Gal Gadot Passes on 'Ben-Hur'; 'Wonder Woman' May be Set in the 1920s

With a Wonder Woman solo film and a couple of Justice League movies on the way, it was always going to be tough for Gal Gadot to fit in any other major projects. And so she's been forced to exit Timur Bekmambetov's remake of Ben-Hur, which she became attached to a couple of weeks ago. That's not really much of a surprise, but what may be is the extent Warner Bros. is rumored to be going in building their Wonder Woman franchise.

Although there was only a single Wonder Woman movie on the recently revealed schedule, Bleeding Cool says WB is planning an entire trilogy of films, and only one of them would be in a contemporary setting. The first film arriving in 2017 would take place in the 1920s on Paradise Island as warring Amazonian factions are fighting for control. Everything changes with the arrival of the first man to the island, who asks for their help. She would arrive in our world during that time when women are only just beginning to gain the same rights as men, such as the right to vote.  A sequel would then take place during WWII, with the third film bringing her into the modern age and joining the Justice League. 

Keep in mind this is just a rumor, but it's an intriguing one. Could it work? Absolutely. But it's probably worth noting that the first Captain America film, which was set during WWII, was one of Marvel's weaker efforts. Wonder Woman opens June 23rd 2017. [THR]

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Gal Gadot Eyes 'Ben-Hur' Remake; Wonder Woman's Origin Revealed?

So how's this for a pretty big day? Earlier Warner Bros. confirmed Gal Gadot would get her chance to lead a Wonder Woman solo film, not to mention appear in a couple of Justice League movies. Now she may be showing off her Amazonian prowess and warrior spirit in another epic film, as THR reports she's being sought for the upcoming remake of Ben-Hur. Plus, it looks like a producer on Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice had let slip some details on Wonder Woman's origin. Oops.

If Gadot agrees, she'd be joining Jack Huston, Morgan Freeman, and Toby Kebbell in the film directed by Timur Bekmambetov and based on Lew Wallace's 19th century book. She would play Esther, a slave who falls in love with Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman falsely accused of murder by his best friend and sent into slavery. Oscar-winner John Ridley is penning Ben-Hur for release on February 26th 2016.

Producer Charlves Rovan has always been pretty chatty when it comes to DC Comics films, and he's now revealed exactly how Zack Snyder intends to introduce Wonder Woman on the big screen. And frankly, if you thought for a second that she'd be made out of clay like her Golden Age origin, then you don't know jack about Hollywood or Snyder.  SPOILERS beyond this point, naturally.

According to Roven (via Badass Digest), they'll be going with the New 52 origin for Wonder Woman by making her a demigod. She'll be the daughter of Zeus and Queen Hippolyta, so her origins in Greek myth won't be completely abandoned. While I can understand why some may like her original origin, which had her molded out of clay, imbued with divine attributes and the soul of the unborn child of the first woman ever murdered by a man. But that's too "busy" of a story for a Hollywood feature, especially when Marvel has shown us that people dig powerful superhero gods thanks to the Thor movies. Keep it simple, folks.

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Gal Gadot Boards 'Criminal'; Jack Huston Confirmed for 'Pride & Prejudice & Zombies'

Ariel Vromen's debut feature, The Iceman, was a largely unimpressive crime flick. Pretty darn boring, actually. It featured a starry cast, however, and it appears Vromen is putting together an even better one for his follow-up, Criminal.  Adding a touch of superheroic power to the film will be Wonder Woman herself, Batman v Superman star Gal Gadot. She joins Kevin Costner Ryan Reynolds, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones, and the recently-added Alice Eve in the thriller about a dangerous prison inmate (Costner) who is implanted with the memories and skills of a dead CIA agent to stop a diabolical plot. Gadot will play Reynolds' wife. [THR]

After years of struggling to get off the ground it finally looks like Pride & Prejudice & Zombies is going to happen. Last week we learned Lily James, Bella Heathcote, and Sam Riley would star in the adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith's horror novel, with Jack Huston in early talks at the time. Now Deadline confirms the Boardwalk Empire and American Hustle actor has joined the cast in the role of George Wickham. The story tosses zombies and kung-fu into the middle of the Jane Austen classic, with Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters favoring martial arts rather than sewing classes and tea parties.

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Details on Bruce Wayne, Wonder Woman, and the Batcave in 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'

Outside of the footage teased at Comic-Con nothing has been seen of Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, except for a few character posters and lousy set photos. Do you really need to see a photo of grey-haired Ben Affleck standing around dressed like a civilian? If so, there are other sites you can go to for that. But because we've seen so little most of the updates we get come straight from the rumor mill, and that's what BadAss Digest is serving up today.

One of the bits of info we received on the film right at the time Affleck was brought on, was that his version of Batman would be a grizzled crime-fighting veteran, but now the story goes that he has been operating for close to three decades. Considered an urban legend, Batman has never been seen or had his picture taken. But that doesn't mean he hasn't been busy, and his Batcave is said to have a memorial consisting of a tattered Robin costume. The mere suggestion that Robin has existed in Batman's world is good reason to expect the Boy Wonder, or perhaps Nightwing, will appear somewhere down the line. Maybe not in this movie but later on. Also, Wonder Woman is said to have been doing her thing for awhile in "unexpected" ways, but managing to keep a low profile. This seems to tie in to earlier reports the first time we see her she's posing as Diane Prince.

Anyway, let the speculation continue about how any of this could lead up to Justice League. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice opens May 6th 2016.

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*UPDATE* Comic-Con: First Look at Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman; 'Batman v Superman' Teaser Description

*UPDATE* And here's the updated, higher res version.

Warner Bros. has kicked off Saturday by basically throwing down the Comic-Con gauntlet right at Marvel's feet. After opening up all the screens to give the Hall H crowd a widescreen presentation, the panel kicked off with concept art from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. That was followed by Zack Snyder coming on stage, feigning to not have any footage (they all say that), only to reveal the first teaser and understandably the crowd went ape-dump.

In short, the footage shows a rain-soaked Gotham, where a Batman with glowing eyes and donning the Bat-Armor seen in The Dark Knight Returns, shines the Bat-Signal into the sky. But rather than seeing his insignia, it's instead a very pissed off Superman hovering in the air staring down at him, eyes blazing red. It was awesome and the crowd was as electric as I've ever heard them. Again, Marvel has a very tough act to follow.



The panel basically ended with Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, and Gal Gadot coming up on stage for a brief moment, allowing the crowd to take photos. On the screens were splashed posters for the film, giving us our first look at Gadot as Wonder Woman. It's not the clearest image in the world but we will update it when possible.

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Rumored Character Details for Wonder Woman, Batman, and Lex Luthor in 'Batman v Superman'

There has been a great deal of attention focused on the future of Warner Bros.' DC Comics movies, but before any of that unfolds there's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice to deal with first. And as we saw with the failed Green Lantern movie, one screw-up can alter the course of an entire franchise. The gang over at Joblo.com have rounded up some new 'Dawn of Justice' info that goes into some detail on Wonder Woman's costume and screen time, Batman's home, and even a little bit on Lex Luthor and why he's such a jerk. This is all available via Youtube video, so we'll just skim the basics and you can watch the vid for the full deal. And obviously, there are some spoilers beyond this point.

There had been some conflicting reports in regards to the costume Gal Gadot (the image above is fan made, not official) would be wearing as Wonder Woman, with some stating she'd be wearing the updated version with jacket and leggings, but it will reportedly be a traditional "battle ready" costume that is "ripped straight from the comics". She'll also have her full arsenal of weapons from the shield, sword, spear, and of course the golden Lasso of Truth. Wonder Woman won't just be making a cameo, either, as she's said to have a fair amount of screen time and is involved in a major battle sequence.

The relationship between Batman's "grizzled veteran" crime fighter and Superman will be much as it is in the comics, with their personalities frequently clashing. Ben Affleck's Bruce Wayne will have Wayne Manor , although his Batcave is situated underneath another building on the property. And as for Lex Luthor, played by Jesse Eisenberg who may have red hair in the beginning of the film, he's basically pissed because Superman makes him feel inadequate. This causes Lex to try and partially succeed in swaying public opinion against Superman, calling him a threat to humanity.

The rest you can check out in the below video. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice opens May 6th 2016.

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Gal Gadot Flexes her Muscles After Workout for 'Batman vs. Superman'

I've found the whole argument over Gal Gadot being Wonder Woman to be a little silly. Ever since she was cast as the Amazonian warrior in Batman vs. Superman, some have complained that she's too skinny for the role. Never mind that she's shown herself to be quite the physical actress in the past as part of the Fast & Furious movies. And of course there's the fact that she's going to walk onto the set for the first time after spending months in physical training to build up her body mass, just like all of the guys will have to. You think skinny-ass Christian Bale looked like Batman before he won the role all those years ago? Nope, not at all.

So anyway, Gadot has taken to her Facebook page to show off her muscles post-workout. As we've previously learned, her routine involves kickboxing, sword training, kung fu and more that makes her not only sexy as all Hell, but capable of kicking a lot of ass.  The image comes with the caption: "There's nothing like a good workout in the morning. Love it! You?" 

Yes I do, Ms. Gadot. Yes I do. Hopefully she'll get a chance to put all this training to good use by stompin' a mud hole in Henry Cavill's Superman.

Batman vs. Superman aka Man of Steel 2 opens on May 6th 2016. 

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Kate Winslet, Michael B. Jordan, Gal Gadot, Aaron Paul and More Join John Hillcoat's 'Triple Nine'

As has been noted here many times in the past; Lawless director John Hillcoat has had it easy attracting A-list talent to his films. And that has continued to be the case as he's put together cop thriller Triple Nine, with names like Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, Christoph Waltz, and Charlie Hunnam among those who didn't end up signing on. Fortunately, Hillcoat managed to snag Casey Affleck and Best Actor nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, but that's nothing compared to who just came aboard.

According to Deadline, Kate Winslet, Teresa Palmer, Michael Pena, Gal Gadot, Aaron Paul and the previously rumored Michael B. Jordan have all joined Triple Nine, making for a powerhouse cast that should have it on every radar. The gritty crime tale features Affleck as an honorable rookie cop who is targeted for death by a crew of dirty cops looking to distract from an impossible heist they are planning. On the inside of their crew is an undercover looking to foil their plot, which is already turned upside down when Affleck's character survives the attack.

No word on any roles but when Blanchett was attached she was set to play a mobster's scheming wife and the mastermind behind the entire ordeal, so maybe that's who Winslet will play.  Open Road plans to release Triple Nine in 2015, so look out.

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Gal Gadot Talks Physical Training to Play Wonder Woman in 'Batman vs. Superman'

Ever since Gal Gadot was named to play Wonder Woman in Batman vs. Superman, there has been a ton of criticism over the decision, and the vast majority of it that I've heard has been about her physique. To me that's absurd given how physical she's proven to be in the Fast & Furious movies, and because even Ben Affleck is pumping up to play Batman. Do people really not think Gadot is going to undertake a similar program? While on an Israeli talk program, Gadot revealed she's already started getting buff to play the Amazonian princess.

Gadot: "It’s the physical preparations that I’m starting now. A very serious training regimen – Kung Fu, kickboxing, swords, jujutsu, Brazilian. A thousand and one things. I’ll gain body mass."

She even has a few words for those who think her body type isn't accurate enough to reflect DC Comics' fictional version of the Amazons...

Gadot: "I represent the Wonder Woman of the new world. Breasts anyone can buy for 9,000 shekels and everything is fine. By the way, Wonder Woman is Amazonian, and historically accurate Amazonian women actually had only one breast. So, if I’d really go 'by the book', it’d be problematic."

I remember years ago when fans complained Hugh Jackman was too tall to play Wolverine. Heck, I was one of them. You don't hear those complaints anymore, and I suspect in a couple of years people will get over Gadot not looking like Chyna or something. Actually it seems people want her to be more like Gina Carano, or for Warner Bros. to just hire Carano outright. I wouldn't have complained if they did (and it would be interesting given her on/off again relationship with Henry Cavill) but Gadot has more long-term upside in my opinion.

Batman vs. Superman opens July 17th 2015. The full interview is below, and if she already wasn't hot enough listening to her talk in Hebrew is pretty sexy. Oh, and the above image was done by a fan. Chances are she'll look very different when all is said and done.


Gal Gadot's first Wonder Woman interview | Batman-News.com by BatmanNewsCom

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'Fast & Furious' Star Gal Gadot is Wonder Woman in 'Batman vs. Superman'

It turns out producer Daniel Alter wasn't lying when he said Wonder Woman would definitely be in Batman vs. Superman, because the role has just been awarded to Fast & Furious beauty, Gal Gadot.

Warner Bros. has announced that Gadot has won the role, beating out Olga Kurylenko and Elodie Yung who have been rumored for the past month. The Israeli-born model-turned-actress has her franchise credentials well in place after playing Gisele Harabo in three Fast & Furious movies, but obviously having a chance to play Diana Prince and share screen time with Batman and Superman is the biggest of her character.

Variety notes that other members of the Justice League will be making appearances with the Flash said to be a lock. As for the villain we've heard Lex Luthor and Doomsday as possible foes, and it looks like Callan Mulvey (300: Rise of an Empire) is being eyed for the bad guy, whoever it turns out to be. Batman's crime fighting partner Nightwing is also rumored to turn up in an unspecified capacity.

Of course no details are available on the scope of Wonder Woman's part in the story, but suffice it to say she'll be more than just Batman's girlfriend as some early stories have suggested. Zack Snyder released a statement on the casting, saying...

"Wonder Woman is arguably one of the most powerful female characters of all time and a fan favorite in the DC Universe. Not only is Gal an amazing actress, but she also has that magical quality that makes her perfect for the role. We look forward to audiences discovering Gal in the first feature film incarnation of this beloved character."

 Batman vs. Superman, or whatever it will be titled, opens July 17th 2015.  Now I can begin drooling over Gadot in the Wonder Woman costume. Where are the fan made posters at?

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Olga Kurylenko, Gal Gadot, and Elodie Yung Up for Wonder Woman in 'Batman vs. Superman'?

Ever since a casting call sheet for Batman vs. Superman seemed to hint at a possible Wonder Woman appearance, rumors have been building about which actress could wield the golden lasso. Over the last few days it's been Thor: The Dark World star Jaime Alexander who has been the Internet favorite, but now three more names have emerged, and more indication that Wonder Woman will indeed appear.

After the suddenly-credible guys at Schmoes Know dropped a tip that Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace) had read for the female lead in the film, Variety has now confirmed she is testing for it. And she won't be alone as my girl Gal Gadot (Fast & Furious 6) and Elodie Yung (G.I. Joe: Retaliation) are also reading for the part. That role appears to be for Diana Prince, the civilian guise of Wonder Woman. Although there seems to be some confusion to some because rumors suggest it could just be for Bruce Wayne's girlfriend, but is there any reason he couldn't be dating Diana Prince in their off-work hours. Jaime Alexander is apparently out of the picture due to her Marvel obligations, which is disappointing but not at all surprising. All three actress fit the character description to a tee- "tall, brunette, athletic and exotic”, but Kurylenko may have a leg up by working with Ben Affleck on To the Wonder. Look, if you've been reading this site for any length of time then you know it's Gadot that I'm rooting for.


As if having Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman isn't enough, The Flash has is also expected to make a cameo. He may not be alone with some now saying other members of the Justice League could appear, presumably to set up their own solo films or the expected team-up movie.

However this shakes out, the clear take away from this is that the pieces are starting to come together, not just for Batman vs. Superman for all of Warner Bros.' superhero plans.

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Is the "Resilient" Gal Gadot Coming Back for 'Fast & Furious 7'?

A number of new characters are coming aboard Fast & Furious as it begins the third trilogy, but there have also been a couple of major losses. *SPOILER AHEAD* Fast & Furious 6 saw the demise of both Han (Sung Kang) and his beautiful, dangerous lady Gisele (Gal Gadot) in the film's climactic moments. Han's death tied the loop going back around to The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, and we've seen images from Fast & Furious 7 of his funeral. But Gisele's death was a little less certain, so is there a chance she could be making a comeback?

Vin Diesel has revealed a new image on his popular Facebook page, and it's of him looking grinning like a fool (who wouldn't be??) while chatting up Gadot. It's the accompanying caption that might be the most telling, though...

“Gisele, one of my favorite characters introduced in the last trilogy…
A very resilient character… with a depth and complexity that hints at more to come…

P.s. The characters introduced in F7, will expand the Fast Universe in a very cool way.”

"Resilient"? "More to come"? If Gisele did somehow survive it stands to reason she'll be helping out Dominic Toretto and his crew take on the man who killed Han, Owen Shaw, played by Jason Statham. 

Fast & Furious 7 stars newcomers Kurt Russell, Tony Jaa, Djimon Hounsou, Ronda Rousey, Lucas Black, and opens July 11th 2014.

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