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Gal Gadot, the acclaimed actress who brought Wonder Woman to life on the big screen, has candidly expressed that a return to the iconic role for a potential third standalone film is unlikely, citing significant personal and professional shifts in her life. Speaking on the popular "Happy Sad Confused" podcast with host Josh Horowitz, Gadot detailed the practicalities of her current life as a mother of four, emphasizing the demanding nature of extended filming schedules and their incompatibility with her family’s needs. "For me to go to do another Wonder Woman, I am not sure I would at this point in my life with four children and different schools and all of that," Gadot stated. "To check out from all of them for such a long period of time, it doesn’t work for my life anymore at this point." This revelation comes as the DC Universe undergoes a significant restructuring under the new leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, signaling a new creative direction for its characters.
Gadot’s tenure as Wonder Woman began with her impactful debut in Zack Snyder’s "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" in 2016. Her portrayal quickly resonated with audiences, leading to her headlining the critically and commercially successful "Wonder Woman" in 2017, directed by Patty Jenkins. The film was a global phenomenon, grossing an impressive $824 million worldwide and solidifying Gadot’s status as a superhero icon. She further cemented her place in the DC pantheon with appearances in "Justice League" the same year and a reunion with Jenkins for the 2020 sequel, "Wonder Woman 1984." While "Wonder Woman 1984" did not reach the same box office heights as its predecessor, it still garnered significant attention, though it faced a more challenging release amidst the global pandemic.
The landscape for a potential "Wonder Woman 3" became uncertain when James Gunn and Peter Safran took the helm of DC Studios, ushering in a new era for the franchise and effectively concluding the era associated with Zack Snyder’s vision. Patty Jenkins had reportedly been developing concepts for a third installment, but with the new leadership, those plans were ultimately shelved. In 2023, Gadot had expressed optimism about a new "Wonder Woman" film being developed within the rebooted DC Universe. However, sources close to Variety at the time indicated that Gunn and Safran were not planning to move forward with another sequel featuring Gadot. Reflecting on this transition, Gadot admitted she wasn’t entirely surprised by the decision.
Gadot articulated her feelings about the way the DC Studios transition was handled, drawing parallels to other actor’s experiences. "I saw the way everybody else was handled. The Henry [Cavill] situation was not handled elegantly to say the least. Patty [Jenkins] was not handled elegantly," she shared on the podcast. "We’re all adults and we’re all good." Despite the circumstances, Gadot expressed profound gratitude for her time as Wonder Woman. "I am so grateful I got the opportunity to wear these boots and have the character be so celebrated," she said. "I can only wish whoever is next comes pure to this journey. This character means so much to so many of us. It was never mine. I was always just a vessel. This is Hollywood." Her perspective highlights a mature understanding of the business and the cyclical nature of creative franchises.
Beyond her superhero legacy, Gadot is venturing into new cinematic territories, most notably with Doug Liman’s upcoming film, tentatively titled "The Runner" (originally referred to as "Bitcoin" in earlier reports, though this seems to be a misunderstanding or placeholder). This project has generated considerable discussion due to its innovative, and at times controversial, use of Artificial Intelligence in its production. The film, which also stars Casey Affleck, Pete Davidson, and Isla Fisher, was shot entirely against green screens in a minimalist studio environment. Producer Ryan Kavanaugh has claimed that the $70 million production achieved substantial cost savings, reportedly over $200 million, by employing AI to generate sets and lighting, effectively creating the visual backdrops and ambiance digitally.
Gadot elaborated on the unique experience of working on this AI-driven production, describing it as the most complex contract negotiation she has undertaken. "This was the longest contract I have ever worked on," she revealed. "It was six months from my lawyers to go through every scenario we could think about as far as the AI component of it." A key concern for Gadot was safeguarding her own performance from AI manipulation. "I did not want AI to have anything to do with my performance. We had to protect that, to such an extent that SAG called my lawyers to ask for pointers to update the SAG contract to protect other actors. As far as the performances, it’s all me." This proactive approach underscores the growing industry concerns about AI’s impact on actors’ rights and the integrity of their craft.
Despite her reservations, Gadot acknowledges the inevitable integration of AI into the film industry. "I am afraid of AI, but I am going to be afraid and look away? No," she stated. "I am afraid but I am playing with it and learning it and trying to educate myself. The train has left the station. You’re going to work with it or be out of the game completely." Her philosophy is one of adaptation and informed engagement, aiming to harness the technology while establishing boundaries. "I am trying to make the best of it and protect what I can protect. The AI component in this movie is for sets and the lighting. We had a broad crew and a lot of people were working on this movie." This distinction between AI’s application to environments and its potential impact on performances is crucial for actors navigating this evolving technological landscape.
The filming process for "The Runner" was unlike anything Gadot had experienced before. With actors performing against a blank canvas, she drew parallels to theatrical productions. "It felt like a pure art form of creating a movie," she explained. The absence of traditional set construction and elaborate lighting setups allowed for a more fluid and continuous filming process. "I haven’t seen a single shot. As an actress, I wait so much. There’s the legendary quote: ‘You are being paid to wait as an actor.’ Here we would film nonstop because we didn’t have to wait for lighting. We would film on and on and on for 10 hours. It was amazing… as actors you’re always hot. You don’t cool off. We’ll see. It’s crazy." This intensity and constant forward momentum, while demanding, offered a unique artistic challenge and a departure from the often stop-and-go nature of conventional filmmaking. The film’s reliance on AI for visual elements, while a point of contention for some, allowed the actors to focus solely on their performances in a remarkably efficient manner. The final visual impact of "The Runner," however, remains to be seen as the AI-generated environments are integrated into the footage.
Gadot’s appearance on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast provided a comprehensive look into her current professional mindset, balancing her past iconic role with her future endeavors and the ever-changing dynamics of Hollywood. Her candid reflections on Wonder Woman, the transition at DC Studios, and her bold engagement with AI in filmmaking offer valuable insights into the industry’s present and future. The full interview, offering further details on her experiences and perspectives, is available on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast.
