In late 2013, American film director Zack Snyder decided to cast Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman in the highly anticipated 2016 film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
The “Fast & Furious” star, who portrayed Gisele Yashar in three installments of the popular franchise, emerged victorious over the widely-discussed contender, Jamie Alexander, to take on the legendary role of the DC superhero.
How Old Was Gal Gadot in Fast & Furious?
She was introduced in the 2009 film Fast & Furious (alternatively known as Fast & Furious 4). Her character, Gisele Yashar, helps Dominic Toretto’s team while forming a romantic relationship with team member Han Lue. Filming began in February 2008, when Gal was 22 years old.
Gal Gadot as Gisele Yashar in Fast & Furious, showcasing her tough yet stylish persona in a black leather jacket (Credit: Universal Pictures)
Gadot’s Military Background and Stunt Work
Gadot, who performed her stunts in the Fast & Furious films, said in an interview that her army background convinced Taiwanese-American film director Justin Lin to give her the role of Gisele Yashar.
“I think the main reason was that [the director] Justin Lin really liked that I was in the military, and he wanted to use my knowledge of weapons,” she said about the casting process. Gadot served as a combat trainer for two years in the Israel Defense Force.
The movie was released on March 12, 2009. Born on April 30, 1985, in Petah Tikva, Israel, she turned 24 just over a month later on April 30, 2009.
Gal Gadot stuns in a strapless purple mini dress paired with olive green sandals at the premiere of Universal’s “Fast & Furious” held at Universal CityWalk Theaters on March 12, 2009, in Universal City, California (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Tragic End of Gisele Yashar in Fast & Furious 6
Her character was killed in the 2013 film Fast & Furious 6. She sacrifices herself to save Han Seoul-Oh (Sung Kang) from Owen Shaw’s henchman.
Gal Gadot adjusts her sequined strapless gown at the German premiere of Fast Five (alternatively known as Fast & Furious 5 or Fast & Furious 5: Rio Heist) in 2011 (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
The Israeli actress also had small parts in “Knight and Day” and “Date Night,” and was crowned Miss Israel in 2004.
Gal Gadot wears her hair back at the world premiere of “Fast & Furious 6” held in London on May 7, 2013 (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
She even competed in the Miss Universe pageant in the same year.
Gal Gadot wears a sequined dress on the blue carpet (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Red Carpet Appearances and Fashion Choices
If you’re still unfamiliar with the raven-haired actress, look at a few premiere photos.
Gal Gadot dazzles with a bold dark lip and a statement gold necklace at the premiere of “Fast & Furious 6” at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles on May 21, 2013 (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Gal Gadot captivates on the red carpet in a stunning ombre gown with a plunging back and elegant draping at the Fast & Furious 6 premiere (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Gal was also seen at the Riddick premiere, where she rocked a cropped leather top paired with a printed knee-length skirt.
Gal Gadot exudes natural beauty with a simple braid and minimal makeup at the premiere of Riddick at the Mann Village Theatre in Los Angeles on August 28, 2013 (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Gal styled her hair into a braid and jazzed up the outfit with many arm baubles before finishing her ensemble with simple strappy shoes.
Gal Gadot showcases an intricate braided updo, perfectly complementing her elegant and polished look (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Gal Gadot served her requisite two years in the Israeli army as a combat trainer during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Gal Gadot Reflects on Her Military Service
“My service was for two years, but in an ideal world I would love for all the countries to not have an army so we don’t have to fight each other,” she told People magazine in an interview.
“But that’s not the case – we’re still not in an ideal world. There is still a long way to go.”
Gal Gadot wears a leather crop top and printed skirt on the red carpet (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Gal Gadot’s feet in strappy sandals (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
What do you think of the casting of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman?