Can you believe it’s been 12 years since Gal Gadot first donned the iconic bracelets of Wonder Woman? To celebrate this monumental anniversary, she’s gifted fans with something truly special—her never-before-seen screen test from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, alongside Ben Affleck. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many now celebrate her portrayal, her casting wasn’t always met with open arms. Back in 2013, when Gadot was announced as Diana Prince, the reaction was, well, mixed. Some fans were skeptical, unsure if she could embody the strength and grace of the Amazonian warrior. And this is the part most people miss: her debut in Batman v Superman wasn’t just a performance—it was a turning point that silenced the doubters and cemented her place in the DCEU.
Her journey didn’t stop there. With Patty Jenkins at the helm, Wonder Woman became a cultural phenomenon, propelling Gadot into global stardom. Yet, as with all superhero sagas, the highs were followed by lows. Justice League and Wonder Woman 1984 faced harsh criticism, leaving fans divided and her character’s momentum seemingly stalled. Despite cameos in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash, the buzz around her Wonder Woman had undeniably faded. Now, with her time as Diana Prince seemingly behind her, Gadot’s decision to share her screen test feels like a full-circle moment—a nostalgic nod to where it all began.
In her Instagram post, Gadot reflected on the journey, sharing a heartfelt message alongside the footage: ‘Twelve years ago today, I was cast as Wonder Woman. What a wild, life-changing ride with a character I love so much. I thought it would be fun to share my camera test with Ben [Affleck]. [Zack Snyder] thank you for sharing this with me, and for casting me as Diana Prince.’ But her path to becoming Wonder Woman wasn’t straightforward. In a previous interview, Gadot revealed the audition process was shrouded in secrecy. Warner Bros. refused to disclose the role, even during her screen test with Affleck. Here’s the kicker: she had no idea she was auditioning for Wonder Woman until Zack Snyder personally called her—seven agonizing weeks after her test.
‘He called me later that night and said, “I’m not sure if you have it in Israel, but did you ever hear about Wonder Woman?” I think I literally died for a few seconds and then came back to life. I tried to pull off my best voice, saying, “Wonder Woman? Yeah, of course I’ve heard of Wonder Woman.”’
Snyder later shared why Gadot stood out among hundreds of actresses. ‘She’s strong, she’s beautiful, and she’s a kind person, but fierce at the same time. That combination was exactly what we were looking for.’ Affleck himself was impressed, noting her ability to hold her own in the screen test. ‘Whoa, that girl is something else,’ he reportedly said.
Now, as we reflect on Gadot’s 12-year reign, it’s impossible not to wonder: Was her portrayal of Wonder Woman truly as groundbreaking as it’s often hailed, or did the franchise’s missteps overshadow her potential? Let’s spark a discussion—do you think Gadot’s Wonder Woman will stand the test of time, or was her legacy unfairly tied to the DCEU’s ups and downs? Share your thoughts below!
