Just over a month ago, the delightful news surfaced that Gal Gadot would soon join the ranks of movie stars gracing the renowned Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Among her esteemed colleagues on the glittering sidewalk are her Wonder Woman co-star Chris Pine, the newly crowned Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All At Once(, the late Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther), Christina Ricci and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
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After the announcement, headlines in Israel proudly hailed Gadot as the first Israeli actress to earn a star on the famous boulevard. However, Gadot humbly shares that the title of Israeli trailblazer wasn't the initial thought on her mind. In an interview with Ynet conducted three days after the news broke, she expressed, "The star is genuinely an incredibly thrilling thing, but amid the whirlwind of busy PR days for the film, I feel like I haven't had a chance to fully grasp it. It's like running a sprint, and suddenly you receive such a message—it's both exhilarating and surreal. Moreover, it prompted me to pause and contemplate the journey I've taken. I find myself reflecting on where I began and where I stand today."
Her newest film Heart of Stone is a spy action thriller directed by Tom Harper from a screenplay by Greg Rucka and Allison Schroeder and a story by Rucka, The movie is produced by production company Pilot Wave which she owns alongside her husband Yaron Varsano. Alongside Gadot, the film also features Jamie Dornan, Alia Bhatt, Sophie Okonedo and Matthias Schweighöfer.
The premise involves International intelligence agent Rachel Stone (Gadot), who must embark on a dangerous mission to protect the mysterious MacGuffin known as "The Heart." Stone is tasked by the peacekeeping operation known as Charter to keep the object safe from falling into enemy hands.
During early interviews for the film's release, Gadot revealed that Heart of Stone was conceived from the idea that audiences craved a female character akin to James Bond or Jason Bourne. She envisioned the movie as the inaugural installment in a series of films chronicling the adventures of Stone and her companions. Heart of Stone was described by Gadot as an epic and gritty action film, intentionally grounded in reality to evoke a genuine sense of impact and emotion. She frequently emphasized, "We wanted to keep it realistic so that people would feel the pain."
Trailer - Heart of Stone
(Video: Netflix)
Gadot's company Pilot Wave is set to begin production on several new films, including one about Polish aid worker Irina Sendler who saved Jewish children from the Nazis during World War II, another about late American actress Hedy Lamarr and a third about legendary Egyptian monarch Cleopatra, which might turn out to be a much more well-received version, considering the latest Netflix docudrama, which was mercilessly criticized, with one critic writing, "Netflix documentary deserves to be buried in a crypt."
Additionally, Gadot has recently rekindled hopes that the third iteration of the Wonder Woman franchise would rise from the ashes after being pronounced all but dead following the takeover from James Gunn and Peter Safran over all future DC franchise productions.
According to Gadot, her understanding is that she will collaborate with Gunn and Safran in developing Wonder Woman 3. "I love portraying Wonder Woman," she said. "It's so close to and dear to my heart. From what I heard from James and from Peter is that we're gonna develop a Wonder Woman 3 together."
The Pilot Wave website states its artistic intent, saying: "We produce powerful storytelling that creates momentum in TV and film. We bring the perspectives and experiences of unique people, to guide new themes in society with stories and inspire and ignite the imagination."
Heart of Stone truly stands as a refined action film, yet it becomes evident that there is a concerted effort to highlight the significance of friendship and shared values. The movie emphasizes the presence of individuals who support one another during crucial moments. When asked if this is one of the reasons why she and her husband choose to collaborate and if they select their working partners based on similar criteria, the Israeli megastar wholeheartedly affirms the sentiment.
"It's not even a conscious decision; it's simply ingrained in who we are and the kind of environment we desire. Yaron and I are deeply connected to people, and relationships hold the utmost significance in our lives. We intentionally surround ourselves with genuinely good individuals whom we value and care for. So, yes, it's true and undeniably one of the most prominent themes in the film."
Working so closely with a spouse can be daunting for many. How does it come across in your case?
"In the dynamics of Yaron's and my relationship, we are truly inseparable. We communicate constantly, around 24 times a day, and we navigate life together, whether it's in joint meetings or spending time with our three daughters. It's a natural and healthy evolution of our bond.
"There's no one I trust more than Yaron. He's exceptionally intelligent and skilled with people, making him the perfect partner for me. When making a film like this, which involves six months of shooting in various locations worldwide and juggling family life, I couldn't imagine doing it with anyone else. Yaron is the ideal partner both in our work and as a father in our family unit."
Jamir Dornan told us how action movies are your area of expertise, and how comfortable he felt with you at the helm. Is this your comfort zone? What else do you plan to do?
"I strive to take on roles that challenge me and allow me to excel. I don't confine myself to a specific genre; I want to explore whatever is good. In films like this genre, I feel remarkably at ease, although I must clarify that with each project, I push the boundaries of my ability. Nonetheless, I genuinely enjoy working in this genre and also love watching such movies.
"I recall after filming 'Death on the Nile,' I had a moment of realization that coming to the set and playing felt effortless," she chuckles. "The most demanding aspect for me in these films is the physicality. It's relentless. Not only do I have to act, but I also have to push myself physically to the limit. Nevertheless, I find joy in embracing diverse genres, as I've done so far. Of course, action roles like 'Wonder Woman' are my domain, but ultimately, I always prioritize working with directors and casts whom I deeply admire."