on Netflix August 11), a spy thriller starring, produced and directed by herself. “With wonder woman I felt there was a place for this kind of films with female roles. But I wanted it to be more realistic and more down to earth, so that the viewers feel their adrenaline and their pain”, explains the interpreter. His determination is none other than to continue to open doors and dismantle prejudices: “There’s still a long way to go in exploring stories from a female perspective.” With figures like her in mind, the journey will be shorter.

‘Total look’ by Dolce & Gabbana. Photo: Thomas Whiteside

his character in Stone heart he moves away from the main male archetype of the genre. She’s not trying to save the world by herself. rather, it relies on the relationships it forges along the way.
I wanted Rachel Stone to be imperfect, not always finding the right answer, and conflicting with the challenges that come her way. I think there’s something very primitive about not wanting to feel alone and isolated. I was looking to explore this need to be surrounded, to establish the human relationships that we all seek.

There are few extreme disciplines that I do not practice in the film: skydiving, zip line, base jump, motorcycle pursuit snow, fights in the air… Do you have nothing left to do?
Throw myself into a blazing fire and step on hot stones! We aspired to the highest, to make it as big as possible, but always making sure that everything was achievable, that a human being could do the things that we filmed. My goal was for everything to be real, not to look like another superhero.

Given that you served two years as a combat instructor in the military, did your military training help you when prepare for so much action?
I don’t know if it’s my military training, I would say that having been a dancer for years had a greater influence. When you dance, you have to express yourself through your body because it’s the only language tool you have. In these scenes, you have to coordinate your movements because they follow a very specific rhythm, speed and intention. It’s another form of bodily expression and I experienced it as something very natural.

‘Total look’, Saint Laurent boots and sunglasses, Elsa Peretti bracelets and necklace, both from Tiffany & Co. Photo: Thomas Whiteside

It is curious to see how many of the actresses who have succeeded in the genre, such as Charlize Theron or Milla Jovovich, have also been models. Do you find any similarities between parading the catwalk and the kick?
Yes, there could be. The body has a way of communicating without words and it all depends on the intention you put into what you show. It happens when you parade, when you dance or when you fight. For example, I remember walking the runway when I was a model many years ago and feeling unstoppable.

Many colleagues of his generation also bet on the production of films they play What are the benefits?
In this case, it’s because the idea to make the film came from me and my husband, Yaron. If we hadn’t produced, directed and developed the story, she never would have had the chance to play Rachel Stone. Production is just a way to make our dreams come true. If I have a dream role that I want to play, developing the story myself and having my own production company is an incredible advantage in achieving that.

And how did he work side by side with him? Did they avoid talking about work over dinner at home?
[Ríe] No, it was great. Yaron is a very creative person, with a great entrepreneurial mindset and once you accept that you won’t always agree, you can talk about anything. We’re the type of couple that’s used to doing everything together and we appreciate that, it’s been an organic decision.

Long chain earring from Tiffany & Co. and small diamond studs from Mejuri. Photo: Thomas Whiteside

I want to go back to 2017, when wonder woman hits theaters. Soon after, the #MeToo movement exploded and her character became a global feminist icon. How did you live these days?
I remember it as if I had watched it from a moving train. I had just had my second daughter [Maya], I was about eight weeks old when the movie was released and that same month I had to have back surgery due to an injury sustained during filming. If you think about it, it’s even funny because people thought that at that time I was drinking a bottle of champagne and feeling cool from the top of Mount Olympus, but I was facing many fronts and personal problems. And also, all of this sudden exposure and fame… it was very overwhelming.

Did it upset you to see yourself erected into a phenomenon of society?
I loved it, but I never felt like everything that happened was about me. I always thought I was just a vessel for this character. It wasn’t me, it was Diana. So that made it much more bearable.

‘Total look’, Alexander McQueen shoes and rings and Tiffany & Co chain. Photo: Thomas Whiteside

In her early days she knew how to give life to a spy, her first casting in Hollywood was for a James Bond film, Quantum of comfort.
I didn’t get the part, so I continued to study. The truth is, it’s fun to see how inscrutable life’s paths are, and how when one door closes, another opens for you in the future. This whole process made me realize that I really wanted to become an actress.

At that time, he was studying law and international relations. Was it important to study for a degree before immersing yourself in the industry?
Having an education has always been essential. Until the James Bond audition, I had never thought of making films, so my college career meant everything to me. Ever since I was little, I was taught that it’s the one thing no one can take away from you once you’ve achieved it, so I value my upbringing very much.

Khaite coat, ‘vintage’ t-shirt and Commando underwear and Calzedonia socks. Photo: Thomas Whiteside

to his character in Stone heart they order him to avoid any form of relationship or friendship in favor of his espionage work. Did you also have to make sacrifices in your personal life to be an actress?
Yes of course. For starters, all of our friends and family are in Israel, and we live in Los Angeles, a city that we love but is the opposite of the people we love. There’s a price to pay, but I’m one of those people who think that all good things have a price. It was worth it.

Your beauty is always showcased in profiles posted about you and even Margot Robbie recently said that you are “incredibly beautiful”. Beyond the compliment, did you feel that your physique overshadowed your talent?
Wow! First of all, that it comes from someone as beautiful as Margot Robbie is a huge compliment. [Medita durante varios segundos] To be completely transparent with you, the truth is that I have no such thoughts. I’m not obsessed with my physical appearance, I’m passionate about other types of things that have nothing to do with my looks. It’s my only engine, my motivation and what occupies my brain. I don’t ask myself these questions.

And how has your personal style evolved? over the years? Is it allowed to play more?
I always think less is more and sophistication is the best key. It doesn’t matter what kind of clothes you wear, but who wears them. And I’m that kind of person. I like clothes that complement those who wear them, not those that completely define them.

‘Total look’ from Loewe. Photo: Thomas Whiteside

Next year she will bring the Evil Queen to life in the new adaptation of Snow White. Are you excited to be the antagonist now?
This role was so beautiful and pleasant that I can only be happy. I’m grateful to be playing one of Disney’s first villains and having the opportunity to do a musical, a genre that allowed me to be more dramatic and play everything in a more explosive and delicious way. . I really liked it.

Her co-star in the film, Rachel Zegler, had to endure the hate from the networks for being Latina. Something similar to what you experienced in the next adaptation of Cleopatra. How do you deal with this type of harassment? on line?
You don’t have to get used to it if you don’t pay too much attention to it. My compass focuses only on the character, on the story. I’m passionate about Cleopatra because she’s always been seen as a very one-dimensional figure. Her name is known to everyone, but most only see her as someone very seductive and sexual… She was much, much more. I would like to have the opportunity to celebrate his figure, his life and his philosophy.

In the film, his character must protect an artificial intelligence that safeguards peace in the world. As an actress, do you think artificial intelligence will eventually threaten your profession?
Honestly, I still can’t rate it. What seems clear is that artificial intelligence is going to become a huge factor in everyone’s life and it’s fascinating to see how quickly it has become so real. Only time can tell.

*Style: Karla Welch. Makeup: Sabrina Bedrani (The Wall Group). Hairdresser: Renato Campora (The Wall Group). Manicure: Shigeko Taylor (Star Touch Agency). Digital technician: Mike B. Scenographer: Bryn Bowen. Produced by: NM Productions. Local production: Zoya Shybkouskaya. Assistant photographers: Reto Strechi and Jacob Messex. Styling assistants: Grace Wrightsell and Jamie Spradley.