Gal Gadot Sheds Light on Her Controversial ‘Wonder Woman’ Exit

Gal Gadot first portrayed Wonder Woman in 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” The following year, she appeared in the character’s first big-screen solo movie, which became a massive box office success. However, after the poorly received 2020 sequel and several other appearances as the character, it was reported in 2023 that the planned third film would not move forward. Years later, the actress is shedding light on her exit.

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Gadot appeared on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast in August 2026, speaking to host Josh Horowitz for nearly an hour about everything from “The Fast and the Furious” to her turn as Wonder Woman in multiple DC Studios projects.

During the conversation, she was asked if there had come a time when she had to “let go” of the character, perhaps after being told by either Peter Safran or James Gunn that her movie would not move forward into production.

She responded, “No, they told me the opposite.” Gadot continued, “They were like, ‘We’re going to develop it with you, the third la la la.” After that, the actress stated that she “saw how everybody else was handled.” This then led Horowitz to mention “the Henry situation,” calling it “unfortunate.” For context, Henry Cavill believed he would continue playing Superman before later being replaced by David Corenswet.

Gadot added, “The Henry situation was not handled elegantly, to say the least. Same with Patty [Jenkins] was not handled elegantly. Notably, Patty Jenkins directed the first two “Wonder Woman” films and had been tapped to helm the third before it stalled.

Gal Gadot Is Still Grateful To Have Played Wonder Woman

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Gadot continued discussing her “Wonder Woman” exit, revealing that she’s moved on from the situation but still has immense respect for the beloved superhero.

According to her, “I feel like, you know, we’re all adults and it’s all good, and it’s not even about them. They are there, and they are there to do what they believe in.” From there, she noted how “grateful” she was to have had the chance to “wear these boots and to have the character be so celebrated.”

After that, she spoke about the rumored ongoing casting for the role. Gadot said, “And I can only wish for whoever it’s going to be to really come pure to this journey,” before noting the high regard many hold for Wonder Woman as a character.

She added, “Really use it respectfully and bring all the love and light it can to this world and then enjoy the ride.”

It Was Reported In 2022 That ‘Wonder Woman 3’ Would Not Happen

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Warner Bros. first announced plans for a third “Wonder Woman’ movie in late 2020. However, two years later, on December 7, The Hollywood Reporter shared news that the planned movie had been canceled. This came after the famed director had reportedly recently submitted her treatment for the film to the studio.

However, despite the unconfirmed cancellation, Gadot spoke to Flaunt in August 2023, revealing that, as she said during the recent “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Gunn and Safran planned to develop the third film with her.

She said at the time, “I was invited to a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran, and what they told me, and I’m quoting: ‘You’re in the best hands. We’re going to develop Wonder Woman 3 with you. [We] love you as Wonder Woman–you’ve got nothing to worry about.’”

Gadot added, “Time will tell.”

Gal’s New Movie Arrives In September

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Gadot has appeared in several films since her last portrayal as Wonder Woman, including 2025’s live-action “Snow White.” Now, her new movie, “The Runner,” is set to arrive on Prime Video on September 2. The action thriller was directed by Kevin Macdonald and also stars Damian Lewis and Alfred Enoch.

In the upcoming film, Gadot plays a high-powered London attorney whose son becomes a victim of kidnapping. She is then given strict guidelines and must run across the city to save the boy.

The Actress Is Open To More ‘Fast And The Furious’

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Gadot also discussed her role as Gisele Yashar in “The Fast and the Furious” while on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, including the character’s apparent on-screen death. Regarding her initial reaction to the death scene, the “Wonder Woman” alum said, “I was thinking she was gone for good.”

When asked if she’d be open to appearing in the upcoming film in the franchise, she said, “Would love to. I think that this became such a cultural event. Like, wherever I travel to in the world, people talk to me about ‘Fast and Furious.’ It’s amazing how loved this franchise is.” She then called potentially returning “a full circle.”

Regarding the upcoming movie, Vin Diesel hopes for filming to begin by December 2026.