As the largest entertainment and comic convention in the world, San Diego Comi-Con is full of surprises: elaborate character costumes worn by dedicated fans, exclusive clips from upcoming movies and shows, and revealing interviews with their stars. But at Entertainment Weekly’s “Women Who Kick Ass” panel featuring Gwendoline Christie (“Game of Thrones”), Hayley Atwell (“Agent Carter”), Jenna Coleman (“Doctor Who”), Kathy Bates (“American Horror Story”), and Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”), one fan’s question for Gadot surprised many more than her answer.
After clarifying that his question was only for Gadot, he began to ask about her journey from Israel to Hollywood – in Hebrew. The actress, who hails from Rosh HaAyin, was ecstatic.
“How excited I am to hear Hebrew,” she drawled in her native language, swooning, before explaining to 6,000 confused audience members, “I was just so moved by the fact that someone spoke Hebrew to me.”
It’s no wonder that Gadot was recognized among “Women Who Kick Ass.” Aside from taking on the iconic “Wonder Woman,” her service in the Israeli Defense Forces helped her land the role of sharp-shooting Gisele Yashar in the “Fast and Furious” franchise. She continues to be an outspoken supporter of the IDF and Israel. During last summer’s Israel-Gaza conflict, she posted a picture on her official Facebook page of her and her daughter lighting Shabbat candles with hashtags such as “#loveidf” and the caption, “I am sending my love and prayers to my fellow Israeli citizens. Especially to all the boys and girls who are risking their lives protecting my country against the horrific acts conducted by Hamas, who are hiding like cowards behind women and children…We shall overcome!!! Shabbat Shalom!”
The Superman universe itself is littered with Jewish connections. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, both Jewish, many have noticed that Superman’s Kryptonian name, “Kal-El,” is reminiscent of the Hebrew for “voice of God” and the names of Biblical angels with extraordinary powers such as Gabriel. Another Israeli actress, Ayelet Zurer, played Superman’s mother in “Man of Steel.” Gadot will continue this legacy, appearing as Wonder Woman in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” due out in 2016, as well as subsequent Justice League and Wonder Woman movies.
After asking the fan to repeat his question in English for the sake of the crowd, she answered, “I gotta tell you that I really believe now that it doesn’t matter where you come from and how small the country you’re coming from is. As long as you aspire, as long as you dream and aim high, all the cliches are right, really.”
She then thanked him for his question in Hebrew, saying “Todah, motek.” (“Thanks, sweetie.”)
