Gal Gadot reveals the high stakes action of being Wonder Woman

Gal Gadot is a bona fide action star. Whether she's providing a female force in the Fast and the Furious franchise or taking the lead as Wonder Woman, there's no doubt that this Israeli beauty is a force to be reckoned with on screen as much as off. Gadot first took on the mantle of superhero Diana Prince in 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but it was her solo outing in last year's Wonder Woman that set her at the heart of DC's big screen franchise.

Last year, the Amazon warrior hit our screens again in Justice League, also starring Ben Affleck, Jason Momoa and Ezra Miller, her performance cementing the long-standing comic book character's comeback in the hearts of fans – and even inspiring an in-the-works biopic of the character's creator, psychologist William Marston. As well as performing her own stunts throughout the series so far (apart from while pregnant with her second child), Gadot received swordsmanship, Kung Fu, kickboxing, capoeira and Brazilian jiu-jitsu training.

Here, Gadot shares her experiences on set, the motivations of a powerful female character, and how she became a real life Wonder Woman to her fellow cast and crew…

What was it like reuniting with director Zack Snyder to make Justice League after working with him to bring Wonder Woman to the big screen for the first time in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice?
Well, Zack is a dear, dear friend, and I have a lot of love and respect for him. He was the first one to really believe in me and give me this huge opportunity. I had actually been thinking about quitting acting and, at the very last moment – right before I was about to throw in the towel – Zack cast me as Wonder Woman in BvS. And I will never forget it. I think he's a fantastic director, and really enjoyed working with him on both projects.

What are the stakes involved in Justice League? What motivates Diana to want to join forces with Bruce in assembling this team of Super Heroes?
Diana realizes that the end of the world is coming, and she knows that the only way to protect it, is by doing what was done before – the last time the planet faced this type of threat – and that is to have everyone fight together as one. She understands that the only way to save the world is by recruiting this team of Super Heroes and getting them to fight together as one. >>

Related: The Alienist's Luke Evans on costumes, characters and taking on Hollywood

What is the dynamic like between Wonder Woman and Batman, now that they've fought together in battle?
Both of them understand that the stakes are really high, and both of them want to save the day. They have some disagreements along the way, but, eventually, they find a way to collaborate and work together in the best way possible.

All five of these heroes have epic special abilities, but Wonder Woman stands alone in many ways. What do you think she brings to the League?
I think that she brings the heart. She really cares for everyone in general, and definitely cares for each member of the League. In the beginning, she does worry that they're recruiting people who have no real experience, and asking them to risk their lives in order to save the world – something that's highly dangerous – which none of them has ever even attempted before. Diana, in a way, is the glue that holds the League together. She's tries to find ways to help each of these people, at different times, to feel stronger, capable, loved, and ultimately to believe in themselves.

When you were making the movie, do you recall any moments during production that were particularly fun or memorable for you?
I think that the most memorable moment for me was the first time we all stepped onto the set in our costumes – I was laughing all the time because it was just so surreal [laughs]. We would be shooting these VERY intense scenes and I would get a glimpse of someone in their costume and just begin laughing.

And did you have a favourite costume of the bunch?
Oh, mine, for sure [laughs]! By far. >>

Related: Woman with altitude: recreating the journey of Alexandra David–Neél

It is true that you were actually expecting your second child at some point during the Justice League production?
Yes. I got pregnant while we were shooting Justice League. It's very intense to shoot a movie as it is, so then I was also experiencing morning sickness and migraines and stuff like that. But, honestly, the whole thing was great.

You really are Wonder Woman. Speaking of which, did you have any sense when you were working with director Patty Jenkins on the Wonder Woman movie that it would become this amazing cultural phenomenon?
I definitely felt that we were doing something special, and having the captain of the ship be Ms. Patty Jenkins made everything much more magical. The experience was very, very unique. Everyone was inclusive, which created this amazing atmosphere while we were shooting – because it wasn't an easy project, physically. We were working six days a week, every week, for six months, and it was very demanding work.

We were all so invested in making this movie the absolute best it could be, and, when everyone cares so much for a project, and is so thoughtful about the characters and the story, I think it always shows. I never imagined that this film would reach the huge success that it reached. But, while we were shooting the movie, I definitely felt that we were doing something special, and after seeing one of the first cuts, I was just incredibly proud to be part of Wonder Woman.

JUSTICE LEAGUE arrives onto Digital Download March 12 and on 4K ULTRA HD Blu-ray™, Blu-ray™ 3D, Blu-ray™ and DVD March 26. A Steelbook is also available exclusively with HMV. Justice League is available to pre-order now