Flashback to 2021, and you couldn't find a bigger hater of the Snyderverse than me. Hell, I even danced on its grave when we received word that it was finally over.

However, flash-forward (DC pun not intended) to 2026, and I've actually come around on the failed DCEU. Maybe it's because I wasn't in love with James Gunn's Superman, or perhaps it’s because I have no interest whatsoever in Supergirl (and apparently, I'm not alone), but I've been giving Zack Snyder's DC movies another chance recently, and oh, man. I think I owe Zack Snyder yet ANOTHER apology.

You see, I already apologized for Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and after rewatching the four hour long Zack Snyder's Justice League, I have to apologize again, because this movie is amazing. Here's why.

I Originally Thought This Movie Was Way Too Long. But Now, It Feels Just Right When It Comes To Pacing

You want to know what's crazy? Not too long ago, I rewatched Joss Whedon's version of Justice League, which is only two hours long, and it's so bad that it actually feels LONGER than Snyder's version, which is literally double the runtime. I think this is because Whedon's Justice League feels aimless and dull, whereas Snyder's version has direction and vision. And look, no offense to Whedon, as he was given the impossible task of reshooting aspects of Snyder's movie into something feasible for the big screen, but his version just does not work.

However, after rewatching Zack Snyder's Justice League, I am in awe at how he was able to take all of these characters and still have it all make sense. For example, in his version, Batman and Wonder Woman's quest to assemble a team really feels cohesive and organic, whereas in Whedon’s version, it all feels like a hurried mess, which is strange because it also feels plodding.

We get more backstory for all of the characters in Snyder’s version, as well as a true villain in Darkseid, who I'll get into later. Snyder's version is also (surprise, surprise) way darker in tone than Whedon's version, which is also something I now appreciate over the more upbeat Superman from James Gunn.

Honestly, it's really weird that all of the things that I once hated about the Snyderverse – the overseriousness, the darker tone, etc – I now view as pluses. However, I think there's one reason in particular why I love this movie now.

Cyborg's Story Is The Heart Of This Movie

One character who I always thought never got his time to shine when it came to the Snyderverse was Cyborg. Played by Ray Fisher, you could tell that he had a bigger role in Whedon's Justice League, but there was just something…missing.

In Zack Snyder's Justice League, however, almost the entire plot hinges on Cyborg’s role in the story. The fact that his role was truncated so much in Whedon’s version just goes to show you why that film felt like such a mess, because Victor Stone's (Cyborg) role is absolutely vital in Snyder's cut.

Stone's father, Silas (Joe Morton), is kidnapped, and Cyborg joins the team. He was a former athlete and had to be reconstructed after a horrible car accident, so his journey as a broken man to one of the saviors of the world is thoughtful and surprisingly heartfelt.

Also, being that Cyborg has such a connection to this film's Macguffin in the Mother Boxes, he’s essentially the most important character in the entire film, and I really appreciate that when watching this a second time.

I Also Find All Of The Characters-Even The Flash-To Be Interesting In This Film

You know, when I first saw Zack Snyder's Justice League, I still very much loathed all of the scenes involving Ezra Miller's The Flash. Upon a second viewing, I find that I actually like him, as well as pretty much every other member of the Justice League this time around. It might be because I, like others, actually enjoyed the eventual Flash movie that came out in 2023 (I even wrote about how it annoyed me that it didn't do better at the box office).

The Flash is incredibly important in this film. When the world starts to be destroyed, The Flash has to reverse the flow of time using the Speed Force, which allows Superman (Henry Cavill) and Cyborg to get the job done.

And, what about Aquaman? I liked Jason Momoa's first Aquaman movie - to a certain extent - but I found him super annoying in Justice League. However, I guess adding more screen time for him makes him more interesting this time around. I also think that learning more about the other metahumans and the Atlanteans makes him feel more at home here.

Not only that, but this movie has freaking Martian Manhunter (Harry Lennix) in it. I mean, it's at the end, and it's pretty much just a cameo, but at least he's here. What's not to love?

I Also Love This Version Of Darkseid

I know I keep harping on Joss Whedon's Justice League, but a big reason why I feel that movie failed was that its main antagonist, Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds), was super lame. It's just that he didn't seem like a worthy opponent for the likes of Superman, Wonder Woman, or The Flash.

In Zack Snyder's Justice League…well, he's still pretty lame, but much better since you don't feel like he's the REAL final boss. The main boss would be Ray Porter's Darkseid, who is a way more terrifying villain and an existential threat to humanity.

Darkseid is all about that Anti-Life Equation, and we learn that he's been a threat to Earth for millennia, what with the Old Gods waging war against him to prevent him from taking over the planet. All of this backstory really elevates the danger he presents, making him feel like a truly worthy adversary.

Unfortunately, since this was pretty much the end of the DCEU, we never got to see Darkseid get his own movie where he got to be the central villain, but I really appreciate what we got in this movie. He’s absolutely horrifying.

In The End, The Further We Get Away From The Snyderverse, The More I Find That I Miss It

When looking at the upcoming slate of DC films (and TV–let's not forget about TV), I think there's a lot to look forward to (Especially when it comes to Clayface, which I can't wait for!) Yet…I kind of now miss the Snyderverse.

I don't know what it is. It might be because I used to pledge allegiance to the MCU, and I think I viewed the DCEU as a pathetic alternative. After getting off the Marvel hype train quite a while ago, I've since been reevaluating the Snyderverse, and I think I had it all wrong.

Was it too dark and broody? Maybe, but upon reflection, it was actually a novel alternative to the overly cheery MCU. I now find that I get nothing out of movies like Captain America: The Winter Soldier or Guardians of the Galaxy upon a rewatch, and I view them more as artifacts than anything else.

Movies like Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Batman v. Superman? They just seem to get better with age. So, if you happen to be reading this, Mr. Snyder. I’m sorry! Your fans were right all along, and I’m happy that the powers that be eventually RELEASED THE SNYDER CUT!

Summer is here, and sure, that definitely means we’re gearing up for some big 2026 movie releases, but it also means that the time has come to show off all that work you’ve put into getting bikini-ready. We’ve seen black bikini summer, and we’ve seen white bikini summer, but Kylie Jenner, Gal Gadot and Ana De Armas are out here proving that it doesn’t matter what color swimwear you’re sporting — this season is all about the abs.

We could have guessed that Kylie Jenner’s summer wardrobe might be stomach-forward when she brought back the noughties belly chain, but just in case you missed it, she flashed her toned abs in a recent Instagram Stories post, which you can see below:

Kylie Jenner says no bikini, no problem — she can still show off her toned stomach even if she’s not headed for the beach. The makeup mogul wore a floral halter top knotted into a floppy bow just below her bust, which left her midriff exposed — certainly a look that was approved by her fashion sounding board.

The youngest sibling on the Kardashian-Jenner family tree loves to show off her bikini bod — possibly more than she loves to show off her Birkins — so I have no doubt we won’t have to wait too long for more pics of her swimsuit-ready muscles.

In the meantime, she’s not the only one showing off the results of so many crunches. Ana De Armas posted a nonchalant selfie to Instagram, showing off the picturesque location where she was relaxing by the water but also making sure to get those toned abs in the shot:

Ana de Armas pulled off some “badass” stunts in last year’s Ballerina, according to John Wick’s Keanu Reeves — including assembling a gun in 14 seconds — so I have no doubt that her fitness regime is intense. She’s definitely earned those abs.

As for Gal Gadot, well, she was literally Wonder Woman, so I can’t exactly say I’m surprised that she’s ready for swimsuit season, but my goodness she’s looking toned and trim in a recent social media post.

We’ve got the women bringing the muscles to the summer of abs so far, so it looks like the ball’s in your court, fellas. I know Alan Ritchson’s got the goods, since he maintains his Reacher abs at all times. Jon Bernthal’s out there punishing somebody with that chiseled midsection, and you know Shemar Moore is bringing new meaning to the “dad bod.”

Honestly, though, I’m just fine to just see the girlies taking some time this summer to relax by the water and show how good they feel in their bodies by posting photos of the abs they’ve probably worked pretty hard in the gym for.

Hopefully this is only the beginning of good vibes and good views to come this summer.

Zack Snyder has never really stopped revisiting his time helming new DC movies, most recently sharing a throwback to Darkseid and, at this point, that’s part of the appeal of following his social media accounts. Whether it’s sharing old storyboards, behind-the-scenes images, or the occasional character spotlight, the filmmaker clearly still enjoys dipping back into the world he helped shape. This time, though, he posted a throwback to Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, which feels a little different, and it’s giving me a serious case of “what could have been.”

The director recently took some time off his busy 2026 movie schedule to share an image on Instagram of Gadot suited up as Diana Prince, accompanied by a simple caption: “@gal_gadot my Wonder Woman #zacksnydersjusticeleague.” The image below is the kind that instantly gets attention but, once you look at it, one detail makes it stand out from the versions we’ve seen onscreen. And it raises a pretty interesting question.

Those Batman gauntlets, though? Sure, Gadot never wore them in any onscreen iteration, but still. Can you imagine if she had? But why is this giving me fomo? Let's break it down.

Why Wonder Woman Wearing Batman’s Gauntlets Has Me Experiencing FOMO

At first glance, it looks like a standard Wonder Woman promo image, but then it clicks. Those aren’t her usual bracers but Batman’s gauntlets. That’s not something that ever made it into any of Snyder’s DC films. Across Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice or Zack Snyder’s Justice League, each character kept their own distinct gear and visual identity. There was never a moment where Diana picked up Bruce Wayne’s tech like this, at least not in anything audiences actually saw.

So what is this? It could be, and probably is, a behind-the-scenes test shot, a concept that didn’t make the final cut, or even just a stylized photoshoot or simply Gal Gadot playing around with some props.

But it also could be tapping into something bigger. Snyder’s version of the DC universe always hinted at deeper connections between its characters, especially when it came to Batman and Wonder Woman. The idea of a closer partnership, or even the fan-favorite “WonderBat” dynamic, has been floating around for years. I really wish we had gotten the Diana/Bruce relationship that so many fans, including myself, shipped for so long.

Seeing Diana literally wearing part of Batman’s armor makes it hard not to wonder if there were plans, visual or narrative, that never fully made it to the screen. And that’s where the FOMO kicks in. Because whatever this version of the story was, it feels like we only got part of the story. Yet how are fans reacting to the throwback?

DCEU Fans Sound Off In The Comments

As you’d expect, Snyder’s post didn’t exactly fly under the radar. A lot of the reaction leaned into support, with fans rallying around both Gal Gadot and even some calling for Netflix or another streamer to restore the SnyderVerse. Some of the standout responses included:

• @georgeseia: “Our Wonder Woman!!! #RestoreTheSnyderVerse”
• @zacksnyderfans: “My new favorite photo of wonder woman ❤️😍 #restorethesnyderverse”
• @makethebatfleckmovie: “Gal born to be Wonder Woman!! #RestoreTheSnyderVerse”
• @joseadrianzr: “Our great princess Diana!”
• @s.i._herrera: “The perfect one”
• @keshav.maharaj1947: “Not just yours bro 😢 she is the wonder woman of all of us”
• @anaxagoras1995: “Our Wonder Woman, the best ever”
• @k.polatkaan2020: “She is our wonder woman also 😁”

At the same time, not every comment was glowing. Here are a few of the detractors:

• @cantcatchcasper: “Idk about that one Zack...”
• @bubani: “Justice League: YES / Gal Gadot 🇮🇱: NO”
• @hazxliz: “I love you Zack but no. #freepalastine🇵🇸❤️”
• @rumaanart: “Doesn’t She supports genocide ?”
• @gallllllad: “She's an IDF soldier… please change her”

As you can see, the reaction was a mix of hype and nostalgia, with a bit of not-so-friendly debate, which honestly feels pretty on-brand for anything tied to Snyder’s DC era.

You can revisit all of Snyder's DC movies, streaming with an HBO Max subscription.

When it comes to James Gunn’s new DCU, one of the most important superhero characters fans are keeping an eye out for is Wonder Woman. People keep fancasting Alexandra Daddario, while Ana de Armas has been asked about taking over the role. As fans wait for answers on that front, Zack Snyder is celebrating the actress who brought Diana to life in the DCEU: Gal Gadot. The Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice helmer reflected on Gadot's first gauntlet smash as the heroine by sharing a cool BTS video.

Wonder Woman’s infamous gauntlet smash is forever memorable, as it sees her slam her Bracelets of Submission together to send out a massive shockwave towards her enemies. More than a decade after shooting BvS, Zack Snyder still seems to have a soft spot for Diana and the actress who played her. Snyder took to Instagram to show off a slow-motion clip of Gadot practicing the smash:

For an iPhone shot, the quality is pretty impressive. As you can see in the slow-motion video, Gal Gadot is being zoomed in on, looking like she’s ready to battle, and then she shields her face with her bracelets. My favorite part of the video is seeing the superhero lead break out into a smile as she raises her arms to her face. Gadot's expressions exude both poise as well as a sense of playfulness, which was what she ultimately brought to the character.

It’s fun to see BTS videos like this, as they provide a keen peek at what goes into making superhero movies. Seeing the actors enjoy themselves while playing these kick-ass roles is a joy to see. For her part, Gal Gadot sure brought out her playful nature when preparing for her audition as Wonder Woman. The actress did that by playing Beyoncé’s “Run the World.” I guess if someone's going to represent grace and female empowerment in the superhero world, they might as well let Queen B. set the mood.

Following BvS, Gadot really shone in Wonder Woman, which is one of best movies of the 2010s, a real standout moment from that movie involves Diana of Themyscira first discovering the power of her gauntlet smash. This happens when the character tries to shield herself from her sister in arms, Antiope. It's hard to forget some of the striking scenes from that movie, including the iconic No Man's Land sequence.

When it comes to the slow-motion video, that clip is just one of many DCEU tidbits Zack Snyder has shared since joining Instagram. Snyder's been dropping Justice League photos as well as various pics of Henry Cavill's Superman. The Dawn of the Dead helmer is clearly feeling nostalgic, and I'm so here for it!

It's funny to think it's been so long since Gal Gadot first appeared on screen as Wonder Woman. While Gadot's time as the warrior princess has come to an end, her work will surely never be forgotten, especially as long as Zack Snyder and others continue to hype up her work. Those who'd like to check out Gadot's stint as Diana can stream her DCEU appearances with an HBO Max subscription.

Disney’s Snow White – one of the high-profile titles on the 2025 movie schedule – gained considerable attention this year and not for solely positive reasons. The Marc Webb-directed live-action remake fizzled at the box office, with reports swirling about the supposed reasons for that. Some have attributed the film’s performance to controversies surrounding its co-leads, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. Now, in the aftermath of that situation, Gadot is weighing in on whether she’d reprise her role as the Evil Queen at any point.

What Did Gal Gadot Say About Possibly Returning As The Evil Queen?

As is the case in the classic animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Evil Queen serves as the antagonist in the remake. Disney has utilized its most iconic villains in a myriad of ways in recent years, even giving a couple of them their own spinoff films (i.e. Maleficent and Cruella). Given that, when Gal Gadot caught up with Us Weekly at the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai Snow Ball Gala, she was asked if she’d return for a spinoff film centered around her character. Gadot was quite direct when sharing her response:

Needless to say, it seems the Wonder Woman star is quite enthusiastic about reprising her villainous character, despite the less-than-positive buzz Snow White received this year. Said film would, of course, would more than likely have to be a prequel flick, considering the Queen meets her demise at the end of Webb’s film. Of course, writers could find some wild way to resurrect the devious ruler in some way. Still, the odds of such a movie happening feel slim, considering the brouhaha that surrounded the remake.

Why Was Snow White Wrapped Up In Controversies?

Social media vitriol descended upon Snow for a number of reasons, from Rachel Zegler’s comments on updating the titular character to the depiction of the seven dwarfs. Also at the center of the discussion were the views shared by both Zegler and Gal Gadot. Zegler caught flak in some circles after openly expressing support for Gaza amid the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Additionally, Zegler also received backlash for criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump on social media.

As for Gadot, she received backlash for her support of Israel (her native country), at a time at which many other Hollywood A-listers were showing support for Palestine. Gadot admitted this past August that she was "disappointed" by Snow White’s box office haul, which amounted to $205.7 million worldwide against a reported budget somewhere between $240 and $270 million. While Gadot initially seemed to suggest political reasons played into the film’s reception, she later clarified that "external pressures”alone didn’t sink the film.

Box office analysts also denied the claims that the Disney movie bombed for being “woke.” Regardless of the exact reasons for the film doing poorly, that underperformance doesn’t bode well for a potential follow-up let alone a spinoff involving Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen. If Bob Iger and co. do decide to try something down the road, though, it seems Gadot is just a phone call away.

Snow White is now available to stream using a Disney+ subscription alongside a host of other films. Also, keep an eye out for updates on upcoming Disney movies.

Movie fans had seen what Gal Gadot could do on the silver screen with her memorable role as Gisele in the Fast & Furious films, but she really hit the big time when she was tapped as the DCEU’s Wonder Woman. The character’s titular 2017 film was a massive hit critically, with fans, and at the box office, and Gadot’s time as an actress since has seen her star in things like Snow White on the 2025 movie schedule. But, her career lately has been marred by internet complaints about her supposed lack of talent. It begs the question, then, does the Diana Prince star think she’s a good actress? We now have her answer.

Does Gal Gadot Think She’s A Good Actress?

While Gal Gadot has moved on from Wonder Woman and had hits like 2021’s Red Notice (which you can watch with your Netflix subscription), something that has persisted in the years since her breakout DCEU success has been talk that she’s actually not a good actress. The Death on the Nile lead has not only been plagued by negative critical reviews of her performances, but a number of movie fans have criticized her talents in social media posts that have gone viral.

This year’s disappointing performance of Snow White (which Gadot blamed on her political stance, but then had to clarify her comments) has only increased such talk. Recently, however, she was asked during an interview with The A Talks (via Entertainment Tonight) if she does think she’s a good actress, and the Heart of Stone star said:

Well, I suppose she’s nothing if not honest about where her strengths and potential weaknesses lie, and at least that’s good, right? This has to be a tough question to be asked point blank, but Gadot took it in stride and delivered a measured opinion.

Her answer might not stop the hate she gets for her work, but I think even people who are down on her talents as a leading lady will at least appreciate that she didn’t complain about what people have said and acknowledged that she has room to grow (which can be said of everyone in any area of life).

Honestly, whether someone has been praised for many of their performances or not, this seems like a good way to answer such a question. You kinda have to give yourself a bit of a compliment sandwich, because the last thing you want to do is make is sound like you really shouldn’t be in the position that you’re in, but it’s also a very positive thing to show some humility and talk up all the positive aspects of your work, regardless of the perceived results.

Whatever your thoughts on Gadot’s acting, she’s likely made it a bit harder to hate her ability to land starring roles.

Disney’s live-action Snow White remake – which is one of the most notable titles on the 2025 movie schedule – was wrapped up in several controversies ahead of its premiere. Ultimately, the Marc Webb-helmed film proved to be a box office bomb and, at present, it’s available for Disney+ subscription holders (trending high amongst streamers). When it comes to the movie’s lack of success, its co-lead, Gal Gadot, recently opined that “pressure” related to political leanings led to the flop. However, Gadot is now clarifying herself.

Gal Gadot took part in a discussion with journalists for The A Talks, a program from Israel’s Keshet 12. During the conversation, she was asked for her feelings about Snow White failing at the box office. Gadot stated that in Hollywood there’s “there’s pressure on celebrities to speak against Israel” in the aftermath of October, 7, 2023. The actress also stated that she was “disappointed the movie was so affected by it and it didn’t succeed at the box office.”

The comments made by the 40-year-old actress – who plays the Evil Queen in the Disney movie – went viral. With that, she’s since taken to her Instagram story to clarify what she meant. She began by saying that she was “honored to join an extraordinary interview with inspiring interviewers.” From there, the Wonder Woman alum explained that she responded to the question from “an emotional place” and then recalled how she felt when Snow opened in theaters:

Gal Gadot has voiced her support for Israel amid the country’s ongoing conflict with Gaza. While some other Hollywood celebrities have shared their support as Gadot has, others have been outspoken about supporting Palestine. In the latter camp was also Gadot’s Snow White co-star, Rachel Zegler, who received backlash due to sharing her beliefs. Despite the controversy regarding her own views, Gadot went on to say that she doesn’t believe political beliefs alone factored into her Disney film underperforming at the box office:

Among the claims connected to Snow White’s underwhelming box office success was the assertion that the film was “woke.” That “woke” claim was shot down by an analyst, who suggested that the “movie simply isn't connecting creatively on the level of a big Disney hit.” It’s also worth noting that when early reactions dropped, pundits felt strongly about the movie not hitting expectations, though Rachel Zegler’s performance as the flick’s titular princess was mostly well received by fans and critics alike.

It would seem that, at this point, the House of Mouse’s most recent iteration of Snow White has earned favor with some fans while being maligned by others. Aside from that, though, it seems Gal Gadot wants the general public to be clear on where she stands on the reasons for why it didn’t become yet another Disney live-action remake to find box office success.

At this point, it’s fair to say that Disney’s live-action Snow White remake starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot didn’t make too much of an impression at the box office. The Marc Webb-directed movie ruled during its opening weekend, but those monetary returns gradually diminished as time went on. Additionally, critics weren’t enthusiastic about the film, while general audiences had somewhat more positive thoughts. Analysts have since shared takes on why the movie flopped and, now, Gadot is weighing in on what happened.

Gal Gadot Shares Her Take On Why She Thinks Snow White Flopped

Since her 2025 movie release finished its theatrical run, Gal Gadot has remained mum about its performance. The former Wonder Woman actress broke her silence on the matter, however, while taking part in a Q&A for Israel’s Keshet 12’s The A Talks (via Haim Etgar of Instagram). While addressing journalists, Gadot was asked about Snow White’s reception and whether she was “angry” with how it turned out. Gadot began her appeal by discussing her experience making the movie, and she shared some thoughts on co-star Rachel Zegler:

The Fast and Furious alum, who plays the Evil Queen in Snow White, went on to vaguely reference the events of October 7, 2023 involving Israel and Gaza. She then went on to discuss Hollywood’s response to the situation, which she believes factored into Snow not doing as well as she hoped:

Gal Gadot, who was born in Israel and served in its armed forces for a time, has expressed support for her country of origin since the conflict with Gaza began. Ultimately, Gadot’s sentiments drew backlash in some circles. The actress’ comments were ultimately just one source of controversy linked to her live-action Disney film.

Snow White Was Wrapped Up In Other Matters That Sparked Negative Press

Rachel Zegler came under fire after comments she made about the Snow White character amid 2022’s D23 Expo resurfaced online. At the time, Zegler spoke about some of the issues she had with the 1937 version of the Disney princess and explained that her interpretation would add a few more layers to the character. The actress’ comments, however, were not well received and many shared their thoughts on social media. Also accompanying those sentiments were negative comments about Zegler’s casting.

Eventually, Rachel Zegler also made headlines after sharing her critiques on U.S. President Donald Trump. Zegler also drew attention for expressing support for Gaza amid the Israeli-Palestinian situation overseas. In recent months, Zegler has addressed the backlash she’s faced for her political beliefs, stating that with her platform, she has a responsibility to speak out on such topics.

Despite the layers of controversy that surrounded Snow White, the film has seen some wins. For example, the fantasy flick trended very high amongst viewers after it became available for Disney+ subscription holders. After Gal Gadot’s comments, it remains to be seen whether the cast or crew will discuss the film’s reception in the near future.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the cutest of them all? That’s a question Snow White’s Gal Gadot spent some time answering with CinemaBlend as she determined which Disney creature was the most adorable. However, while her admiring Baby Groot’s cuteness was very sweet, it was actually her comment about Vin Diesel and Fast & Furious that was the cutest of them all.

To kick off this game played in honor of the 2025 movie schedule’s live-action Snow White, CinemaBlend’s Jeff McCobb asked Gadot if Baby Groot or Baby Dumbo was cuter. She chose the Guardians of the Galaxy character as the winner, which you can see below:

However, after that, she noted her personal connection to the adorable sentient tree. As mentioned, while Gadot is a DC actress and hasn’t appeared in a Marvel project, Vin Diesel played a pivotal role in her career. His film, 2009’s Fast & Furious, was her “first Hollywood movie,” as she said:

After that, when asked to choose between Groot and Bambi, the Wonder Woman actress went for her friend's GotG character, saying:

Sadly, Baby Groot didn’t win the cute game. Baby Dory was eventually chosen over the loveable tree, and in the end, Dopey from Snow White, understandably, won. However, her comment about the role Groot’s voice actor played in her career is the moment that really stuck with me.

Listen, the Fast family is forever, and Diesel and Gadot have always been very sweet to each other. Plus, after being involved in some of the best Fast & Furious movies and then leaving for a while, the Gisele actress has returned to the franchise.

Now, after Gal Gadot’s appearance in Fast X, I’m hoping she’ll play a bigger role in the cast of Fast & Furious 11. However, I’m getting ahead of myself, let’s focus on the here and now.

The actress’s comments about the Dominic Toretto actor certainly are sweet, because her role in that Fast & Furious movie helped her break into Hollywood and kickstart her career. Now, she’s played a superhero and an evil queen in massive blockbusters.

Speaking of the evil queen. The Red Notice star plays her in the new live-action Snow White, which CinemaBlend’s review gave 3.5 stars. While critics haven’t been the most enthusiastic about Snow White, audiences have been loving it way more, and it seems like Rachel Zegler and co.'s take on the iconic princess film is winning people over.

So, thank you Vin Diesel and Fast & Furious for helping Gal Gadot’s career start. And thank you to the actress for giving us this sweet and sentimental full-circle moment where she reflected on her start while speaking about the big movie she’s part of now. To see that movie, you can catch Snow White in theaters now.

Once upon a time, many Disney Princesses may have fit into the same glass slippers, but that’s hardly the case anymore. First, Disney Animation started telling stories depicting more types of women with more personality types. Second, the studio acquired Pixar and branched out even further, and finally, Disney purchased additional studios and brands that brought with them an entire back catalog of princesses. One of those, of course, came from Star Wars, and during our interview with director Marc Webb and star Rachel Zegler ahead of Snow White’s release, we slipped Princess Leia into a Princess trivia game to see if we could fool them.

It turns out the answer is no. We asked the pair what Disney Princess said “stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder.” It took Marc Webb a few seconds to work out what we were trying to do, but Rachel Zegler nosed it out almost immediately and was clearly delighted thinking about Princess Leia standing alongside Snow White and the other classic characters the Mouse House was built atop. You can check out a clip of the fun moment below…

The fun exchange happened during our game of Disney Princess Total Recall. The rules were simple. We asked Webb and Zegler for their guesses on which Disney Princesses said various classic lines we read off. They each wrote their answers down on a board and then flipped them around. I won’t spoil anything, but I will say that one was a lot more confident than the other. You can find out who by watching the video below…

Of course the reason we got together with Zegler, Gadot and Webb was to hype Snow White. Disney’s live action remake is about to hit theaters this weekend, and while the fans haven’t had a chance to weigh in yet, many critics have already given their say. Here at CinemaBlend, we gave the movie 3 ½ stars and were particularly into Zegler’s performance as the titular character. Most other critics have been positive about her work too, though reviews for the overall film have been a bit all over the board.

After some initial controversies and negative momentum during production over the decision to use CGI dwarfs and some comments Zegler made about aspects of the original that feel dated, those involved have worked hard to try and right the ship. Zegler has been extremely positive during her press tour and has even rocked some Snow White inspired fashion. The film is projected to do around $50M or so at the box office during its debut weekend, but its long-term fate will likely come down to whether word of mouth is good and eventually convinces casual moviegoers to check out the live action remake.

The Fast & Furious franchise isn’t just brainless action movies about high-speed chases and gravity-defying stunts—it’s about family. And no one embodies that more than Vin Diesel. The Fast X star recently took the stage to honor his longtime co-star, Gal Gadot, as she received her well-earned star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. While the ceremony was a celebration of the former Justice League star’s incredible career, the Groot performer’s speech took a personal turn as he reflected on their deep bond over the years. Naturally, the word “family” made an appearance.

During the event, Diesel spoke about what made the Israeli-born actress so special—not just how she crushed her first major movie role–but as someone who became a genuine part of his life. As captured by Variety in videos posted to their official X account, the XxX star opened up about how much she means to him and his loved ones. He said:

The Wonder Woman star joined the Fast franchise in the 2009 fourth entry as Gisele Yashar, quickly becoming a fan favorite. But beyond their on-screen chemistry, Diesel explained how Gadot became integral to his real-life family. He shared a touching story about how even his mother saw something special in their bond:

From there, their friendship only deepened. The Iron Giant voice actor recalled how Gadot was by his side during some of the most important moments in his life—when his children were born and, heartbreakingly, after the tragic death of Paul Walker.

Struggling to hold back tears, Diesel revealed just how much her support meant to him:

The Fast & Furious alum has built an incredible career beyond the franchise, leading blockbusters and superhero movies. With the live-action Snow White remake hitting theaters soon, where the actress is in her wicked era as the Evil Queen, it’s clear her star is only continuing to rise—both on the sidewalk and in Hollywood.

Vin Diesel and Gal Gadot are set to reunite in their Fast & Furious roles, as hinted at the end of Fast X. As always with Vin Diesel, the focus returns to one theme—mi familia. And would we want it any other way? I think not.

Gal Gadot's next movie, Snow White, is hitting the 2025 movie schedule on March 21, 2025. From what people are saying after early screenings, this could be one of Disney’s best live-action remakes. A lot of the hype is about how great the Death of the Nile star is as the evil queen!

Gal Gadot is fully embracing her role as the Evil Queen in Disney’s live-action remake Snow White, and honestly, I’m here for it. The Wonder Woman actress made a surprise visit to Disneyland, where she took some genuinely iconic photos alongside some of the House of Mouse’s most legendary villains, and I love these pics.

The DisneyStudios official Instagram account shared the images, and it’s safe to say she fits right in with the likes of Maleficent, Jafar, the Evil Queen, and more. Ahead of the upcoming Disney movie’s release, Gadot stopped by the Happiest Place on Earth and had some fun embracing her sinister side. Disneyland’s official Instagram account shared the moment with fans, and you have to see it.

Seriously, this might be one of the best promo tours ever. Seeing the Fast & Furious vet in a deep red dress, posing alongside some of the most infamous Disney villains, is the crossover I didn’t know I needed. And can we talk about how Maleficent is serving major unimpressed energy in that group selfie? Iconic.

But that wasn’t all. In another adorable moment, the Death on the Nile actress took time to pose with a group of young fans dressed as her Snow White character. The Evil Queen has never looked more delighted, surrounded by mini versions of herself in full royal regalia. Moments like these remind me how Disney magic works at every age—even if you’re technically supposed to be the villain.

No Disneyland visit is complete without meeting the stars of the park, and the former Justice League actress also snapped a pic with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The two showed off their brand-new looks for Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, which kicks off on May 16, 2025. The Red Notice star seemed super excited to be part of the fun, and honestly, seeing the Evil Queen smiling next to Mickey and Minnie is such a fun contrast!

Gadot's portrayal of the Evil Queen in the upcoming live-action Disney remake has been a major talking point leading up to the film's release, while the flick’s box office prospects are a big question right now, many fans are eager to see how she brings the classic character to life. Based on these Disneyland photos alone, it’s clear she’s having an absolute blast with the role. And let’s be real—if the Evil Queen had a modern-day lair, Disneyland would definitely be at the top of the list.

Gadot's take on the Evil Queen in the upcoming live-action Disney remake has been a hot topic as the film gets closer to release. While we’re all wondering about the flick’s box office prospects, fans can't wait to see how she brings this classic character to life. From those Disneyland photos, it's obvious she’s having a great time with the role.

With Snow White set to hit the 2025 movie release schedule this Friday, March 21, 2025, fans won’t have to wait long to see Gal Gadot totally transform into the Evil Queen. In the meantime, these Disneyland pics are a great sneak peek to get everyone excited for the big release! In the meantime, its original animated predecessor is available to stream with a Disney+ subscription.

A lot of controversy has surrounded the live-action remake of Snow White, but as we get closer to its release on the 2025 movie calendar, many are wondering about the film itself. Disney’s live-action remakes have been hit or miss, and some are already predicting box office troubles for Snow White. However, many of those who attended an early screening of the movie have positive first reactions.

Rachel Zegler portrays Disney’s first princess, with Gal Gadot taking on evil stepmother duties. So what is the early response to the upcoming Disney movie? Critic Christopher Mills writes on X that the year’s biggest surprise so far is that this “controversial” and “hated” film is actually decent. Mills praises Zegler as the titular character, saying:

With other Disney live-action remakes in the works including Lilo & Stitch and Moana, they may have to work hard to outshine Snow White, given what Tori Brazier of Metro UK thinks of director Marc Webb’s movie. Brazier says:

Like many Disney fans, Skyler Shuler of DisInsider was wary of this project, but after seeing it, Shuler says this is a must-see, joining others in calling it one of the best live-action remakes yet:

Katcy Stephan of Variety calls Rachel Zegler a “supernova,” while also complimenting the new music and the depth that’s given to the story. The love story is pretty sweet, too, Stephan says:

ScreenRant's Ash Crossan’s biggest complaint with the movie seems to be the princess’ hair, though that doesn’t stop Rachel Zegler’s gorgeous voice in the overall “charming” movie. Crossan says:

The verdict isn’t unanimous, however, with at least one critic voicing disappointment in the upcoming kids movie. Carl Kaka of Future of the Force says live-action remakes in general don’t replicate the fun and enjoyment of their originals, and this movie “just wasn’t for me.” Kaka continues:

If you want to see what all the fuss is about and draw your own conclusions about Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot and the rest, you don’t have to wait too much longer. Snow White is set to hit theaters on Friday, March 21, and if you want to revisit the animated classic in the meantime, that’s available to stream with a Disney+ subscription.

One of the most talked about movies on the 2025 movie schedule isn’t a Marvel movie or the next Avatar installment, but the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney’s classic Snow White. At this point, it’s far from clear how audiences will respond to the film, but we can be sure two members of the audience will be very interested in how the movie turns out, Gal Gadot's eldest daughters.

Gadot plays the Evil Queen in the new Snow White opposite Rachel Zegler as the title character. Appearing on GMA, the actress talked about her two eldest daughters, who had very different reactions to finding out their mom, who had once been Wonder Woman, was now going to be the bad guy. Gadot said…

One can understand a kid not liking it when their mom plays the villain. Gadot has traditionally played heroes, and kids are (hopefully) always going to see their parents that way. Of course, actors often say playing the bad guy is more fun, and the older child, being 13, is probably old enough to see that.

In the original animated Snow White, the Evil Queen is arguably the more interesting character when compared to Snow White. The Snow White trailer also shows that the Evil Queen will have at least one song, and a good villain song in a Disney movie can make a film.

Of course, the Evil Queen was reportedly so scary that kids in the theater watching the original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs reportedly wet themselves, so maybe it’s understandable why somebody’s kid may not want to see their mom that way. My own kids are pretty terrified of the Evil Queen. I'm pretty sure I scarred one child when I took her on the Snow White ride at Disneyland.

Will seeing Mom play the villain make the villain more appealing, or make Mom a little more scary? Check out Gadot’s full comments below.

Snow White’s box office prospects are a big question right now. It’s unclear just how popular the film will be, but if Gal Gadot is an excellent Evil Queen that could go a long way to making the latest Disney live-action remake a solid hit. We'll find out when the movie hits theaters next week.

Some would say that glasses aren’t cool, and those people are in fact, liars. Throughout movie history, there have been iconic moments involving both eyeglasses and sunglasses that have made huge fashion statements. In some cases, they’re even seen as a signature to the characters they’re being worn by. So if you’re worried about rocking some facial furniture at one point or another, let these trendsetters ease those troubles in their own stylish way.

Christopher Reeve - Superman

Behold, the glasses so iconic they could conceal a Kryptonian. Christopher Reeve’s specs from his time as Superman were a bit oversized, but in a way that is actually endearing. So much so that eyeglass designer Tom Davies designed a replica that’s currently on sale on the market.

Audrey Hepburn - Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Everyone remembers Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress from the cinematic classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s, an image that became an eternal symbol of class and elegance. But let’s not overlook the powerful accessory that is her equally memorable pair of sunglasses. If you’re looking to add this to your own collection, Oliver Goldsmith’s “Manhattan” model will have you singing “Moon River” in no time.

Michael Caine - The Ipcress File

The legendary Michael Caine was a frequent wearer of Curry & Paxton branded eyewear, with his role in The Ipcress File being the most notable example. Rocking the Yvan model of glasses, they became a fashion statement for a very different cinematic Cold War spy. While you could debate whether it is either shown in a dark tortoise shell or black, the impact is still just as iconic.

Barbara Stanwyck - Double Indemnity

Sunglasses are as essential to film noir as mournful narrations, scheming, and murder. Double Indemnity has every one of those components, and in the case of this picture’s eyewear, Barbara Stanwyck’s shades helped cement her as a femme fatale for the ages. Not even poor Fred MacMurray knew what hit him.

Marcello Mastroianni - 8 ½

A classic example of the coolness of eyewear, Marcello Mastroianni’s thick black glasses in 8 1/2 showed the world that an everyday essential can also be a powerful accessory. Even in 2014, Mastroianni’s sunglassed look was still honored as a fashionable history lesson, when it was used as the official poster for the 67th Cannes Film Festival.

Gene Tierney - Leave Her To Heaven

Don’t let the technicolor fool you, Gene Tierney’s Ellen Berent Harland is an obsessively deadly figure. The protagonist of the 1945 film noir classic Leave Her To Heaven, Ellen is capable of scheming so devious that a fashionable pair of sunglasses can’t even hide it. Which is fine, considering the results are so compelling to watch as they unfold.

Cary Grant - North by Northwest

Even when wanted for murder, Cary Grant’s Roger Thornhill was dressed to the nines. His trip through hell in Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest included the gorgeous sunglasses you see pictured here, along with that iconic grey suit. A perfect combination for fleeing a criminal conspiracy, Oliver Peoples released a line of sunnies inspired by them in 2019, for those who want to truly invest in this look.

Madonna - Desperately Seeking Susan

Just as director Susan Seidelman’s Desperately Seeking Susan put Madonna on the map as an actor, the pop music legend helped land her character’s cat eye sunglasses in movie history. You can get replicas that vary in levels of brand recognition and cost, which is only even more of a signal that this look isn’t going out of style any time soon.

Sean Connery - Thunderball

Back when Thunderball was released in 1965, Sean Connery and James Bond were already seen as the epitome of men’s style. So when that picture showed 007 rocking what appeared to be, according to Bond Suits, Cool-Ray Polaroid N135 sunglasses, everyone was immediately going to want them. Thankfully, some boutique brands still sell them, helping fans live out their Bond fantasies in a very practical way.

Grace Kelly - To Catch A Thief

One has to wonder if director Alfred Hitchcock or costume designer Edith Head shared a mutual love of sunglasses. The two used them to great effect on Cary Grant in North by Northwest, and before that, they employed them to help Grace Kelly make an impression on audiences enjoying To Catch A Thief.

Henry Cavill - The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

As he’s introduced in Guy Ritchie’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Henry Cavill’s Napoleon Solo couldn’t have made a cooler entrance. Crossing the Berlin Wall checkpoint while wearing the “Bowery” model of Thierry Lasry sunglasses, this cavalier hellraiser certainly approached his wardrobe with more care than he did other aspects of his spying career.

Linda Cardellini - Scooby Doo

Velma Dinkley is always on the verge of losing her glasses, no matter what sort of media you follow her into. With the 2002 live-action Scooby Doo, the casting of Linda Cardellini as the bespectacled brainiac was only outdone in one area. And that’s the fact that somehow, someone actually made her signature eyewear from the Hanna-Barbara cartoon into a living, breathing reality.

Tom Everett Scott - That Thing You Do!

There are many thoughts while watching That Thing You Do! that can come off as inspiring. And thankfully, anyone who wants to know “What type of shades is Guy ‘Skitch’ Patterson wearing?” while watching Tom Everett Scott drum himself into stardom, already has the answer. All you have to do is listen, as the man himself marvels at his “Percussionist Foster Grants” when they’re handed to him for the first time.

Meryl Streep - The Devil Wears Prada

If any fictional character was a shoo-in for making eyeglasses work, it has to be Miranda Priestley from The Devil Wears Prada. Played ever so stylishly by Meryl Streep, Ms. Priestley’s arrival sees her showing off a Tom Ford model named “Collette.” So if you’re looking to force a room full of strangers to gird their loins, you’ve now got a secret weapon.

Kingsman’s Eyeglasses

Cutler & Gross really outdid themselves when they designed the standard issue eyeglasses for Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman series. A perfect match, whether you wear oxfords or brogues, Colin Firth’s Harry Hart introduced us to this modern successor to Michael Caine’s eyewear of espionage from The Ipcress File. No matter who’s wearing them in the field, they’re a piece that is pretty instantly recognized.

Carrie-Anne Moss - The Matrix

You know your character is an eyewear legend when you get an entire model of sunglasses named after them. Walking away from seeing The Matrix for the first time, it’s the glasses and the phones that really stick with you. Well, after you put the philosophical and moral debates, and the blazing stunts aside, those two things tend to stick around. For Carrie-Anne Moss’ Trinity, her official frames came from the brand Blinde - and are apparently pretty rare to come by.

Tom Cruise’s Aviators - Top Gun

Whenever someone slips on a pair of aviator sunglasses, 9 times out of 10 it’s going to inspire someone to hum “Danger Zone” to themselves. By no means invented for Tony Scott’s Top Gun, the Ray-Ban RB3025s were certainly popularized by people who felt the need for speed in their daily lives. Though you don’t have to worry about inverting your wallet, as this is a common enough style that you can go easy on the throttle and spare your life savings.

Grace Jones - A View To A Kill

007 isn’t the only person allowed to be stylish in the world of cinema. Roger Moore’s James Bond movies ended on a very ‘80s note with A View to a Kill, and that’s part of what makes Grace Jones’ May Day a sparkling addition to this very film. Her fashion sense is as on point as her assassination skills, which is shown off in the scene where she escorts an unwilling conspirator into a free fall of death.

Morpheus’ Frame-less Sunglasses - The Matrix

What if we told you that Morpheus’ sunglasses from The Matrix are made by the same brand that gave Trinity her own signature lunettes? Lawrence Fishburne’s “Morpheus” brand shades came from Blinde, a vendor who handled the “official” sunglasses for The Wachowski’s entry into the canon of best ‘90s movies. More recently, eyewear wizard Tom Davies recreated this look for the modern incarnation of the character in 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections. And yes, they still looked just as cool.

Annie Potts - Ghostbusters II

The only thing sharper than the wit and attitude of Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) is her choice of eyewear. It’s hard to narrow down the exact brand and model worn by her character in Ghostbusters II, which is a shame. Janine’s leap forward from a traditionally conservative “secretary” wardrobe to her hipper‘90s forward duds came with a pair of black circular glasses that must have been an inspiration for The Incredibles’ Edna Mode.

Christian Bale - American Psycho

Oliver Peoples “O’Malley,” in the color of “Raintree.” You’ve probably been wondering about how you could get the model of Christian Bale’s eyeglasses from American Psycho for decades at this point. So now that you’ve got that answer readily before your eyes, we can focus on the bigger questions, like what American Psycho’s ending is trying to say about Patrick Bateman.

Rachel Leigh Cook - She’s All That

In the mid-20th century, we were convinced a Kryptonian could hide their secret identity behind a pair of eyeglasses. Towards the end of that very century, teen rom-coms like She’s All That built a further case for such deceptions, courtesy of Rachel Leigh Cook’s Laney Boggs. Several other pictures would use this very same tactic as an easy makeover tip to land the prom date of your dreams.

Willem Dafoe’s Tom Davies Sunglasses - Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Willem Dafoe had a really good year of eyewear in 2024. But in choosing between his Saturday Night shades, and the Tom Davies-designed piece he wore in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the afterlife wins by a hair. Named “Wolf,” after his character in the long-awaited legacy-quel, these beauties helped Mr. Dafoe keep it real on screen - and in our dreams.

Linda Hamilton - Terminator 2: Judgment Day

While Linda Hamilton’s sunglasses from Terminator 2: Judgment Day weren’t going to block out the rays of an atomic attack on 1997 L.A., they sure were handy for normal, everyday sunlight. The exact model worn by Sarah Connor in one of the best sci-fi movies seems to be unknown, but there are plenty of quality imitators that’ll make your day.

Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Glasses

If you were a kid about to wear their first pair of eyeglasses in 1996, Tom Cruise may have been an influence on the ones you eventually chose. While the Jean Paul Gaulthier branded frames from Mission: Impossible wouldn’t help you catch traitorous spies, they were still pretty awesome to look at.

Reese Witherspoon - Legally Blonde

Even after decades of Legally Blonde being a certified pop culture legend, fans are still in love with Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) and her sense of fashion. This makes not being able to find exact details on her appropriately pink sunglasses a bit of a pain, but worth it if you're trying to dress to impress.

The Blues Brothers’ Wayfarers

On a mission from God, you need to prepare for any sort of perils on the path laid out ahead. For Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) Blues, that checklist includes a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, black suits and ties, and Ray Ban’s iconic Wayfarer sunglasses. It’s certainly not an obscure piece of The Blues Brothers trivia, but it’s definitely something you should keep in mind for next Halloween.

Gal Gadot - Wonder Woman

2017’s Wonder Woman adaptation called out the glasses worn by Gal Gadot’s titular DC hero with dialogue that reminded us of how comic books and teenage rom-coms alike have tried to pull the wool over our eyes. So while the princess of Themyscira doesn’t look too different behind that facial furniture, at least it fits her projected images perfectly.

Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry Potter Glasses

Many a Halloween has passed where people trying to look like Daniel Radcliffe’s heroic Harry Potter have gone hunting for his signature glasses. So it’s probably not that hard to find replicas for costuming purposes, or actual eyewear business, on the open market.

Ali Maki - Always Be My Maybe

One of comedian Ali Maki’s trademarks has to be her glasses. So it’s kind of hard to choose just one pair that really speaks to her personal style, even when limited only to the Netflix rom-com Always Be My Maybe. However, the gold pair shown above certainly do the job at hand.

Robert Downey Jr. - Avengers: Endgame

Throughout his Marvel Cinematic Universe run, Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark has had some pretty impressive eyewear. And while Mr. Stark’s glasses in Avengers: Infinity War would eventually be named “E.D.I.T.H.,” the actual model name you’re looking for is Dita’s Flight 006 glasses. A.I. enhancements are not included.

Margot Robbie - Barbie

The original Barbie doll had an iconic look that has lasted through the ages. So when Margot Robbie helped bring Greta Gerwig’s vision of this classic toy to life, you know they had to include that fashionable origin story—complete with the white cat-eye sunglasses that came with Mattel’s first doll in the line.

Movie sequels are a near certainty for theatrically released films. If a movie is a massive box office hit, the discussion of a sequel is nearly inevitable. However, sequels are much less than a sure thing when it comes to movies released for streaming. If a movie starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot had been a box office smash it feels like a sequel would be here already, but the sequel to Red Notice that we've been told is in discussions is still in limbo. And we just got a clearer picture why that is.

Back in 2021, Red Notice became the most-watched movie in the history of Netflix and according to a new piece in Bloomberg, that’s still the case. It’s not surprising why that is. The movie had the biggest cast of any Netflix movie to date, it was a big action comedy that looked, at least from a budget standpoint, like any similar movie we might have seen in theaters. And it’s that budget specifically in regard to the Red Notice cast, which may be the reason we have yet to see Red Notice 2.

Red Notice’s Three Stars Made A Lot Of Money

According to the Bloomberg piece, Red Notice cost something around $200 million to produce, and $80 million of that was the salaries of Johnson, Reynolds, and Gadot alone. It’s suggested that this is one of the major roadblocks to Red Notice 2. The cost of getting the three stars back would probably be around $100 million for a sequel, so a budget of $250 million for the film is likely.

If Red Notice was opening in theaters and was expected to make $750 million at the box office, that budget might be something a studio would be willing to swallow, but as the economics of streaming are significantly different the math doesn’t add up quite the same way.

How Red Notice 2 Could Still Happen

Back in 2022, it was reported that Netflix was looking at filming two Red Notice sequels back-to-back. While nothing has come of that (at least not yet), it’s possible that was part of a plan to help reduce the cost of production. Making two movies together is a bit cheaper than making them separately, most noticeably, you can likely get your stars at a bit of a discount if they’re essentially making one big rather than two regular ones.

There is also talk of streamers going to a new model to pay talent that is similar to what stars get on theatrical releases. It’s not uncommon for actors to get paid a smaller amount up front, with back-end payments on offer if a movie is a hit. The biggest stars can often make even more money this way, the way Tom Cruise cashed in huge when Top Gun: Maverick became a smash, but studios save money when movies aren’t moneymakers.

While critics didn't love Red Notice, audiences did, so it seems clear that many people would watch a sequel. Whether they get a chance, however, is another story entirely.

As the 2024 movie schedule winds down and the 2025 movie schedule begins in earnest, many of us are reflecting on the closing year and feeling grateful for making it through another chapter. However, few may have as much to be thankful for as veteran Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot. The former military servicemember turned actress recently opened up about a “terrifying” emergency surgery she underwent during her pregnancy, and, honestly, it’s hard not to think she might actually be the real Princess of Themyscira.

In a heartfelt and unflinchingly honest X (formerly Twitter) post, the live-action Snow White cast member opened up about a harrowing experience she endured earlier this year while pregnant with her daughter. The actress revealed that in February, which was her eighth month of pregnancy, she began suffering from headaches that left her bedridden for weeks. Concerned, Gadot underwent a series of tests, the actress shared:

The discovery was understandably devastating, and things escalated rapidly. Within hours, the Fast and the Furious breakout star was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she underwent emergency surgery to save her life and safeguard her unborn child. Reflecting on the emotional weight of the ordeal, the Death on the Nile actress shared how the fragility of life became painfully clear to her and her loved ones:

Amid the fear and uncertainty, Gadot’s determination to hold on for her baby became her guiding light. When her daughter was born, the family chose a name steeped in significance and hope. In her heartfelt post, she wrote:

Thankfully for fans and her family, Gadot is fully healed and grateful today. However, she admits the experience has profoundly changed her. She shared that it taught her the importance of listening to her body and paying attention to even the subtlest signals it sends. The Justice League alum hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to prioritize their health and trust their instincts when something feels wrong.

The actress encouraged anyone facing similar challenges, highlighting that while giving birth is a profound testament to human resilience, it also serves as a powerful reminder to care for ourselves with the same devotion we offer to others. Honestly, that’s a message worthy of an Amazonian Warrior.

At 39, Gal Gadot shows no signs of slowing down, with an impressive slate of projects on the horizon. One of her most anticipated roles is in one of Disney’s upcoming live-action remakes. Though the Date Night performer is anything but “wicked” in real life, she’s stepping far outside her comfort zone to take on the role of the Evil Queen in the “mostly” live-action upcoming Snow White, which opens in theaters on March 21, 2025.

For fans who want to relive her time wielding the lasso of truth, all of Gadots DCEU appearances as Wonder Woman are available to stream now with a Max subscription.

Sometimes an actor just explodes on the scene with their first movie. Many of the people on this list have even been nominated and won awards for their first roles. Most, of course, have gone on to have long, successful careers, so let's look back at these actors who absolutely crushed it in their first roles. 

Lupita Nyong'o - 12 Years A Slave

It didn't take long for Kenyan native Lupita Nyong'o to make a huge splash in Hollywood. After a little time working on movie sets behind the camera, she studied acting at Yale and landed her seminal role in 12 Years A Slave almost immediately after graduating. The performance speaks for itself, and Nyong'o deservingly took home an Oscar for it. Amazingly, three years later, she won a Tony in her Broadway debut in Eclipsed.

Sean Penn - Taps

Sean Penn has had a long, storied career and while many may assume his breakout role came as the stoner Spicoli in Fast Times At Ridgemont High, but a year before cracking up audiences in that cult classic, he played a very different role as a would-be soldier at a military academy in Taps. Notably, Tom Cruise also made his breakthrough role in the movie alongside Penn. 

Reese Witherspoon - The Man In The Moon

Over the last 4 decades or so, Reese Witherspoon has not only become one of the most acclaimed actresses in Hollywood, but a major force behind the scenes as a producer. It all started for the Nashville native with her debut in The Man In The Moon in 1991. It's always impressive when a newcomer can lead a personal film like this, and Witherspoon showed early how good she is by doing so. 

Natalie Portman - Leon: The Professional

There are a few actors in Hollywood who broke big when they were very young. From the moment you see Natalie Portman on screen in her first role as Mathilda in Leon: The Professional, you know she's going to be big. Yeah, it's an uncomfortable movie to watch for obvious reasons - Portman was just 13 - but seeing how brave she was to take on a complicated role like that, it was clear she was destined for greatness. 

Edward Norton - Primal Fear

Has there ever been a more terrifying and convincing debut performance from an actor than Edward Norton in Primal Fear? It's one of the all-time great grifter films and Norton's performance is the major reason why. He's scary, both in character and in talent. 

Florence Pugh - The Falling

It's hard to believe Florence Pugh made her debut in The Falling in 2014. It seems like the actress has been around forever as she keeps picking amazing roles and crushing the performances, just like her first. 

Kevin Bacon - National Lampoon's Animal House

Every actor in Hollywood is connected to Kevin Bacon, as the game claims, and that's because for more than five decades he's been giving amazing performance and amazing performance. His first movie, the classic comedy National Lampoon's Animal House is certainly no exception as he plays a snobby, snarky, frat boy to perfection. There is nothing he can't do.  

Halle Berry - Jungle Fever

In 2001 Halle Berry became the first African-American woman to win the Best Picture Oscar for Monster's Ball. That was just 10 short years after she made he incredible debut in Spike Lee's Jungle Fever. The former beauty pageant contestant has been one of the most reliably great stars in the years since, starring in some of the biggest franchises in Hollywood including the X-Men, James Bond, John Wick, and much more. 

Jennifer Hudson - Dreamgirls

After finishing seventh in the third season of American Idol, we all knew Jennifer Hudson could sing. When she was cast as Aretha Frankin-like Effie White in Dreamgirls, it didn't surprise anyone. At least, we weren't surprised until we all saw just how her powerful voice was matched by her powerful acting. She took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in her big-screen debut. 

Eddie Murphy - 48 Hrs.

By the time Eddie Murphy starred in 48 Hrs. alongside Nick Nolte in 1982, he was already a bonafide TV star from his time on SNL. Known for his great characters and hilarious lines on SNL, it wasn't clear if he could carry a movie. 48 Hrs. settled that, he definitely could and he's been leading them ever since. 

Marlee Matlin - Children Of A Lesser God

Marlee Matlin has been breaking down barriers since the very beginning of her career. Deaf from the time she was a small child, there must have been many people who told her she could pursue her dreams. Instead, she became not only the deaf actor to win an Oscar in his debut movie, Children Of A Lesser God, but the youngest woman to take home the statue as well. 

Anne Hathaway - The Princess Diaries

From the very beginning, Anne Hathaway has been wowing audiences. Her first movie is still one of her most beloved, The Princess Diaries. She even got to star alongside true film royalty. Julie Andrews. She didn't seem intimidated then, and she never has been since. 

Tim Curry - The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Tim Curry's first movie has become the dictionary definition of a cult classic. The Rocky Horror Picture Show was a flop when it was released, but in the decades since, it's become one of the most popular movies of all time with a fanbase that is not just dedicated, but rabid in its love for the movie and for Curry's character, Frank-N-Furter.

Emma Stone - Superbad

Superbad is one of those comedies that very really gets old, especially if you grew up with it as a staple of your DVD rotation. Emma Stone's character Jules is not the kind of character you'd expect to be as funny as she is, which makes Stone pretty much perfect for the role, as she is as effortlessly funny as she is effortlessly beautiful. She's gone on to tackle some characters with incredible depth, but she set the foundation in Superbad. 

Oprah Winfrey - The Color Purple

There is really nothing Oprah Winfrey can't accomplish. She was already on her way to becoming the biggest daytime talk show in history by the time she landed a role in Steven Speilberg's classic The Color Purple. It turns out Winfrey can do a whole more than coax the most out of guests on her talk show, she can act really act, earning an Oscar nomination in her film debut. 

Julie Andrews - Mary Poppins

It's really hard to believe that Julie Andrews didn't make her true film debut until she was nearly 30 years old, when she appeared as the legendary Mary Poppins in the film of the same name. Of course, Andrews was well-established as a stage actor at that point, but still, it was the golden age of Hollywood, you'd think she would have been cast in something well before Mary Poppins. At least we can be grateful she was cast here. 

Alan Rickman - Die Hard

Hans Gruber in Die Hard is, without a doubt, one of the greatest villains of the 1980s. Knowing that it was the film debut of the incredible Alan Rickman makes it all that more impressive. He plays the role with such confidence and panache, that it's almost too much to believe it was his first movie role, but it was. 

Anna Paquin - The Piano

Anna Paquin won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Piano. She was just 11 years old! Anyone who does that deserves a spot on any list like that. She's the second youngest ever to win an Oscar and in the years since she's continued to wow us with her work. 

Jamie Lee Curtis - Halloween

Jamie Lee Curtis basically invented the modern scream queen in horror movies in her debut in Halloween. It's a genre she's only returned to a few times in her long, impressive career, but we're sure glad it's where she got her start. 

Hailee Steinfeld - True Grit

It's a little remarkable how many young girls pop up on a list like this. One of the most recent examples of a teenager just crushing her film debut is Hailee Steinfeld. Not only did she have the pressure of playing a beloved literary character like Mattie Ross in True Grit, but she also had to act alongside legends like Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin. She doesn't just hold her own, either, she steals the movie. She rightly received an Oscar nomination for her work.  

Glenn Close - The World According To Garp

Glenn Close burst on the scene with award-winning performances on Broadway before transitioning to film with her debut on the silver screen in The World According To Garp where she picked up where she left off on the stage, getting nominated for an Oscar. She would earn Oscar nominations (but sadly no wins) for her next two movies as well, The Big Chill and The Natural. 

Robert Duvall - To Kill A Mockingbird

Robert Duvall's career goes all the way back to the 1950s, when he first appeared as Boo Radley in one of the most beloved movies about the American South, To Kill A Mockingbird. He only has a small role, as the character with an outsized effect on the plot who is only seen at the end, but he embodies the character so many kids learn to love when they first read the book in high school. 

John Malkovich - Places In The Heart

There is no question that John Malkovich is one of the finest actors of his generation. He's completely fearless in all the roles he plays and that's true going all the way back to his first role as a blind World War I vet in the Depression-era film Places in the Heart alongside Sally Field, Danny Glover, and Ed Harris. 

Lily Tomlin - Nashville

Though she was already a comedic legend on TV, having appeared on Laugh-In and The Carol Burnett Show, Lily Tomlin showed what range she really had as a gospel singer and mother to two in Nashville. She's continued to show those skills over and over in the decades since. 

Gal Gadot - Fast & Furious

Gal Gadot is best known as Wonder Woman these days, but she made her debut in another giant Hollywood franchise when she appeared in Fast & Furious, the fourth installment of the Fast And Furious series. The ex-Israeli army veteran has impressed fans of the movies in each of her 3 appearances by performing most of her own stunts.  

Kerry Washington - Our Song

Our Song is an underrated movie that is everything great about independent filmmaking. It's an intensely personal story about a unique moment in time for the characters and the audience. Kerry Washington simply blows audiences out of the water with her powerful and heartfelt performance. It's incredible how good she was in her first movie. 

Dustin Hoffman - The Graduate

So, technically Dustin Hoffman had already had a small role in a film before The Graduate (a movie called The Tiger Makes Out). For all intents and purposes, he introduced himself to the world with an Oscar-nominated performance in one of the most iconic movies in Hollywood history, The Graduate. It's a movie people still love talking about and lauding, even nearly 60 years later. 

John Cazale - The Godfather

The incredible and tragic story of actor John Cazale is well-known among movie buffs. Cazale only starred in five movies before he died of cancer at just age 42. All five of those movies won the Oscar for Best Picture The first, his first, was, of course, The Godfather. Though his character, Fredo, would play a larger role in the sequel, he still established himself as one of the greatest of his generation before we all lost him too soon.  

Gabrielle Union - She's All That

Actor Gabrielle Union has definitely made her mark not only on Hollywood but on the world with her stellar performances and her charity work outside of film. HE burst onto the scene in She's All That and she's never slowed down since. 

James Dean - East Of Eden

The great James Dean is one of the biggest "what ifs" in Hollywood history. Though he did have some uncredited roles in a few movies, the young actor starred in just three movies, including his first East Of Eden. For that role, he would receive an Oscar nomination, though he wouldn't live to see it, as he was killed in a car crash before being nominated. A feat that would be repeated the next year with Giant.

Jason Schwartzman - Rushmore

Though Jason Schwartzman comes from a prominent Hollywood family, that didn't guarantee success. Instead, he went out in his first movie role, in Rushmore, and absolutely embodied his character of Max. It's every bit as impressive as anything his mom Talia Shire has done, and that is no small feat. 

Keisha Castle-Hughes - The Whale Rider

When Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for an Oscar at just 12 years old for The Whale Rider, you knew she was one to watch for. She was, at the time, the second-youngest person nominated for an Oscar and not only was the nomination well-deserved, but she's continued to justify the voters' confidence in her with her roles over the last couple of decades. 

Heigh-Ho, heigh-ho, it's off to the live-action Snow White we go! This spring, the first Disney Princess is getting a reimagining played by Hunger Games' Rachel Zegler, and the first footage has just been released at D23 Expo. You can check out the first trailer above.

While this isn't the first time we've seen Zegler in the princess' iconic dress, the trailer does mark the debut of Gal Gadot, our former Wonder Woman turning into the Evil Queen. Take a look:

Well, doesn't she look simply diabolical? Stylistically, Disney is really going all out on preserving the designs and aesthetics that got Walt Disney Animation off the ground with feature film making back in 1937. Zegler's dress is nearly identical to the animated Snow, and Gadot is definitely channeling the baddie from the classic. 

The trailer also offers a bit of Zegler singing some of the memorable tunes from the original movie, like "Whistle While You Work," or being sat in front of a wishing well for the first number "I'm Wishing." There's also a brief look at Snow White's prince, played by Andrew Burnap in the trailer, as well. 

Despite Zegler being hit with backlash over this casting, she looks like she will absolutely embody the role of Snow White, and I particularly cannot wait to hear her sing the Disney songs I grew up with. She has a beautiful voice that she has showcased in West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. 

The original Snow White movie is not a complicated story. I do wonder what changes will be made to reimagine it after all this time. Last year, Zegler did go viral for allegedly being fired from the role (which was clearly not true) after she said Snow White will not be "saved" by a prince this time, which led to a lot of hate. How will her story differ? 

Gadot, on the other hand, looks like she's having an absolute blast as Evil Queen. After seeing her play a superhero for the Wonder Woman movies, I want to see her in this, and after seeing her in this trailer, I get the vision for this casting. 

This new Snow White movie was actually supposed to be part of 2024 movies, which would have lined up a bit better with Disney's recent 100-year anniversary. However, the movie was struck with a big delay towards the end of last year when the studio announced moving down its release date an entire year. This was allegedly due to the SAG-AFTRA strike that was ongoing at the time. Rumors also came out that Disney moved the movie because they were nervous about it bombing at the box office. 

Snow White is hitting theaters on March 21, 2025, without any other big movies out at the same time. The first trailer unveiled at D23 definitely has me sold on the main two roles and its gorgeous visuals.

Hollywood has a long history with the military. During World War II many actors and directors served and aided in the war effort in different ways. It goes way beyond that, however. Here is a list of actors who have served in the military, either in the US or in other countries. 

Drew Carey

Funnyman Drew Carey is not someone you expect would be a marine, but that's exactly what he was before making it big on television. The Price Is Right host served six years as a field radio operator in the Marine Reserves in his home state of Ohio after dropping out of college. You have to imagine being a radio operator would be a good experience for talking into a microphone, right?

Bea Arthur

During World War II, an entire generation of men were expected to do their part in the war effort. Women, on the other hand, were not expected to join the service. Bea Arthur thought differently and enlisted in the Marines. Of course, the world being what it was at the time, meant she served stateside, doing jobs like typing and later working in the motor pool. 

Jamie Farr

Though he is most famous for playing a corporal in MASH who did all he could to undermine the authority of his superiors, Jamie Farr served with distinction in the 1950s after being drafted in 1957. He was already in show business at the time, so much of his work involved USO shows. 

Mel Brooks

EGOT winner Mel Brooks served in the US Army during World War II and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He joined almost straight out of high school in 1943 and was sent to Europe at the end of '44. He was honorably discharged in '46 and embarked on one of the most legendary careers of all time. 

Adam Driver

Like many in his generation, Adam Driver was inspired to join the military in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Shortly after the attack, Driver signed up for the Marine Corps. The Star Wars actor is very proud of his service, though it was cut short after he injured himself off-duty and was medically discharged due to his injury. 

Robert Duvall

One of Robert Duvall's most famous roles was as the psychopathic Colonel Kilgore who loved the smell of napalm in the morning in 1978's Apocalypse Now. He probably drew on his experience in the United States Army, where he served for a year in the 1950s, just after the Korean War. 

Don Knotts

Don Knotts might be most famous for goofballs on The Andy Griffith Show and Three's Company, but his time in the army was anything but goofy. Knotts served three years in the army during World War II and earned a slew of medals for his service in the Pacific theater. After the war, he embarked on what would become a legendary career in Hollywood. 

Morgan Freeman

It took a long time for Morgan Freeman to get famous, but once he did, he's been an ever-present voice in everyone's head. After high school Freeman enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years in the 1950s. After leaving the service, he moved to LA and got into acting, though it would really be another couple of decades of hard work before he found fame. 

Paul Newman

Few actors define "movie star" like Paul Newman. As one of the biggest stars of his generation, he is beloved for all of his roles over the years. Before heading to Hollywood, Newman served in the Navy during the Second World War, mostly on the aircraft carrier Bunker Hill. 

Richard Pryor

Comedy legend Richard Pryor made his business to ruffle feathers whenever and wherever he could. That includes during the two years he served in the army in the late 1950s. According to The New Yorker, he spent much of those two years incarcerated in a military jail after he and other soldiers stabbed a white soldier for a racial incident. 

Rob Riggle

Comedian Rob Riggle is one of the most dedicated Marines in Hollywood history. He joined in 1990 and served overseas multiple times throughout his 23-year career, including his time in the reserves. While most stints in the military were only a few years for the people on this list, Riggle served well enough and long enough to retire as a lieutenant colonel.

Jennifer Marshall

Jennifer Marshall might not be a household name yet, but fans of Stranger Things, know her as Max's mom Susan. Before becoming an actress, Marshall served five years in the Navy, including on the USS Theodore Roosevelt during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Jimmy Stewart

Jimmy Stewart was already one of the biggest stars in the world, having won an Oscar for The Philadelphia Story before he joined the army after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. Unlike some actors like Ronald Reagan, Stewart was in the thick of the fighting as a member of the Army Air Force and was well-decorated for it, including winning the Distinguished Flying Cross. He remained in the reserves until well after the war, retiring in 1968 with the rank of brigadier general. 

Ice-T

Ice-T is not only an actor but one of the pioneers of hip-hop. He first got interested in music in the late '70s, while serving in the army. His time in the army wasn't exactly filled with glory, however. He was charged with theft while serving and eventually was found in dereliction of duty as a result. He cut his time short because he was already a single father and was honorably discharged in 1979. 

Gal Gadot

In Israel, most citizens are required to serve in the Israeli Defense Force and Gal Gadot was no different when she was drafted at age 20. She served her mandatory two years in the army as a combat fitness instructor. She was famously part of a Maxim Magazine spread of female Israeli soldiers during her time in the service before trying her hand at acting and landing her breakthrough role in Fast & Furious. 

Bob Ross

Famous for his calm demeanor and his big hair (a hairstyle he came to hate), Bob Ross doesn't seem like the military type. For most people, Ross is all about vegging out and destressing while watching him paint like magic on TV. Before all that though, he was a master sergeant in the Air Force. 

Robin Quivers

Robin Quivers is most famous for being Howard Stern's sidekick on his notorious radio show and co-starring with him in Private Parts, but long before she became a key part of Stern's team, she was an officer in the Air Force. She joined after college in 1975 and eventually rose to the rank of captain before leaving the military and starting her radio career. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Like a few actors, Arnold Schwarzenegger's time in the army was somewhat undistinguished. He, of course, served in his native Austria, which required one year of service from all young men. During his time, he was already a rising star in the bodybuilding world and he even went AWOL to compete. After he was discharged, he entered his first Mr. Universe competition, placing second, and the rest is history. 

Sean Connery

Though he just missed World War II, Sean Connery joined the Royal Navy in 1946 at just age 16. No, he didn't serve on a submarine, and the James Bond star wasn't a spy. His time in the service was somewhat short-lived as he was discharged for a medical issue less than three years later. He remained proud of his service for the rest of his life, however. 

Caitlin Bassett

Quantum Leap star Caitlin Bassett is a rarity in Hollywood, a female combat veteran. Bassett served for seven years in the army, including three overseas deployments to Afghanistan before being honorably discharged in 2017 and embarking on her acting career. 

Gene Hackman

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1947 at just age 16. He served for almost five years as a radio operator, including for a year in China. After he was honorably discharged, he went to college and finally at age 30 started acting. it was a long road, but Hackman couldn't have imagined the success he'd find as one of the most beloved actors of his generation. 

Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck served for six years in the California Army National Guard during the height of the Vietnam War. By serving in the National Guard, it meant he didn't end up going overseas to fight, but that should diminish his service. The Blue Bloods star began his career with bit parts on TV shows and in commercials while serving, though it was years before he famously had to turn down the role of Indiana Jones. 

Marlene Dietrich

Though she never formally served in the armed services, we could not make this list without Marlene Dietrich's fascinating story. The German-born actress renounced her German citizenship in 1939 when World War II began and she worked vigorously for the USO during the war years, supporting American GIs. Later in the war, she was recruited by the OSS to record songs used for propaganda against German soldiers. After the war, Dietrich was awarded the Medal Of Freedom for her service. 

Gregory Gadson

Battleship star Gregory Gadson is more famous for his service than his acting, which is unique on this list. Gadson is a West Point graduate who was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2007. He lost both legs but learned to walk again using cutting-edge prosthetics and later, incorporating his injury into his character in Battleship. 

James Doohan

Star Trek legend James Doohan served bravely with the Canadian army during World War II and participated in the Normandy invasion on D-Day in 1944. He collected a number of medals for bravery during his time in the war and was even shot six times in the battle on Juno Beach on that fateful day. He later flew planes during the war as well. 

Charles Bronson

One of Charles Bronson's most beloved roles is that of an officer in one of the best war movies ever, The Great Escape. Though he was Polish in the movie, he served in the US Army Air Force during World War II as a gunner on a bomber. He served with distinction, flying on 25 missions in the Pacific during the war and earning a Purple Heart. 

Kris Kristofferson

As a singer-songwriter and actor, Kris Kristofferson has usually been connected to the counterculture, but it wasn't always that way. Kristofferson grew up an army brat and despite being a Rhodes scholar in college, he was pressured by his proud military family to join the service. He was commissioned as an officer and served in Germany after completing Ranger training. He left the army in '65 and moved to Nashville, and the rest is history.

Mark Valley

Fox's Human Target was a short-lived, underrated TV show with an all-star that included  Chi McBride, Jackie Earle Haley, Indira Varma, and Janet Montgomery. It was led by Mark Valley, who played Christopher Chance, based on a DC comic character from a book also called Human Target. Valley himself is a graduate of West Point who saw combat in the first Gulf War.  

Jake McLaughlin

One of the more interesting stories on this list belongs to Quantico star Jake McLaughlin. McLaughlin joined the army after high school and served in the Iraq war, seeing combat in the earliest days of the invasion. After getting out, he worked a few odd jobs before landing a role in In the Valley of Elah. From there, he's never looked back, landing roles in multiple TV shows and movies. 

Jesse Ventura

While Jesse Ventura, star of the wrestling squared circle and movies like Predator, never saw combat in Vietnam, he did have an impressive service career. He completed BUD/S school, which is SEAL training, and served as part of an Underwater Demolition Team, the predecessors to the SEALs. Later he would become a politician and a member of the WWE Hall of Fame. 

J.W. Cortés

Fans of the Fox Batman prequel show Gotham will recognize J.W. Cortés as Detective Carlos Alvarez, who works with Jim Gordon in the Gotham PD. Cortés served for 13 years in the Marine Corps, including during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Remi Adeleke

2023's Plane is somewhat under-appreciated because it's a great action flick. Part of what makes it great is the breakout performance from Remi Adeleke. Adeleke plays part of a private military unit charged with rescuing passengers in a disabled plane stuck in the Philippines. Adeleke plays the part well because, well, he's a former SEAL in real life. 

Sometimes, a character and a project come around that impacts the zeitgeist deeply, and when that happens, the role becomes permanently attached to an actor’s legacy. This list includes over 30 actors from some of the greatest movies and TV shows who will forever be remembered for one role. 

Daniel Radcliffe – Harry Potter, Harry Potter 

While Daniel Radcliffe’s list of best movies is long and notable – with entries like Swiss Army Man and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story – he will always be known first and foremost as The Boy Who Lived. The actor took on the titular role of Harry Potter when he was 12 years old, and he’s the face of a franchise of movies that have raised countless people. So, while he is beloved for lots of things, nothing will ever be as big and prominent as his role in the Wizarding World.  

Aaron Paul – Jesse Pinkman, Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad and its cast truly took the world by storm, and the guys leading the charge, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, became certified legends because of it. It’s hard to separate Paul from Jesse Pinkman, and the impact he made with his fellow ensemble members in this incredible show.  

Sarah Michelle Gellar – Buffy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

When you play one of the greatest TV characters of all time, obviously, it’ll be the thing you’re most remembered for. For Sarah Michelle Gellar, she’ll always be known as the legendary Buffy the Vampire Slayer after playing the empowering and strong titular character for seven seasons in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. 

Robert Downey Jr. – Iron Man/Tony Stark, Iron Man

Yes, Robert Downey Jr. won an Oscar for Oppenheimer, and yes, he’s well known for roles in other films, like Sherlock Holmes. However, when you single-handedly help successfully start a cinematic universe like the one Marvel has and star in nine of those projects, yes, you are going to be known for playing that character forever.

So, when it comes to RDJ’s legacy, his role as Iron Man/Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be the thing he’s remembered forever for.  

Elijah Wood – Frodo, Lord of the Rings

Like Daniel Radcliffe and Harry Potter, so many grew up with Elijah Wood and Lord of the Rings. His portrayal of the hobbit Frodo Baggins was incredibly impactful, and while he has gone on to play a variety of memorable roles, there’s no denying the power of the Rings. 

Carrie Fisher – Princess Leia, Star Wars

You can’t talk about the late great Carrie Fisher and her career without mentioning Princess Leia and the Star Wars movies. She inspired a whole generation as her intelligent, stubborn and empowering princess, and the five films she was a part of helped define sci-fi in film. 

Leonard Nimoy – Spock, Star Trek

Live long and prosper, my friend. Forever and always the legendary Leonard Nimoy will be known for originating the role of the half-Vulcan, half-human Spock in Star Trek. 

Christopher Reeve – Superman, Superman

Christopher Reeve’s legacy is rooted in him playing Superman in four films. Even the documentary that came out about his life in 2024 leans into his time playing Clark Kent, as it’s called Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. 

James Gandolfini – Tony Soprano, The Sopranos

The Sopranos is considered one of the greatest shows on television, and James Gandolfini’s performance as Tony Soprano is a major reason why. The actor won three Emmys for his performance in the series, and his name, face and voice are synonymous with the beloved HBO drama. 

Alicia Silverstone – Cher Horowitz, Clueless

When I think of Alicia Silverstone, I immediately think of Cher, because she is and always will be best known for her iconic performance in one of the best movies of the ‘90s, Clueless. 

Sigourney Weaver – Ellen Ripley, Alien

Sigourney Weaver changed the sci-fi game when she starred in Alien. Ellen Ripley is a magnificent and strong leading woman in this sci-fi horror flick, which in 1979, was not something we saw very often. 

Jim Parsons – Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory

“Bazinga!” Will always follow Jim Parsons, and that’s because of his tenure playing Sheldon Cooper in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. The actor has four Emmys for playing the role, he starred in all 280 episodes of the comedy, and his character even inspired a spinoff, Young Sheldon, which came to an end in 2024 after its own seven-season run. 

Kit Harington – Jon Snow, Game of Thrones

The world was introduced to Kit Harington because of Game of Thrones, and he will always be remembered as the heroic Jon Snow. His role in the GOT cast was vital, and over the years, as we watched him battle it out at The Wall and work toward saving Westeros from winter, it was impossible not to fall for him. Now, while Harington has been in numerous other projects since then, it’s impossible not to think of him as this epic fantasy hero first. 

Emma Watson – Hermione Granger, Harry Potter

These days, Emma Watson doesn’t act anymore, and she’s killing with her gin company Renais. However, she’ll also always be remembered as a wonderful actress who brought life to the beloved witch Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films. 

The Entire Cast of Friends

Yes, the cast of Friends all went on to have successful careers after the NBC sitcom. However, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox are best known as Rachel, Ross, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Monica, and they always will be, because they’re the ones with a hit TV show. 

Ralph Macchio – Daniel LaRusso, The Karate Kid

After three Karate Kid movies, and six seasons of its highly successful spinoff Cobra Kai, you’d be silly not to think that Ralph Macchio will always be remembered for playing Daniel LaRusso. 

Linda Hamilton – Sarah Connor, The Terminator

Linda Hamilton played Sarah Connor in The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Terminator: Dark Fate. She’s beloved for portraying the protagonist in this sci-fi franchise, and she’s synonymous with this series that she starred in alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

Chris Hemsworth – Thor, Thor

While many Marvel actors have become synonymous with their characters, one who really stands out is Chris Hemsworth and Thor. Physically, the Australian actor perfectly embodies the God of Thunder, and throughout his time playing the character he added an unexpected sense of humor to the role – especially post-Thor: Ragnarok – that he’ll be remembered forever for. 

Kristen Stewart – Bella Swan, Twilight

Twilight, the debate about Team Edward vs. Team Jacob and Kristen Stewart’s Bella Swan took over the zeitgeist between 2008-2012. To this day, while she’s gone on to star in incredible films like Spencer and Love Lies Bleeding, the role that made her a household name is one of the parts she’ll always be remembered for. 

Heath Ledger – The Joker, The Dark Knight

Heath Ledger is widely regarded as the best Joker, because of his commanding performance as the legendary Batman villain in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. This movie was also one of his last before his untimely death, and he won a posthumous Oscar for his incredible take on the infamous big bad. 

Millie Bobby Brown – Eleven, Stranger Things

Millie Bobby Brown has made quite a few successful films, like the Enola Holmes movies. However, it’s undeniable that the role that will define her career is Eleven in Stranger Things. She was only 12 when she started playing the mysterious super-powered human, and over the course of the show’s five-season run, both she and the ensemble of the Netflix series, have become pop culture icons because of the show. 

William Shatner – Captain Kirk, Star Trek

If you take a look at the four projects listed at the top of William Shatner’s IMDb page, all of them are Star Trek movies where he played Captain Kirk. The man starred in seven films and a long-running TV show as the beloved captain, so of course it’s what he’s best known for. 

Michael J. Fox – Marty McFly, Back to the Future

From Family Ties to Teen Wolf, Michael J. Fox and his shows and movies were ‘80s staples. However, there’s no denying that the project he’ll always be remembered for is Robert Zemeckis’ Back to the Future. To this day, the project is considered one of the best ‘80s movies, and Fox is still beloved for playing the charismatic, funny and heroic Marty McFly. 

Reese Witherspoon – Elle Woods, Legally Blonde 

In the over two decades since Legally Blonde’s release, so many have been inspired to pursue their dreams and wear lots and lots of pink. That’s because Elle Woods truly left an amazing mark on the zeitgeist, and it’s because of Reese Witherspoon’s heartfelt, funny and preppy performance as the incredible lawyer-in-training. 

As Elle Woods would say, “What like it’s hard” to create one of the best characters and movies of the 2000s? 

Jon Hamm – Don Draper, Mad Men

While Jon Hamm is a wicked comedic actor, and he’s starred in a myriad of fun movies, nothing will ever come close to Mad Men. For 92 episodes, Hamm led the Mad Men cast as Don Draper – which he took an Emmy home for in 2015 – and he’ll always be recognized for playing the charismatic creative director of Sterling Cooper.

Judy Garland – Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is a film that has raised generations of kids since 1939, and it’s still a family classic. So, when you lead a beloved musical like that, as Judy Garland did, and it remains relevant and loved for over eight decades, obviously, the role you’ll always be known for is that one. 

David Tennant – The Doctor, Doctor Who

While everyone who has played the titular timelord on Doctor Who is known for that role specifically, David Tennant is a fan-favorite Doctor, and it’s single-handedly the project he’s best known for. While he’s dabbled in many other critically acclaimed projects, like Good Omens and Broadchurch, he is and always will be the beloved actor who graced our screens as the Tenth and Fourteenth Doctors first and foremost. 

Anthony Hopkins – Hannibal Lecter, The Silence of the Lambs

Silence of the Lambs is one of the greatest horror movies of all time, and it’s in part thanks to Anthony Hopkins' truly terrifying cannibal Hannibal Lecter. In fact, his character became so popular that it inspired three more movies and a TV show. 

Sarah Jessica Parker – Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

I’m sure Carrie Bradshaw inspired many women to become writers, and I know she left many of us fantasizing about living out our lives in New York City. Sarah Jessica Parker truly slayed the role, and her own sense of style and charismatic personality meshed perfectly with Carrie. Along with playing the writer in the OG series Sex and the City, SJP has also portrayed her in two movies and the series And Just Like That. 

Emilia Clarke – Daenerys Targaryen, Game of Thrones 

Khaleesi, Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen, those are all the names Emilia Clarke’s dragon rider went by in Game of Thrones, and she gave an absolutely commanding performance as her. While her ending wasn’t what most wanted, there’s no denying how amazing it was to see Daenerys rise from a woman trying to survive to a powerful leader, and that’s because of how brilliant Clarke was in the role. 

Mark Hamill – Luke Skywalker, Star Wars

He was the face of the original trilogy, and you can’t think about Star Wars without thinking about Mark Hamill and Luke Skywalker. While the actor is well-known for other roles, especially in the world of voice acting, his most prominent part has to be this. 

Gal Gadot – Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman

Sadly, there aren’t many superhero movies led by women. However, luckily, we do have a few wonderful ones, and that includes Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman. She played the beloved hero with so much grace, poise and strength, and she’ll 100% always be remembered for it. 

Obviously, while all these actors have played other prominent roles in well-known movies and shows, there’s no question that when we consider their legacies, these parts will be the first ones we think about. They’re that iconic, and we have these performers to thank for them. 

After seeing Margot Robbie's latest Barbiecore fit at the Golden Globes, it's hard to imagine any other actress was ever considered for the role. And yet, the world learned some shocking news recently, in that Robbie actually hadn't initially considered herself an option for the starring role of Barbie. Instead, she envisioned fellow actress Gal Gadot playing the lead. Obviously that didn't happen, and I won't lie, I'm glad Gadot was never offered the position. 

As Deadline reported, Margot Robbie saw Gadot as the "personification" of the doll when she first stepped in to produce Barbie and wanted Greta Gerwig to direct. It took some convincing from Gerwig, but Robbie was ultimately swayed into being the movie's lead by the director, and a formal offer was never made to the Wonder Woman star. I think in hindsight, we can all say the right decision was made, and the decision has little to do with anything Gal Gadot can help. 

Margot Robbie Was The Obvious Choice For Barbie

While Margot Robbie herself didn't see it initially, it's hard to imagine anyone else in Hollywood as a better choice for Barbie. As the movie, which is currently available to stream with a Max subscription, says, Barbies and Kens come in all shapes and sizes. But if we're looking for an A-list star who fits the bill for the stereotypical Barbie, there's no better option. I'd wager it didn't take most readers a stretch of the imagination to envision what Robbie would look like in the role when she was announced for the Barbie cast. 

Envisioning Gal Gadot as Barbie is a much taller order, mainly because she's been a brunette in most of her prominent roles. Having an actress alter their appearance to play Barbie would somewhat step on the narrative of her playing a "stereotypical Barbie." I believe audiences would've had to stretch their imaginations before even walking into the theater, which would put the complex film on its back foot pretty quickly. Then again, Ryan Gosling knocked it out of the park as Ken despite misgivings about his role, and there are people arguing he should win an Oscar for Ken. Maybe Gadot could've surprised me and crushed it like he did. 

Gal Gadot Is Already Iconic As Wonder Woman

I believe that when an actor or actress makes a role iconic, it takes a lot for them to slide into another role of such stature. For Gal Gadot, she's Wonder Woman for a generation of audiences. If I were to see her in Barbie, I wouldn't be thinking, "That's Barbie," I'd be thinking, "That's Wonder Woman." That's a credit to how exemplary Gadot has been playing the character, and I don't envy the next actress who may step in and replace her. Right now, though, her future in the role remains in limbo, as Wonder Woman 3 will not move forward in the new DC Universe era. 

Have celebrities played multiple iconic roles in their careers? Of course, they have, but there are a few that I think play a role so well it's a challenge to see them in anything too out of bounds. For example, Robert Downey Jr. was iconic as Iron Man, but would I enjoy seeing him play Batman? I just can't see that happening, even if RDJ denies he's Tony Stark in real life. 

That's what I see as the problem with Gal Gadot playing Barbie. Sure, she could've taken the role and done a good job, but would I look back and say what she did was as good as what she did as Wonder Woman? I don't believe so, though someone could make the same argument for Margot Robbie playing both Harley Quinn and Barbie. I'd argue Robbie is a big enough star she was able to successfully change people's perception of how Quinn should be portrayed, rather than a faithful adaptation, but that's for another story. 

Thankfully, this situation was all averted before any conversations happened, and we now have a great Barbie movie with Margot Robbie as the lead. Now would be an excellent time for a re-watch as we continue through awards season so as to better feel the Ken-ergy when Oscars night finally arrives. 

What do actors and models have in common? Well, for the most part, having “the look” will get you in the door in either profession rather quickly. However, for the purposes of the list you’re about to peruse, it just so happens that these Hollywood stars managed to work both sides of that scenario. And as expected, these models-turned-actors have done so with style. 

Mark Wahlberg

Before starring in movies ranging from Boogie Nights to The Family Plan, Mark Wahlberg was known as a rapper and a Calvin Klein model. Showing off his buff body in underwear ads helped give the aspiring star his start in the entertainment industry, with Mark shifting into acting just as his boy-band brother Donnie eventually did. 

Rebecca Romijn

In a career that saw her on Vogue magazine covers and in Victoria’s Secret campaigns, Rebecca Romijn put the “super” in “supermodel.” And then, in a move that only further strengthened that statement, she took her first acting gig as Mystique in X-Men, kickstarting a career that’s led to such fantastic parts as that of Number One on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. 

Tyrese Gibson

Ads for Coca-Cola, Guess, and Tommy Hilfiger had Tyrese Gibson primed for stardom, and gigs on TV shows like Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper and Martin soon followed. But depending on who you ask, it was either Baby Boy or 2 Fast 2 Furious that caused Gibson’s star to rise to the heights it’s at today. 

Halle Berry

It’s no surprise that Halle Berry did some modeling in her entertainment career, as her beauty has always been well renowned. But rather than going for traditional ad campaign work, the future star of X-Men and James Bond movies was a contestant in both the Miss USA and Miss World pageants. 

Jamie Dornan

Prepare for a rollercoaster ride, folks. Jamie Dornan, actor known for everything from Fifty Shades of Grey to A Haunting in Venice, was not only a model…he was part of a reality show that helped get him the gig. Channel 4’s Model Behaviour led to some gigs with Abercrombie & Fitch and Tommy Hilfiger, which eventually made way for Dornan to be discovered by Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. 

Cara Delevingne

We’ve seen Cara Delevingne do everything from John Green adaptations like Paper Towns to DCEU juggernauts such as Suicide Squad. And with a foundation of modeling for Vogue Italia, Tory Burch, and Donna Karan under her belt, the American Horror Story: Delicate star never really gave up her day job, as her modeling continued along with her acting efforts.

Channing Tatum

There was probably a time when people staring at random Armani ads featuring Channing Tatum thought, “I wonder if he can act?” With a resume that has titles like Magic Mike, 21 Jump Street, and Foxcatcher  to boast about, it’s probably safe to say that the answer is a confident “Yes!”

Jaime King

As a young model, Jaime King saw herself making a splash with Vogue, Seventeen, and pretty much any other fashion publication of note you could think of. 2001’s Happy Campers was all it took to help her jump into the acting world, which saw her play some impressive parts in Sin City’s screen adaptation, Fox’s The O.C., and even the voice of Solus Prime in the series Transformers: Power of the Primes.

Shemar Moore

S.W.A.T. star and all around heartthrob Shemar Moore actually had his own moment in the spotlight of modeling. Through catalog jobs with Macy’s and magazine shoots for GQ, among other opportunities, this man of action continues to engage in some modeling here and there; which only brings his fans that much more joy. 

Devon Aoki

Movie fans might recognize Devon Aoki from her standout roles in both Sin City and 2 Fast 2 Furious, but believe it or not her modeling career is the stronger of the two streams she’s dipped her toes into. Brands and magazines alike have showcased her talents in the industry, with Balenciaga and Harper’s Bazaar calling themselves a part of her storied body of work.

James Marsden

Jury Duty and Sonic the Hedgehog star James Marsden feels like the type of guy that’d be a model, right? How couldn’t he, with a smile like that? Well, if the world didn’t know it before his 2011 interview on Ellen, Ms. DeGeneres helped bring that aspect of his career to light; along with the pictures to prove it.

Gal Gadot

Jaguar, Maxim, and Gucci are only some of the brands and publications that Fast Saga star Gal Gadot has modeled for. This Heart of Stone lead eventually saw herself courted by Hollywood in the early-Aughts, thanks to auditions for Quantum of Solace that saw Gal compete with Olga Kurylenko for the role of Bond woman Camille. 

Antonio Sabàto Jr.

Calvin Klein was the name of the brand that gave actor Antonio Sabàto Jr. his start in the public eye, as underwear modeling was his first claim to fame. Eventually, projects like General Hospital, Earth 2, and even a Janet Jackson music video would see Antonio becoming an acting talent that continued to capitalize on their dreamy good looks. 

Charlize Theron

Even after winning her first Academy Award for Monster, and landing big ticket franchise like the Fast Saga, Charlize Theron still managed to fit in some modeling for Dior into her busy schedule. Which is absolutely fitting, considering that Theron got a jump start on her entertainment resume as a teen model throughout Europe in the ‘90s.

Mehcad Brooks

Fans of Law & Order and Supergirl’s Mehcad Brooks may want to brace themselves for what we’re about to tell them. Before Mr. Brooks was a part of worlds where superheroes and top cops reign supreme, he made a killing as a Calvin Klein underwear model; much like Mark Wahlberg, Antonio Sabàto Jr, and Djimon Hounsou.

Milla Jovovich

Before becoming an ace action star/zombie destroyer in the Resident Evil movies, Milla Jovovich found herself in another profession: muse. As an inspiration to designer Miuccia Prada, in addition to the star of shoots with acclaimed photographers such as Herb Ritts, Jovovich built a prolific career as a model; long before she would eventually be deemed a “Supreme Being” once again in 1995’s The Fifth Element.

Tyson Beckford

Before movies such as Biker Boyz and appearances on The Celebrity Dating Game and Match Game saw Tyson Beckford become an actor and personality, he saw himself engaged in another profession cut from similar cloth. Namely, Beckford was a model for magazines like The Source, as well as designer Ralph Lauren’s Polo brand.

Brooklyn Decker

The career of Brooklyn Decker started off with a huge splash, as both Sports Illustrated and Victoria’s Secret employed the future actor as a star model. Eventually, playing a lead in the Adam Sandler film Just Go with It put Decker on the map; which led to a pretty sweet long term gig as one of the stars of Netflix’s Grace and Frankie. 

Ian Somerhalder

Lost star and vampire extraordinaire Ian Somerhalder practiced looking ridiculously good looking in the modeling world, before parlaying it into roles that headed up projects like The CW’s The Vampire Diaries. Among the various brands that saw Somerhalder posing for greatness high end names like Nautica and Versace. 

Iman

In the modeling world, brands and magazines like Vogue, Calvin Klein, and Halston all called upon the mythic talents of the great Iman. Yves Saint-Laurent’s “dream woman” would eventually find the acting profession calling, and would heed its siren song through opportunities like the Kevin Costner thriller No Way Out, as well as a memorable spot in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.

Tom Welling

Even handsome men from Smallville manage to find themselves gracing campaigns for the usual glizy subjects. Former Clark Kent Tom Welling knows that first hand, as working with Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein would put him on the map to become a Superman for another generation. 

Tyra Banks

Long before Tyra Banks was trying to help find America’s Next Top Model, she was practically living her life under that very title. Through Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues, Victoria’s Secret campaigns, and cover shoots for Elle and Vogue, Banks’ reputation as an in demand beauty eventually saw her jumping into acting gigs like a recurring role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. 

Kellan Lutz

Vampires seem to make for good fashion models. Or should we reverse that statement? In either case, Kellan Lutz would be covered big time. Known as one of the Cullen family in The Twilight Saga, Lutz had also done some modeling before becoming one of the sparkling undead.

Kate Upton

Roles in The Three Stooges, The Disaster Artist and Robot Chicken have seen model Kate Upton active in the sphere of acting entertainment. However, her big start came from popularity stemming from cover shoots for Vanity fair, as well as modeling for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. 

Djimon Hounsou

Actor Djimon Hounsou has been known to battle it out heroically throughout various universes and time periods, making huge appearances in Gladiator, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Rebel Moon. But in addition to racking up such heavy hitting acts on his resume, the Academy Award nominee has also done some modeling for Calvin Klein underwear in the midst of his busy run.

Famke Janssen

Both the world of the X-Men movies, as well the James Bond legacy have called upon Famke Janssen’s skills as a performer. That run of good fortune actually came after she retired from modeling, which saw her lending her talents to campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent and Victoria’s Secret throughout the ‘80s.

Kofi Siriboe

Girls Trip and Queen Sugar star Kofi Siriboe is known as both an actor and an all around smokeshow in entertainment. And part of the reason the young actor has come so far so fast is thanks to childhood experience in the world of modeling campaigns!

Elle Macpherson

Everything from brands like Tab to magazines such as Elle and ads for Christian Dior have seen model Elle Macpherson gracing their campaigns for glory. And that was a perfect launching pad for Elle’s acting ambitions, which saw her hosting Saturday Night Live as well as appearing in movies such as Batman & Robin and The Edge throughout the ‘90s.

Robert Pattinson

While the world mostly knows Robert Pattinson for his acting gigs in the Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Batman franchises, you may be surprised to know that he actually did some modeling in his youth. Though he left that world behind a while back, that hasn’t stopped Pattinson from picking up some campaigns for brands like Dior Men from the Batcave.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Levi’s, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Teen Vogue were crucial starts to the career of model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and those pillars suited her well when continuing to be a world class icon. However, Rosie dipped her toes in the world of acting, through roles in both Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Mad Max: Fury Road.

Ashton Kutcher

How’s this for a start to a promising career? The late ‘90s saw Ashton Kutcher landing key gigs in both modeling and acting, with the former getting him started through Calvin Klein campaigns. It’s not hard to see how acting won out, as That ‘70s Show was the acting job that happened to land in his lap around the same time.

Elizabeth Hurley

The world has come to know and love Elizabeth Hurley in her capacity as an actor, throughout a career that’s seen her star in the Austin Powers franchise, as well as the remake of Bedazzled. But before she was selling Brendan Fraser’s soul, or fighting for peace with Mike Myers, Hurley was a model for the Estée Lauder brand. 

There you have it, lovers of modeling and acting talent! Keep these people in mind the next time you see a hot new star in either realm burning bright, for they could be the next exciting example of playing both sides, and looking exceptionally good in the process.

Very few series have been on the air anywhere near as long as The Simpsons has, which means very few TV shows come close to being on the same level when it comes to guest stars. Beloved characters like Sideshow Bob and Fat Tony wouldn’t exist without recurring guest actors like Kelsey Grammer and Joe Mantegna, but we’re here to appreciate a smaller sub-section of Springfield visitors: celebrities who have played themselves.

Though The Simpsons has relied far more on famous folks playing fictional characters, the series has also boasted a wide variety of celebs from the worlds of art, entertainment, sports and literature across the past 30+ years. (Speaking of Mantegna, he actually voiced himself during Fat Tony’s first episode “Bart the Murderer.”) Now let’s look at a bunch of famous faces who popped up in 2D alongside the Simpson family and other characters. All but one episode noted below is available to stream with a Disney+ subscription.

Tony Bennett

With a career that spanned 70 years, Tony Bennett earned innumerable accolades including a whopping 20 Grammy wins. One of his more noteworthy feats, at least for animation fans, is that he was the very first Simpsons guest star to play themself. Even if it wasn’t the meatiest of Bennett's many film and TV cameos, it still opened the door for others to follow in his crooning footsteps.

Appears As Himself In: Season 2’s “Dancin’ Homer” Also can be heard singing “Capital City” in Season 14’s “Bart Vs. Lisa Vs. the 3rd Grade” and Season 24’s “Whiskey Business”

Betty White

National treasure Betty White first made her way into The Simpsons’ universe in Season 11 as a pledge drive host, though the role was initially offered to her former co-star Mary Tyler Moore. She was presumably the first choice for her second appearance seven seasons later, however, in which she plays up the fact that she and Homer had met before. 

Appears As Herself In: Season 11’s “Missionary: Impossible” and Season 18’s “Homerazzi”

Anthony Bourdain

Celebrity chef and “food bad boy” Anthony Bourdain was no stranger to hosting his own TV shows, which played into his Simpsons cameo in one of Marge’s food-centric dreams. The award-winning chef and author wasn’t the only foodie guest star in that ep, as it also featured Gordon Ramsey and Mario Batali. 

Appears As Himself In: Season 23’s “The Food Wife”

Halle Berry

Academy Award winner Halle Berry graced the animated Oscars stage for her big Simpsons guest spot as the presenter announcing “Angry Dad” as the Best Animated Short winner. Though not before she introduced the show’s cracking Wallace & Gromit parody, nor before she confessed to dreaming about her teeth flying out of her mouth.

Appears As Herself In: Season 22’s “Angry Dad: The Movie”

Paul And Linda McCartney

Paul McCartney is one of three founding Beatles members to guest star on The Simpsons, and the only one to be accompanied by his wife, Linda McCartney. Their appearance came out under the specific condition that Lisa Simpson remain a vegetarian throughout the rest of the show’s run, and she’s stuck to her sustenance-minded guns since.

Appear As Themselves In: Season 7’s “Lisa the Vegetarian,” which also uses the song “Maybe I’m Amazed” over the end credits

Drew Barrymore

Multi-hyphenate celeb Drew Barrymore first popped up on The Simpsons back in 2000 as Krusty the Clown's daughter from a one-night stand, and it took another 24 years for her to return, this time as herself from the set of her daytime talk show.

Appears As Herself In: Season 34’s “The King of Nice,” and as Sophie Krustopfsky in Season 12’s “Insane Clown Poppy”

Stephen King

The King of Horror appeared on The Simpsons in 2000, which was the rare year in which Stephen King didn’t publish any finalized fictional works. (He did release the nonfiction memoir On Writing and the incomplete serialized e-book The Plant.) King turned down the offer to reprise himself for 2022’s Halloween parody special “Not It.”

Appears As Himself In: Season 12’s “Insane Clown Poppy”

• RELATED: Building The Ultimate Stephen King Collection: Every Book, Movie And TV Series A True King Fan Should Own

Britney Spears

In the months before the release of her second mega-popular album Oops!...I Did It Again, as well as her first Grammy nomination, the fictional version of pop star Britney Spears took on some low-hanging job fruit by co-hosting the annual Springfield Pride Awards opposite Kent Brockman. She also aided in the death of 108-year-old Cornelius Chapman, as her kiss sent him to the Circus in the sky.

Appears As Herself In: Season 11’s “The Mansion Family” 

Gal Gadot

A year after her blockbuster leading role in Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot attempted to land an acting gig playing Lisa Simpson for a faith-based movie sourced to Bart’s fabricated story about seeing heaven after a serious injury. The episode also featured a jokey reference to her handing out hamburgers at the 2018 Oscars.

Appears As Herself In: Season 30’s “Bart’s Not Dead”

Cheech And Chong

The comedic duo of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong teamed up once more in animated form for a Simpsons episode dating back to 2011, and one that didn’t hinge upon the leafy plant that fueled their early careers. Also noteworthy: even though Cheech and Chong technically first appeared on South Park, those cameos were recorded separately years before they formally reunited.

Appear As Themselves In: Season 22’s “A Midsummer’s Nice Dream”

Carmen Electra

Baywatch and Scary Movie fave Carmen Electra popped up in one of The Simpsons’ more bizarro celebrity cameos. After Marge and Homer were blamed and jailed for the death of an elderly woman (voiced by Frances Sternhagen), it was all revealed to be part of a new Fox prank show, and not only was the woman still alive, but she was actually Electra in disguise. 

Appears As Herself In: Season 13’s “The Frying Game”

Daniel Radcliffe

Harry Potter vet Daniel Radcliffe poked fun at his own massive fame when he appeared as himself following two previous Simpsons guest spots, running into Homer at a video game convention while in costume, though he immediately gave himself away, only to be consumed by a group of nearby fans. 

Appears As Himself In: Season 29’s “No Good Read Goes Unpunished,” as vampire Edmund in Season 22’s “Treehouse of Horror XXI,” and as Bart’s new friend Diggs in Season 25’s “Diggs”

50 Cent

Grammy winner 50 Cent appeared in one of The Simpsons’ music-centric episodes paying homage to hip-hop, though he didn’t contribute to the musical side of things, and instead tried to make inspiring Bart count as community service. The episode is also notable for inspiring the “Thursday the 20th” necklace meme.

Appears As Himself In: Season 16's "Pranksta Rap"

Suzanne Somers

While still in the midst of her run as a TGIF fan-favorite character in Step By Step, Suzanne Somers appeared as herself opposite an animated David Brinkley as the commentator hosts for the Itchy & Scratchy Show-themed parade. But while the Three’s Company vet did indeed provide her voice for the gags, Brinkley was voiced by Simpsons vet Harry Shearer. 

Appears As Herself In: Season 7’s “The Day the Violence Died”

Matt Groening

The Simpsons’ co-creator Matt Groening is one of the few guest stars whose celebrity status was directly influenced by the existence and success of the show itself. He first appeared as a featured celeb in the show’s Bi-Mon-Sci-Fi-Con, and could be seen gloating about his wealth while loading comics into a truck in the Season 21 premiere, with both eps revolving around Comic Book Guy plots.

Appears As Himself In: Season 15’s “My Big Fat Geek Wedding” Season 21’s “Homer the Whopper” as an announcer in Season 23’s “Holidays of Future Passed”

Lady Gaga

The Season 23 finale stands out as a special one, in that Lady Gaga’s appearance as herself was a core part of the main narrative, as opposed to just a limited cameo. The episode’s focus on unhappiness wasn’t so well-received, but it’s still a great send-up of the singer-songwriter and American Horror Story vet.

Appears As Herself In: Season 23’s “Lisa Goes Gaga”

"Weird" Al Yankovic

Parody mastermind “Weird” Al Yankovic is always dependable for a great cameo, and his first Simpsons appearance featured the faux parody “Homer and Marge,” spoofing the John Mellencamp hit “Jack & Diane.” He next showed up in flashback form (with glasses and curly hair galore) for the layered parody “Brain Freeze,” sending up Homer’s Nirvana-spoofing grunge song “Shave Me.” He then showed up as himself to sing and play the opening theme for a Season 34 couch gag.

Appears As Himself In: Season 14’s “Three Gays of the Condo” Season 19’s “That 90s Show” Season 34’s “Hostile Kirk Place”

• RELATED: Weird Al Yankovic's Greatest Parodies And Other Songs About Movies

Bette Midler

A winner of multiple Grammys and Emmys, Bette Midler showed up in one of The Simpsons’ most eclectic batch of guest stars, many of whom were portrayed to be quasi-friends of Krusty the Clown. (Including Johnny Carson, Elizabeth Taylor, Hugh Hefner, and more.) In a callback to a similar performance devoted to Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, Midler sings “Wind Beneath My Wings” to Krusty, which is quite the surreal (and unearned) sight.

Appears As Herself In: Season 4’s “Krusty Gets Kancelled”

Jim Parsons

Less than a year after bidding adieu to The Big Bang Theory, Jim Parsons achieved further geek cred by appearing as himself on The Simpsons for a fun educational-esque video about cryptocurrency.

Appears As Himself In: Season 31's "Frinkcoin"

Dolly Parton

Country music legend Dolly Parton was one of seven different guest stars who voiced themselves for the 1999 episode that aired following Super Bowl XXXIII, including NFL vets Dan Marino and John Madden. (And Rupert Murdoch, because why not?) But as the animated halftime entertainment, Parton is the only one who helped break Homer & Co. out of their stadium cell, so she gets the glory. 

Appears As Herself In: Season 10’s  “Sunday, Cruddy Sunday”

Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen

Before they turned down reprising the role of Michelle Tanner for Fuller House, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen appeared as themselves for a 2004 ep in quite a savvy way: as the voices beyond the audiobook for Marge’s torrid romance novel The Harpooned Heart.  

Appear As Themselves In: Season 15’s “Diatribe of a Mad Housewife”

Yo-Yo Ma

One of the most accomplished cellists in existence, Yo-Yo Ma made his official vocal and musical debut on The Simpsons in 2015, decades after he and co-creator Matt Groening lived in the same Harvard dorm. Yo-Yo Ma had the unenviable task of helping woo Marge's mom for Mr. Burns. The accolade-laden Grammy winner also performed the Simpsons theme song for the closing credits.

Appeared As Himself In: Season 27's "Puffless"

Eartha Kitt

William Daniels provided the voice of Knight Rider's KITT twice on The Simpsons, but here we're talking about the wildly talented singer, actress, and Broadway luminary Eartha Kitt. She appeared in Season 21 as one of Krusty's former wives, who notably didn't make it beyond six hours before getting divorced. 

Appeared As Herself In: Season 21's "Once Upon a Time in Springfield"

Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd is the rare celeb who seems to age better than his animated self, and there are multiple versions to look back on. The MCU vet first brought his Rudd-ity to The Simpsons in the faux biographical film Streaming Valor alongside occasional cohorts Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow. He next appeared as a version of himself who wanted little to do with a judgmental Comic Book Guy in an airport. 

Appeared As Himself In: Season 25's “Steal This Episode,” Season 32's “Three Dreams Denied,” and as therapist Dr. Zander in Season 22's "Love Is a Many Strangled Thing"

Martha Stewart

Homemaker extraordinaire Martha Stewart showed up as herself, or at least a fantasized version of herself, during Marge's dream sequence in Season 22's segmented Christmas episode. She didn't exactly save the holidays, but then nothing can with this family.

Appears As Herself In: Season 22's "The Fight Before Christmas"

Ringo Starr

One of The Simpsons’ earliest guest stars was also one of its most noteworthy. Ringo Starr was the first of the Beatles to appear as a guest star, as well as the subject of several paintings from Marge’s youth. He specifically chose for his Simpson-ized look to resemble his animated look in the 1968 film Yellow Submarine.

Appeared As Himself In: Season 2’s “Brush with Greatness”

Kylie Jenner

The first member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan to make it into the world of The Simpsons in an official capacity, Kylie Jenner lent her voice for the tech-based segment "Wild Barts Can't Be Token" in the 2023 "Treehouse" installment. Though she appeared alongside Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Fallon, she was the only guest star to provide her own voicework.

Appears As Herself In: Season 35's "Treehouse of Horror XXXIV"

Bob The Drag Queen

Bob the Drag Queen became a household name after he took the grand prize in Season 8 of RuPaul's Drag Race, and then reached a whole other kind of icon status by getting Simpson-ized alongside drag sister Monét X Change in Season 34 for a fabulous final "viral vid" scene depicting a Waffle House faceoff between the pair, which George R.R. Martin watches instead of working on his next book.

Appears As Himself In: Season 34's "My Life as a Vlog"

Alan Moore

Comic book master Alan Moore has built up a reputation as one of the industry’s more prickly creatives, which makes it all the more incredible that The Simpsons not only landed him, but used him for an amusing Watchmen Babies gag two years before Zack Snyder’s Watchman film was released. The ep also featured cameos from another pair of brilliant comic creators in Art Spiegelman and Daniel Clowes.

Appears As Himself In: Season 19’s “Husbands and Knives”

The ever-energetic pianist Little Richard showed up on The Simpsons in all his gloriousness to present Edna with the Teacher of the Year Award. Though not before having to tell Homer to shut up for getting him confused with Prince (and Michael Jackson). 

Appears As Himself In: Season 14's "Special Edna"

Judy Blume

Four years before her famed book was adapted into the acclaimed film Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, bestselling author Judy Blume appeared as herself in a vision Lisa has that reignites her appreciation for America. If anyone has the power to inspire one of animation's smartest schoolgirls, it's Blume.

Appears As Herself In: Season 30's "D'Oh Canada"

Adam West

Years before he started voicing himself as the Mayor of Quahog in Family Guy, Adam West appeared as himself at the Springfield car show where Homer buys the snowplow that lends itself to the episode's title. The cameo is a fun one for Batman fans, with the camera angle slowly skewing diagonal in reference to the live-action series' villain shots. 

Appears As Himself In: Season 4's "Mr. Plow," and as Batman in Season 14's "Large Marge"

Though Hollywood A-listers make more money for one movie that some of us will see in a lifetime, there are times where even some of the highest grossing actors of all time didn’t make as much as you'd think. Over the years, stars like Robert Downey Jr., Julia Roberts, and Brad Pitt have brought in massive paydays for acting and producing, but those same stars have also seen incredibly small paychecks for one reason or another.

If you’ve ever wanted to know about 33 actors who made way less than you’d think for a beloved movie, look no further…

Robert Downey Jr. Made $500,000 For Iron Man

Robert Downey Jr. was the first major star of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and would be a staple of the Infinity Saga for more than a decade. During this time, he made a ton of money for his superhero performances. However, he only took home a comparatively small payday of $500,000 for 2008’s Iron Man, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Bill Murray Made $9,000 For Rushmore

Bill Murray is one of the most beloved actors of all time and a frequent collaborator of Wes Anderson’s ever since the release of Rushmore back in 1998. That fruitful partnership started out modestly for the SNL alum, as he was paid $9,000 for his take on Herman Blume, per Vulture.

Gal Gadot Made $300,000 For Wonder Woman

When Gal Gadot first signed on to portray Diana Prince in the DCEU back in 2014, Variety reported that the Fast & Furious star would take on a salary of $300,000 per movie, including Wonder Woman, which was released three years later.

Julia Roberts Made $300,000 For Pretty Woman

Though she had some success at the box office prior to its release, Julia Roberts turned into a massive star thanks to 1990’s Pretty Woman and one of the most well-known A-listers on the planet. However, Roberts, who would go on to earn a ton of cash for movies like Erin Brockovich years later, reportedly received a modest sum of $300,000 for her role in the all-time great romantic comedy, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Hilary Swank Made $3,000 For Boys Don’t Cry

Hilary Swank won her first Oscar and became one of the most talked about actresses thanks to her transformative portrayal of Brandon Teena in Kimberly Peirce’s Boys Don’t Cry. When appearing on Women’s Dinner Party years later, Swank revealed she was paid $3,000 for the role, which wasn’t enough to qualify for health insurance.

Tom Hanks Made $50,000 For Toy Story

Tom Hanks, who won two Academy Awards prior to the 1995 release of Toy Story, was reportedly paid $50,000 to provide the voice of Woody in the landmark Pixar film, according to the Los Angeles Times. In the same article, the publication reported that Hanks made $5 million upfront for its 1999 sequel.

Oprah Winfrey Made $35,000 For The Color Purple

Oprah Winfrey received an Oscar nomination for her performance in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple back in 1985. The media mogul, who is worth billions today, later told Essence she was paid $35,000 for portrayal of Sofia.

Robin Williams Made $75,000 For Aladdin

Aladdin will forever be remembered as one of the best Robin Williams movies, and rightfully so. And while the late actor provided countless hours of incredible lines for his co-starring performance, he only made $75,000 for his troubles, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Jamie Lee Curtis Made $8,000 For Halloween

John Carpenter’s Halloween, one of the best horror movies, turned Jamie Lee Curtis into a scream queen almost overnight. However, the Academy Award winner later told People Magazine that she only made $8,000 for her portrayal of Laurie Strode.

Nick Castle Made $25/Day For Halloween

Nick Castle has played Michael Myers a total of five times over the years, with the most recent being 2022’s Halloween Ends. Though the role made him a horror icon, Castle told Vanity Fair he was only paid $25 for each day of shooting in the original back in 1978.

Matthew McConaughey Made Less Than $200,000 For Dallas Buyers Club

Matthew McConaughey won an Oscar for his performance in Dallas Buyers Club, a role that ushered in a new era of his career. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he was paid less than $200,000 upfront for the movie9 but did receive an undisclosed amount on the backend.

Chris Evans Made $300,000 For Captain America: The First Avenger

Chris Evans was a driving force for the first few phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and was paid handsomely for his efforts later on. However, when he was cast to play Steve Rogers in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, he reportedly only made $300,000, per The Guardian.

Jeff Daniels Made $50,000 For Dumb And Dumber

Jeff Daniels, who was mostly known for his dramatic roles at the time, was cast to appear alongside Jim Carrey in the Farrelly Brothers’ 1994 comedy Dumb and Dumber despite New Line Cinema wanting someone else. Years later, the directors told The Hollywood Reporter that the studio low-balled him with an offer of $50,000, thinking he’d say no. You know the rest.

Taraji P. Henson Made $150,000 For The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

Taraji P. Henson received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a performance that netted her a great deal of screen time. However, as she later told Variety, she was only paid $150,000 for the gig, which was several hundred thousand dollars less than her initial request of $500,000.

Jonah Hill Made $60,000 For The Wolf Of Wall Street 

Jonah Hill was paid $60,000 for his portrayal of Donnie Azoff in Martin Scorsese’s 2013 epic comedy The Wolf of Wall Street. While that may seem small considering the size of his role, Hill later told Howard Stern (via BBC) that he immediately took the offer, adding that he would have sold his house and given all his money to work with the acclaimed director. 

Orlando Bloom Made $175,000 For The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy 

Orlando Bloom was an instrumental part of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with his character, Legolas, being featured heavily throughout all three movies. During a 2023 appearance on The Howard Stern Show, the actor revealed he was paid a total of $175,000 for the entire project.

Jon Heder Initially Made $1,000 For Napoleon Dynamite 

Napoleon Dynamite pretty much came out of nowhere and took the world by storm in 2004, partly because its star, Jon Heder. A few years after the film’s release, Heder told Stuff Magazine that he initially made $1,000 from the movie but was later able to negotiate his deal after MTV picked up distribution.

Daisy Ridley Made Between $100,000 And $300,000 For Star Wars: The Force Awakens 

Daisy Ridley was a relatively unknown actress when she was cast in one of the lead roles in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which might explain her low salary for the 2015 blockbuster. According to Variety, that number was reportedly between $100,000 and $300,000.

John Boyega Made Between $100,000 And $300,000 For Star Wars: The Force Awakens 

John Boyega’s Finn was one of the most heavily featured characters in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but the young actor reportedly only received a payday somewhere between $100,000 and $300,000, per Variety.

James Earl Jones Made $7,000 For Star Wars

James Earl Jones’ dynamic voice gave Darth Vader a menacing edge in George Lucas' 1977 film Star Wars (and the rest of the franchise), but did you know that he was only paid $7,000 for the first movie? When speaking with the American Film Institute, the legendary actor admitted that he thought that was good money at the time.

Mel Gibson Made $9,000 For Mad Max 

After appearing in Mad Max, Mel Gibson would go on to lead some of the best action movies of all time, but back when he was cast in the late ‘70s, he was a broke college student. That’s why, as he told ExperienceWith.com, his $9,000 salary for George Miller’s dystopian thriller seemed like a fortune.

Seann William Scott Made $8,000 For American Pie 

American Pie was one of the biggest movies of the ‘90s, and Seann William Scott’s Stifler was its breakout character. So, how much did the young actor make for his career-defining role? Well, as he told The Rich Eisen Show in 2023, he was paid $8,000, most of which he spent on a used Thunderbird.

Christian Bale Made The Minimum Salary For American Psycho 

Christian Bale’s take on the unhinged Patrick Bateman in 2000’s American Psycho is one of the actor’s most unforgettable performances, but it could very well be one of his smallest paydays. Though he didn’t reveal the exact number in a 2022 GQ profile, the actor did say it was the “absolute minimum they were illegally allowed” to pay him.

Michelle Williams Made $625,000 For All The Money In The World 

Michelle Williams was reportedly only paid $625,000 for her portrayal of Gail Harris in Ridley Scott’s 2017 biographical crime thriller All the Money in the World, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Though this is a hefty fee, her co-star, Mark Wahlberg, was reported to have taken home $5 million for his role.

Barkhad Abdi Made $65,000 For Captain Phillips 

Barkhad Abdi became an overnight sensation following the release of Captain Phillips, in which he plays lead pirate Abduwali Muse. According to the New Yorker, Abdi’s acting debut and Oscar-nominated performance earned him $65,000.

Jennifer Lopez Made $0 For Hustlers 

Jennifer Lopez received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in Hustlers, a movie she made for free. During a GQ breakdown of her biggest career moments, the multi-talented star said she starred in and produced the movie for no upfront money, as she was investing in herself. However, it wasn’t disclosed as to how much she made on the backend of the film’s release, which was $157.6 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

Gunnar Hansen Made $800 For Texas Chain Saw Massacre 

Gunnar Hansen’s Leatherface is an instantly recognizable horror villain thanks to his mask made of human flesh and signature chainsaw. But did you know that the actor was only paid a three-digit sum for his performance in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre? In 2013, the actor told Fast Company that he made $800 for his part in the iconic ‘70s horror movie.

Dustin Hoffman Made $20,000 For The Graduate 

The Graduate was the movie that turned Dustin Hoffman into a young Hollywood star, but it was also one that didn’t earn him a whole lot of money. According to a 1968 New York Times article, Hoffman reportedly made $20,000 for his career-defining role, but he only ended up keeping $4,000 of that after expenses and taxes were taken out.

John Candy Made $414 For His Home Alone Cameo 

The late John Candy appears in Home Alone for only a few minutes, but it’s still wild to think that his cameo only netted the actor $414. In the Home Alone episode of Netflix’s The Movies That Made Us, it is revealed that Candy’s unforgettable portrayal of Gus Polinski, the Polka King of the Midwest, didn’t necessarily break the bank.

Jessica Chastain Made $1.75 Million For The Martian 

Jessica Chastain’s paycheck for The Martian was shockingly low. Around the time of the film’s 2015 release, there was a report that the actress made $7 million from her part, but she told The Huffington Post that she actually made around a quarter of that, which would be around $1.75 million. The film’s star, Matt Damon, reportedly made between $15 and 25 million for his part.

Brad Pitt Made $6,000 For Thelma And Louise 

Brad Pitt is one of the biggest and highest paid actors around today and has been that way for the better part of the past 30 years. However, that wasn’t always the case. According to the Daily Mail, the actor was paid just $6,000 for his breakout performance as JD in Ridley Scott’s Thelma and Louise.

Jon Voight Made The ‘Minimum’ Salary For Midnight Cowboy 

Jon Voight received all kinds of nominations for his performance in Midnight Cowboy, but the actor was paid the “minimum” for his portrayal of Joe Buck. When disclosing this to The Guardian decades later, Voight also revealed he received a $14.73 charge for meals on the final day of the shoot.

Adam Levine Made $0 For Begin Again 

Maroon 5 frontman and former coach on The Voice Adam Levine appeared in John Carney’s 2014 musical dramedy, Begin Again for free. When speaking with USA Today around the time of the film’s release, Levine explained that he did the movie “for no money,” stating that he had made enough through his other ventures and wanted the experience.

It’s safe to say that all of these actors have done okay for themselves over the years after making relatively small salaries throughout their career. But it’s still wild to think about Robert Downey Jr. only making half-a-million to play Tony Stark. What a steal.

Considering how many classic animated Disney movies have been remade in live-action over the last decade, it was only a matter of time before the Mouse House’s first feature-length movie received such treatment. 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs changed the cinematic landscape by showing that animated stories didn’t have to be limited to just shorts, and among its many other accomplishments and accolades was netting Walt Disney an Academy Honorary Award for being "a significant screen innovation which has charmed millions and pioneered a great new entertainment field.” While the 2010s delivered live-action Snow White movies in the form of Snow White and the Huntsman and Mirror Mirror, the 2020s are the time for this particular version of the fairy tale character to shine in a different way.

Like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid before it (among others), Snow White looks like it will be a more straightforward remake of the original animated movies, but with certain elements updated to make it more appropriate for contemporary audiences, as opposed to delivering a drastically different story along the lines of Maleficent and Dumbo. While we continue to wait for the first official footage, let’s go over who’s been announced or reported to appear in the Snow White remake, starting with two main performers, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler made a big splash in Hollywood right out the gate when she made her theatrical debut as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story remake. That was followed in 2023 by Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, where she respectively played Anthea and Lucy Gray Baird. It’s probably safe to say though that Snow White is her biggest role yet, though this has come with a price. Zegler has dealt with backlash ever since being cast as the Disney Princess, to the point it was even briefly rumored she’d been fired from the upcoming Disney movie. As for what we can expect from Zegler’s version of Snow White, the actress has said that in the remake, her character will have more agency and not be “saved” by the Prince.

Gal Gadot

Prior to 2016, Gal Gadot was best known for playing Gisele Yashar in the Fast & Furious franchise, a role she surprisingly reprised in Fast X. Then she was cast to play Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe, starting with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. From there, her profile skyrocketed, and she also scored major roles in Ralph Breaks the Internet, Red Notice, Death on the Nile and Heart of Stone. In Snow White, she’ll play The Evil Queen, who becomes envious of her stepdaughter’s beauty and seeks to eliminate her so that she will stay “fairest in all the land.” Because this is a musical, Gadot was able to “stretch” her performance and “make it so much more dramatic and so much more animated,” and that included changing her voice. 

Ansu Kabia

In Disney’s original adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Evil Queen tasks The Huntsman to take her stepdaughter deep into the forest to kill her. However, when the time comes to carry out the deed, The Huntsman can’t bring himself to do it and instructs Snow White to flee and never return to the castle. In the live-action remake, this character will be played by Ansu Kabia, who briefly appeared in movies like Murder on the Orient Express and Hobbs & Shaw, and has also been seen in TV shows like I May Destroy You, Miss Scarlet & the Duke, The Irregulars and The Sandman.

Andrew Burnap

Remember how Rachel Zegler said The Prince won’t be saving Snow White in this movie? That’s because The Prince isn’t appearing in it at all. Instead, a new character named Jonathan is reportedly filling in as Snow White’s main male lead. Played by Andrew Burnap, Jonathan is expected to sing, but no other details have been revealed about him yet. Along with his extensive stage work, including winning a Tony Award for The Inheritance and playing King Arthur in Broadway’s revival of Camelot, Burnap is well known for starring in Apple TV+’s WeCrashed and Hulu’s Under the Banner of Heaven.

Martin Klebba

So far only one of the seven dwarfs’ actors in Snow White has been revealed, with actor Martin Klebba sharing at a fan convention in summer 2022 (via Comicbook.com) that he’s playing Grumpy. However, with the reveal that the dwarfs in the remake will be CGI creations, it’s unclear if we’ll now only hear Klebba’s voice or if the role may be recast at some point. Klebba’s most prominent role is arguably Marty in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and he also already has Snow White adaptation experience from the 2001 TV movie Snow White: The Fairest of Them All, where he played Friday, the blue dwarf, and Mirror Mirror, where he played Butcher.

Colin Michael Carmichael

Finally, we have Colin Michael Carmichael, whose role in Snow White is undisclosed for now. Carmichael has chiefly guest starred on TV shows like Black Mirror, EastEnders, Midsomer Murders and Outlander, but Hot Fuzz fans will remember him for playing a Heston Services Clerk. He’s also appearing in Jon Chu’s two-part theatrical adaption of Wicked as Nikidik.

Directed by Marc Webb and written by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, Snow White is arriving in theaters on March 21, 2025, having been pushed back a year due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Keep checking back here for more additions to the cast, and if you’re wondering about movies arriving sooner, spend some time read through our 2023 release schedule and 2024 release schedule.

The DC Universe has been going through a ton of adjustments lately, and fans have countless questions about what’s coming next. Since James Gunn and Peter Safran were named co-CEOs, they’ve been crafting a new shared universe and making sweeping changes. That includes Henry Cavill being dropped as Superman and Wonder Woman 3 being scrapped. Fans have countless questions about what’s coming next, including the fate of heroes like the one made famous by Gal Gadot. Some DC fan art has transformed Alexandra Daddario into the new Wonder Woman, and she looks pretty epic.

After Aquaman 2 is released this December, we’ll officially enter a new DCU starting with its first chapter Gods and Monsters. One of the big questions that fans are asking is what’s happening with Wonder Woman, especially after Gal Gadot claimed she was coming back. While we wait for information from the studio, fans are wondering who might take on the role. Now fan art from Instagram imagined White Lotus actress Alexandra Daddario in the role, check it out below:  

Honestly, I’m sold. While this is an animated rendering and not an image based on a real photo of Daddario, she still looks pretty awesome suited up as Wonder Woman. And I have to assume that this image will only increase fan theories about who could take on the mantle, especially since the Percy Jackson actress has so many fans. 

The above image comes to us from the Instagram of digital artist Jaxson Derr. They’ve got over 50k followers thanks to cool images he’s crafted, largely focusing on DC characters. And it looks like he’s one of the DC fans who would like to see Alexandra Daddario as Diana Prince, as he’s made more than one rendering of her in the role.

Wonder Woman is only one DC hero whose fate is unclear as Gunn and Safran start rolling out their vision for the new shared universe. While Superman: Legacy will feature a new actor as the Man of Steel, fans are wondering about other remember so the Justice League like Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, Ezra Miller’s Flash, and Jason Momoa’s Aquaman. The latter will return to big screen in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom this December, with Momoa previously sharing excitement about his DC future.

Daddario has been keeping busy herself, starring in AMC’s Mayfair Witches series. She’s also got two movies in the works, none of which are DC blockbusters. At least, not yet. We’ll just have to see what Gunn and Safran are planning for the character, and if Gal Gadot returns to the role following her cameos in Shazam 2 and The Flash.

The next DC movie hitting theaters is Aquaman 2 on December 20th. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience.

It has been a magnificent career for Arnold Schwarzenegger. From bodybuilder to action movie star, from Planet Hollywood spokesperson to Governor of California, Schwarzenegger has accomplished more than most – and you can relive a lot of it using your Netflix subscription to watch Arnold on the streaming service. My point being, there’s no shortage of conversation starters one could bring up when meeting with the longtime Terminator. So when Heart of Stone star Gal Gadot met with Schwarzenegger due to his new position as Chief Action Officer of the Netflix streaming service, they didn’t speak about movies, or culture. She commended him on his recent trip to Auschwitz, in Poland. 

It was in September of 2022 when Arnold Schwarzenegger journeyed to the site of the Nazi camps to meet with relatives of Holocaust survivors and spread his message of kindness and peace. While speaking at a synagogue following his trip to the former camps, Schwarzenegger was quoted by Forbes as saying:

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s sojourn must have moved Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress born into a Jewish family with roots in Poland, Austria, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. She had shared this photo with the “Governator” on her social channels right before doing press for Heart of Stone (way before SAG went on strike against the AMPTP.   

So I asked her what it was like to meet the Hollywood icon, and she told me:

Gal Gadot essentially helped to spread the words of awareness that Arnold Schwarzenegger tried to bring about through his visit to Auschwitz. The history of that region obviously is incredibly important to both actors, and I’m encouraged that they’d use their shared platforms to keep a focus on world atrocities, so that – as Gadot says – they never happen again. 

We need the strike to come to a resolution so that both Gadot and Schwarzenegger can get back to acting. He has a second season of FUBAR that has been promised, and she keeps teasing a return to Wonder Woman, though we will see what James Gunn has to say about that in his reconfigured DC Universe. Time will tell.

When actors say they do their own stunts, usually it is seen as a badge of honor and mark of pride, but Gal Gadot has other thoughts about the subject. The actress, who is best known for playing Wonder Woman, recently shared that for her Netflix movie, Heart of Stone, she really “bumped up” the stunt work she did herself. However, she also explained why she is A-OK with sharing the workload with her stunt team. And of course, since we're talking stunts, Tom Cruise came up in the conversation too.

As Gadot’s thrilling Netflix movie, which she also produced, remains the No. 1 film on the streaming service, the actress spoke about her stunt work on Heart of Stone. She called the project “full-on physical” between scenes of her fighting in the air, diving into the sea and being chased up a mountain. That being said, she’s not afraid to say she didn’t do it all by herself. As she explained: 

Sure, Tom Cruise makes it look easy, but that doesn’t mean other action stars share the same thirst to jump off cliffs and climb massive buildings. Gadot called the Mission: Impossible actor the exception to big actors doing all their stunts, because the way she sees it there’s nothing wrong with leaning on those teams to do some of the heavy lifting. During the same interview with Flaunt magazine, Gadot continued, saying this: 

Gadot also gave a shout-out to some of the stunt team she worked with on Heart of Stone who have been with her for years, from her first time in the Fast & Furious franchise to her time playing Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman in Warner Bros’ DCEU. While the actress admits she can’t do it all, she certainly has an impressive background in physical training that helps her play action stars in movies like Heart of Stone. 

The actress was once a trainer in the Israeli forces during her compulsory national service, and she has studied dance as well. If that’s not impressive enough, Gal Gadot was actually pursuing a law degree and modeling all at once, after becoming Miss. Israel in 2004, when her Hollywood career began with 2009’s Fast & Furious. 

While Gadot may not be an adrenaline junkie like Tom Cruise, she’s proven to be a real-life Wonder Woman, who sought to bring a female-led action character into the landscape with Heart of Stone. While the movie is being watched by millions worldwide right now, critics have not held back with negative thoughts about the movie, including CinemaBlend’s Heart of Stone review, where our own Eric Eisenberg gave the movie 1.5 out of 5 stars, calling it “cringy” and a “mess.” 

You can make your own conclusions about Heart of Stone, now streaming with a Netflix subscription. 

Gal Gadot’s future as Wonder Woman remains in question, but if she won’t be playing a DC hero in a major movie franchise anytime soon, that just means that she’s got some free time to perhaps join up with a different major film franchise. And since we haven’t learned who the new James Bond is going to be, it’s at least possible that Gadot might have a shot. Although, it doesn’t sound like the actress is looking to be the one to radically change the spy movie series after leading the Heart of Stone cast.

Gal Gadot stars in a new movie currently on Netflix called Heart of Stone, which sees her as a secret agent on a mission to save the world. Whether or not such a plot would make for a good James Bond movie, it certainly could work as one. So would Gal Gadot be interested in being the first female James Bond? CinemaBlend asked Gadot that question, and it turns out, she’s much more interested in making her own story. She explained… 

Even before Daniel Craig took on the iconic role of James Bond, there were many that were hoping to see a drastic change in the character, including possibly seeing James Bond become female. Fans critical of the idea have often claimed that the solution to a lack of female-led movies like James Bond is to make new stories with brand-new characters. It sounds like that’s exactly what Gal Gadot is trying to do here.

Gal Gadot has certainly made a female-led story in the vein of James Bond and other action-focused spy stories. Unfortunately, based on critics’ responses to Heart of Stone it doesn’t appear she’s made a very good one. The critical response is that the film is pretty lackluster the Our own Heart of Stone review called the movie “laughably bad.” Of course, at the end of the day, the critics don’t make this decision. If a lot of people watch Heart of Stone on Netflix, and the audience response to the film does appear to be a lot stronger than the critics, then there’s a solid chance Netflix could greenlight a sequel and Gal Gadot could launch a new franchise.

As far as the future of James Bond goes, we’re still waiting to hear who might take over that role. While it does seem at least possible that we could get an actor of color taking over the traditionally white character, a female Bond seems like a pretty long shot at this point. 

The 2023 Netflix movie schedule is filled with a wide array of action titles that have been met with varied responses from critics and general audiences alike. While Extraction 2 was well received by pundits, The Out-Laws received less-than-stellar reviews. The latest entry in the genre to hit the streamer is Heart of Stone, which is headed by Gal Gadot. The film debuted this past week and, during this time, reviewers have been sharing their reactions to Gadot’s latest cinematic endeavor. And to be frank, many of them are sharing nearly identical sentiments about the movie.

Since it was announced, Heart of Stone has been touted as an espionage-infused action/thriller that spans the globe. The first trailer teased a pulse-pounding spy adventure that put Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan at the center of the proceedings. However, a sizable number of critics don’t seem to believe the film fulfills that promise. CinemaBlend’s own Eric Eisenberg was not impressed by the big-budget production, which he deemed a laughable Mission: Impossible knockoff. He believed the movie to be rigid and calculated, which he found ironic due to the subject matter: 

Marya E. Gates of RogerEbert.com also criticized for the film what she believed to be a severe lack of originality. She referred to the movie as “an abject failure” and critiqued Tom Harper’s direction. Like Eric Eisenberg, she also opined that the project attempts to take elements from established franchises in an attempt to make something original: 

In the newly released movie, the Wonder Woman actress plays the role of Rachel Stone, an intelligence agent working for an organization known as “The Charter.” While good at her job, Stone is truly put to the test when she must prevent a malevolent force from getting its hands on her and her allies’ intricate A.I. system. Though a number of pundits aren’t exactly impressed with the film, THR’s David Rooney was – for the most part – pleased. He had particular praise for the leading lady: 

Kimber Myers of Crooked Marquee, however, shared thoughts that are more in line with what a number of other critics shared. She wasn’t enthusiastic about the film and also compared it less favorably to similar fare that’s been released on Netflix: 

IGN’s Tara Bennett was equally underwhelmed, criticizing the screenplay, characters and direction. Like some of her peers, she also cited a lack of originality as one of the biggest sticking points: 

So all in all, it would appear that journalists aren’t too high on Gal Gadot’s latest flick and, at the time of this writing, the film has a 38% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Though the audience score is 65%, which can somewhat be viewed as a positive. It’s very apparent Netflix wants this flick to launch a franchise and, unless viewers watch it in droves, one has to wonder what the future holds for this new IP.

At present though, if you’re looking to watch Heart of Stone, grab a Netflix subscription and do just that. You can also read up on other big films using CinemaBlend’s schedule of 2023 new movie releases.

Even at a time when superhero movies dominate Hollywood, is playing a spy considered a step-up from playing a comic book character? I ask because we have seen several actors make that exact transition lately — such as (to name only a few examples) the DCEU’s Superman, Henry Cavill, joining the Mission: Impossible movies and Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy’s Mantis) doing the same thing with the most recent installment, Dead Reckoning - Part One, which also starred Hayley Atwell, whose MCU role, Peggy Carter, already counted as a spy. The latest example of this phenomenon is Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot playing the lead of action thriller, Heart of Stone.

The new Netflix original movie from director Tom Harper follows a top-secret organization of highly skilled operatives called Charter, whose coveted artificial intelligence weapon — known as “The Heart” — is hacked out of their possession by a ruthless enemy. This forces Gadot’s character to embark on a dangerous mission to retrieve it before it's used for the wrong purpose. Before you use your Netflix subscription to check it all out yourself, we'll explain more about this role and that of the rest of the Heart of Stone cast in this breakdown of who plays whom and where you might have seen them before.

Gal Gadot (Rachel Stone)

Leading the Heart of Stone cast as the titular, heroic secret agent, Rachel Stone, is Gal Gadot, who last starred in a Netflix original action flick as the villain of the Red Notice cast, alongside her former Fast and Furious movies co-star, Dwayne Johnson, and Criminal co-star, Ryan Reynolds. She also previously played a spy in the 2016 comedy, Keeping Up with the Joneses, and, that same year, starred in yet another action thriller called Triple 9.

The 2004 winner of Miss Israel — who was also in 2022’s Death on the Nile cast — previously claimed she was set to play the princess of Themyscira for a seventh time in an upcoming DC movie before subsequent reports revealed Wonder Woman 3 is not in development at the moment. She is also playing the Evil Queen in an upcoming live-action remake of Snow White, has a sequel to Red Notice in the works, will embody Egyptian queen Cleopatra in an upcoming biopic.

Jamie Dornan (Parker)

As the leader of an MI6 team Stone infiltrates named Parker, we have Jamie Dornan, whose closest previous instances of playing a spy are the World War II-era docudrama, Anthropoid, from 2016 and the role of the lovesick Edgar, whose spontaneous dance number was one of the funniest moments from Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar in 2021. Speaking of lovesick, the actor is, of course, best known for starring in the Fifty Shades of Gray movies as Christian Gray.

The Irish actor’s versatile career following the spicy trilogy includes more romance (such as 2020’s Wild Mountain Thyme), more thrillers (like the recent time travel favorite, Synchronic, and Max original series, The Tourist), and even more musicals (having joined the Trolls: World Tour voice cast). Also in 2023, Dornan is reuniting with his Academy Award-winning Belfast director, Kenneth Branagh, for his third Agatha Christie adaptation, A Haunting in Venice.

Alia Bhatt (Keya Dhawan)

In order to protect the Heart, Stone goes to war with ruthless, expert hacker Keya Dhawan. The villainous role is the first English-language title for Indian actor and singer, Alia Bhatt.

This is not Bhatt’s first collaboration with Netflix, however, having starred in the Academy Award winning thriller, RRR — which the platform acquired the streaming rights to — and, also in 2022, leading the dark, Hindi-language dramedy, Darlings. Those are just two of many Indian-based titles available on the streamer which star Bhatt, such as Dear Zindagi and Shaandaar.

Matthias Schweighöfer (Jack Of Hearts)

As “Jack of Hearts” — who gets his name from being the tech specialist for Stone’s organization that works closely with eponymous A.I. — we have Matthias Schweighöfer, who is yet another Netflix movie veteran in the cast. He became more relatively well-known in 2021 after starring in writer and director Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead cast as safecracker Ludwig Dieter, whom he reprised the same year in the prequel, Army of Thieves, which he also directed, before starring in the 2022 sports biopic, The Swimmers.

The German actor — a star in his home country from both behind and in front of the camera since his teens — actually made his English language debut in 2002’s FearDotCom and starred alongside Tom Cruise in 2008’s Valkyrie. Speaking of World War II-era historical dramas, Schweighöfer more recently appeared in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer cast as theoretical physicist, Werner Heisenberg.

Sophie Okonedo (Nomad)

The role of Nomad (otherwise known to Charter as “King of Hearts”) is played by Sophie Okonedo, who last worked with Heart of Stone director, Tom Harper, in 2018’s Wild Rose and last starred alongside Gadot in Death on the Nile. She also has previous associations with Netflix, having appeared on the British limited series, Wanderlust, the UK version of Criminal, and a few episodes of the Sarah Paulson-led villain origin story, Ratched.

The British actor also played a princess in 1995’s Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Will Smith’s wife in M. Night Shyamalan’s After Earth from 2013, and also has a previous spy movie under her belt called Stormbreaker — based on the young adult novel by Anthony Horowitz. However, Okonedo is best known for her Academy Award-nominated role in 2004’s Hotel Rwanda.

Paul Ready (Max Bailey)

Stone forms a close bond with MI6 driver and communications operative Max Bailey, who is played by Okonedo’s Flack co-star, Paul Ready. Like most of the cast, the British actor also has a few other Netflix exclusives under his belt already — namely the limited series action thriller Bodyguard, the 2021 historical drama, The Dig, and the recent, short-lived fantasy series, The Bastard Son and the Devil Himself.

Ready was also on the the original version of Utopia (which was updated for American audiences by Amazon Prime), the first season of AMC’s seasonal horror anthology series, The Terror, and is one of the main star of the British sitcom, Motherland. Some of his most notable feature-length credits include his 1995 acting debut, Angels and Insects, and the 2017 historical satire, The Death of Stalin.

Jing Lusi (Theresa Yang)

Deadly MI6 gunslinger, Theresa Yang, is played by Jing Lusi, whose own previous collaboration with Netflix is a far lighter and funnier series called Man vs. Bee, starring Rowan Atkinson, but she, coincidentally, also starred in a 2021 action thriller called SAS: Red Notice, which has nothing to do with Gadot’s aforementioned movie. Her best known role to date, however, comes from another popular comedy, having appeared in 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians cast as Amanda Ling.

The Chinese-born, English-raised actor actually has a few other action-packed titles on her resume, such as 2015’s Survivor, co-creator Stan Lee’s British sci-fi series, Lucky Man, the AMC+ exclusive, Gangs of London, and a spy series with ties to DC Comics called Pennyworth. She more recently lent her voice to the English-language version of animated series, Jade Armor, is set to re-enter the spy genre alongside another DC actor, Henry Cavill, in the Argylle cast for Apple TV+.

It is interesting how many links between superhero movies and spy movies can be found among the Heart of Stone cast alone, but you could probably say that about any movie or any genre these days. See how Gal Gadot saves the day this time without her indestructible gauntlets or Lasso of Truth when you stream Heart of Stone on Netflix now.

I’m not a particularly big fan of Christopher McQuarrie’s Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One from earlier this summer, but I can appreciate the macro metaphor it presents about modern Hollywood. In featuring Ethan Hunt in a fight against a powerful artificial intelligence called The Entity, the movie is essentially a showdown between Tom Cruise, the champion of big, bold, and practical cinema, and homogenized artifice of the digital age. The plotting is thin at best and it doesn’t compare well its predecessors in the franchise, but it does all the same make an effective statement about the power of “real.”

Arriving almost exactly one month later and attempting to offer a counterpoint is director Tom Harper’s Heart Of Stone. A thorough knockoff of Mission: Impossible, the movie has its own clandestine organization full of superspies that monitors threats around the globe, but the hook with The Charter is that every move they make is dictated by The Heart, an artificial intelligence that has eyes on every inch of the planet, has access to every computer and is advanced enough to calculate any action’s odds of success. A dedicated agent for The Charter, Gal Gadot’s Rachel Stone doesn’t actually differ all that much in philosophy from Esai Morales' Gabriel in Dead Reckoning, and the film argues so strongly early on in favor of The Heart’s strictly utilitarian, logic-only morality that you expect it to be the starting point for a twist, but that twist never comes.

It demonstrates a shocking lack of any kind of feel for the zeitgeist regarding technology, though that’s just one issue with the new Netflix release. Perhaps it’s an influence from the film’s pro-artificial intelligence stance, but the whole feature feels like it’s been pumped out of a computer – the two hour runtime full of stilted, exposition-ridden dialogue, a trope-packed story with confounding worldbuilding and blue screen/VFX-heavy action.

Opening in the mountains of Italy, Heart Of Stone introduces Rachel Stone as a “stay in the van” MI6 agent working with a team (Jamie Dornan, Paul Ready, Jing Lusi) to take down a powerful arms dealer (Enzo Cilenti), but unbeknownst to them, she has her own objectives dictated by The Charter. When the mission goes wrong and MI6’s communications are hacked, the unit identifies and targets the person they believe is responsible, a woman named Keya Dhawan (Alia Bhatt), but their effort to find her leads them directly into a trap. When the agents are attacked, The Heart dictates that Rachel should abandon them rather than risk blowing her cover/death, but she does the human thing and tries to help her friends.

This emotional decision turns out to be the wrong one. Not only does she ultimately not save lives, but she reveals the existence of The Charter, is betrayed and puts her entire organization in danger by putting The Heart at risk. Bouncing back, Rachel tries to mend things by going after Keya and the traitor – who are hoping to steal the godlike artificial intelligence and use it for revenge against both a powerful pharmaceutical billionaire and the group of shadowy figures who control The Charter.

Heart Of Stone has a surprising approach to the subject of artificial intelligence.

The whole thing is so backwards that you could dub “The Entity” over every mention of The Heart and “The Syndicate” over every mention of The Charter, and Heart Of Stone would mostly work as a villain-centric story set in the Mission: Impossible universe (and instantly be recognized as the worst film in the franchise). I suppose you could give the movie points for originality as far as it being a pro-A.I. story in the same medium that brought us The Terminator and 2001: A Space Odyssey, but it’s a challenging perspective that throttles the story. It’s usually a good thing when a film presents antagonists who have reasonable and relatable motives and points of view, but things get thrown out of whack when the characters being presented as villains are arguably more reasonable and relatable than the heroes.

With cringy dialogue, endless exposition and rough worldbuilding, Heart Of Stone's script is a mess. 

If the strange morality doesn’t get to you, the eye roll-inducing dialogue will. The concept of subtle exposition is an alien one to Heart Of Stone, which seems to use every blunt approach to info dumping that is possible – from exclamations like, “I can't believe it – Europe's most wanted arms dealer seen for the first time in three years!” to Rachel talking to herself at full volume in an empty room while typing away at her computer. And the only thing worse than the characters regularly explaining everything are the constant failed reaches for something resembling witty banter.

The bad dialogue hinders the development of interesting personalities, which means that the whole movie is driven by plot over story. It can’t even execute interesting worldbuilding without tripping over itself: for example, The Charter is split into different divisions named after playing card suits, and Rachel is designated the Six Of Hearts – which is just needlessly and pointlessly redundant with the name of the A.I.

Heart Of Stone adds to Netflix's catalogue of "Action Movies So Formulaic That They're Boring"

Netflix has produced solid action movies in the past (The Old Guard is solid, and I give both of the Extraction films a pass), but Heart Of Stone shares much more in common with The Gray Man and Red Notice: big films with solid budgets, marquee names and far-flung set pieces that are so ridiculously formulaic that they are rendered boring. The new Gal Gadot feature is terrible in other, more interesting ways as well, but the end result isn’t worth your time or attention regardless.

Although Gal Gadot has recently been seen reprising Wonder Woman in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash, her future in upcoming DC movies has been shrouded in uncertainty. Specifically, with the DC Extended Universe winding down and the new DC Universe launching in the next few years, it hasn’t been officially clarified whether the actress will continue playing Diana of Themyscira in this new continuity, or if a new actress will take the role, While Gadot recently said that there are still plans to make Wonder Woman 3, apparently that isn’t the case at all.

Despite Gadot having been told by DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran that she had “nothing to worry about” regarding her DC role, Variety has heard from its sources that Wonder Woman 3 is not in development right now. The only Wonder Woman-related project currently on the books for the DC Universe is Paradise Lost, the TV series that will air exclusively to Max subscribers and take place on Themyscira before Diana was born. Collider corroborated this information in its own report, but neither outlet had any information regarding the discrepancy between what Gadot was told and what’s really happening over at DC Studios.

While Wonder Woman 1984 was nowhere near the commercial hit its predecessor was, in large part due to its theatrical run being hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, up until December 2022, another Wonder Woman movie being made seemed like a sure thing. Then at the end of last year, word came in that Wonder Woman 3 wasn’t moving forward after filmmaker Patty Jenkins was told that her treatment for the threequel “did not fit in with the new (but still unfolding) plans” for DC. This was around the same time that was announced that Henry Cavill wouldn’t be returning for more Superman appearances in favor of the Man of Steel being rebooted yet again, and by the end of January 2023, the DC Universe’s Chapter One slate, titled Gods and Monsters, was unveiled to the public.

However, the DC Universe isn’t fully pressing the reset button on the DCEU, as evidenced by people like Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller and John Cena’s Peacemaker confirmed to be sticking around, as well as it looking likely that Jason Momoa will continue playing Aquaman. Regarding Gal Gadot, while Wonder Woman 3 has reverted to no longer being on the table, this still doesn’t clear up whether we’ll be seeing her reprise the character in this new continuity. Just because another solo Wonder Woman movie isn’t in the works doesn’t mean she couldn’t appear in other projects, but at the same time, another actress could be cast as the new Diana, just like how David Corenswet is succeeding Cavill as Superman.

In other words, there’s still much left to be revealed regarding Gadot’s future at DC, so once the situation is clarified one way or another, we’ll let you know. In the meantime, the actress’ next movie, Heart of Stone, premieres to Netflix subscribers tomorrow, and she’ll be seen next year playing the Evil Queen in Disney’s Snow White.

Though the forthcoming DC Universe franchise is intended to launch a new shared continuity across film, television and even video games, not every aspect of the DC Extended Universe is being erased. Case in point, earlier this month, Gal Gadot said she’d heard from DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran that Wonder Woman 3 is still being developed, which led to many fans questioning just how much of a reboot we’re getting with the DCU. Regardless, now the actress has opened up about meeting with Gunn and Safran to talk about her Wonder Woman future, which included them telling her that she was in the “best hands.”

While promoting her latest movie, Heart of Stone (an exclusive to Netflix subscribers), Gadot briefly went over how Gunn and Safran assured her that she needn’t be concerned about her tenure as Diana of Themyscira wrapping up. As she recalled to USA Today:

Gal Gadot debuted as Wonder Woman in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the second DCEU movie, where she largely as an enigmatic figure who crossed paths with Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne and later joined him and Henry Cavill’s Superman in fighting Doomsday. The following year, Wonder Woman depicted Diana’s origin story that largely set in World War I, and months later, she was back in action in the present day for Justice League’s theatrical cut. Tacking on Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Wonder Woman 1984 and her cameos in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash, that’s six DC appearances under Gadot’s belt, but when word came in last December that Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 3 had been scrapped, it seemed like the actress’ time as the popular superheroine was coming to a close.

Evidently that’s not the case, as Gadot has heard straight from James Gunn and Peter Safran that her Wonder Woman will be sticking around once the DC Universe launches. Granted, if Wonder Woman 3 does move forward, it doesn’t sound like Jenkins will be involved with it, and frankly, who knows if it’ll even be a proper threequel. With a new continuity coming, maybe this will simply be a new Wonder Woman that still stars Gal Gadot, but whom now has a new backstory compared to her DCEU counterpart. This would be reminiscent of how Judi Dench, who first played M in the Pierce Brosnan era of James Bond movies, stuck around as a new version of the character when the franchise was rebooted with Daniel Craig’s take on 007.

Still, it’s not like Gadot will be alone in sticking around the DCU, as it’s already confirmed that Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller and John Cena’s Peacemaker will be back, with the former leading her own TV show. As of March 2023, Jason Momoa also seemed confident he would continue playing Aquaman after The Lost Kingdom, though that hasn’t stopped speculation that he might instead start playing Lobo. As for the new faces populating the DC Universe, Superman: Legacy will star David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, as well as feature superheroes like Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern, Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific and Anthony Carrigan’s Metamorpho. The Brave and the Bold will also introduce its own Batman who partnered up with his biological son Damian, a.k.a. Robin.

Once there’s an official announcement on Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman future, we’ll pass that along. Until then, you can stream the majority of her Wonder Woman appearances now with a Max subscription, or look through our guides of upcoming DC movies and upcoming DC TV shows to learn what else this corner of the superhero media market has on the way.

Amidst major changes at Warner Bros and a restructuring of the full slate of upcoming DC movies, Gal Gadot is still hopeful for Wonder Woman 3. In a recent interview, while promoting her upcoming action movie Heart of Stone, the actress said she talked with the new DC bosses, James Gunn and Peter Safran, about the possibility of the third installment in the franchise. As this news spread across the web, many fans were left scratching their heads, wondering what it all means.

In a surprising revelation, Gal Gadot recently confirmed that she will reprise her role as Diana Prince in a third installment in the franchise, despite reports of Wonder Woman 3's cancellation. The news has caused a stir among fans, with many expressing mixed feelings about the decision. While certainly a lot of people will be thrilled to see the Fast & Furious alum reprise the iconic superhero, others are questioning the logic behind keeping certain actors while replacing others in the rebooted new chapter of the DC Universe. Twitter user @AaronBaileyArt expressed confusion over the apparent reboot and continuity changes, saying:

This sentiment has been echoed by several fans who feel that selectively retaining certain actors undermines the idea of a cohesive cinematic universe. Another fan, @TheQuiver, voiced concern about the iconic Trinity of DC – Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. They said:

Fans have long viewed these three characters as the heart of the DCEU, and any changes to the lineup could potentially affect the dynamic that fans have come to love. Meanwhile, @ConnorBehrens raised the possibility of this decision being part of exploring alternate realities and timelines with DC Elseworlds projects, like Matt Reeves' The Batman continuity and the Joaquin Phenoix-led Joker flicks. They wrote: 

This theory could provide some comfort to fans who are struggling to make sense of the situation and might offer an explanation for the seemingly inconsistent approach to casting. However, not all fans are opposed to Gadot reprising her role as the Princess of Themyscira. @JonZarlengz, while expressing support for Gadot, emphasized that writing and directing are crucial to the character's success. They tweeted: 

This highlights the importance of creative choices in shaping the DCU's future and ensuring that characters like Wonder Woman are given the development they deserve. With Wonder Woman 3 possibly on the horizon, it remains to be seen how Warner Bros., Gunn, and Safran will address these fan concerns and deliver a cinematic experience that satisfies audiences while building a cohesive and thrilling superhero universe.

As we await the unfolding of this Wonder Woman news, why not take a stroll down DCEU memory lane? If you're a Max subscription holder, you can revisit movies like Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Aquaman from the comfort of your own home. 

For those eagerly counting the days, mark your calendars for December 20th when Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the final movie of the old regime of DC films, will hit theaters. And if you have a Netflix subscription, don't miss Gal Gadot in her latest cinematic adventure, Heart of Stone, arriving on the platform August 11

The DC Universe is known for its twists, both on and off screen. Following Zack Snyder’s time on the franchise, the studio pivoted away from serialized storytelling and let director-driven projects be produced. But James Gunn and Peter Safran were recently named co-CEOs, and are crafting a new version of the DCU. There are a ton of questions about the fate of current superheroes, and Gal Gadot has offered an update about Wonder Woman in Gunn’s version of the shared universe. Here’s what we know.

Following Gunn and Safran’s leadership, they’ve been planning the next decade of DC projects. The first new movie will be Superman: Legacy, which will not star Henry Cavill as Superman. After Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 3 was scrapped, fans wondered if Gal Gadot would also be ousted as that beloved hero. The 38 year-old actress recently spoke to ComicBook about her DC future, revealing that she thinks she’ll be back as Diana Prince. As she put it,

Well, that’s certainly hopeful. While we might be saying goodbye to some of the heroes that helped to kickstart the DC Universe, Gadot seems to think that she’ll be working with James Gunn on a third Wonder Woman movie. We’ll just have to wait to hear about any concrete information 

Gal Gadot’s comments about her DC future come as she’s promoting her new movie Heart of Stone, which will be available with a Netflix subscription. Her possible return as Wonder Woman does make a great deal of sense, especially given Gadot’s recent cameos in projects like Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash. While she didn’t have a major role in either of those movies, it has kept her in the minds of audiences and seemingly hinted that she’ll be back.

Information is pretty limited about what James Gunn and Peter Safran are planning for the next decade of DC projects, including movies, TV, and video games. The first chapter of the new DCU is titled Gods and Monsters, and will focus on a variety of heroes and villains. Wonder Woman 3 is not currently in that line up, but it sounds like she’ll be returning sometime down the line. At least, if Gadot’s comments are to be believed.

Before we start the new DCU, there are a few projects that are still coming down the line. A number of movies were filmed before Gunn and Safran were hired, including Black Adam, Shazam 2, and The Flash. Unfortunately those projects turned out to be box office disappointments, possibly because fans think that they won’t factor into the upcoming version of the universe. There are still two more of these movies heading to theaters: Blue Beetle and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. We’ll just have to see if Gal Gadot gets any more cameos as Wonder Woman.

Gal Gadot’s movie Heart of Stone will hit Netflix on August 11th. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

We’re still the better part of a year away from the release of Disney’s next big live-action remake in Snow White and we’ve seen no trailers, official images, or even so much as a poster. Yet the backlash to the movie is already strong. Like The Little Mermaid before it, a vocal contingent is taking issue with the new remake, and now an interview with star Rachel Zegler from last year has them finding new reasons to be upset.

In an interview from Variety from last year’s D23 Expo, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot talked about the fact that the new Snow White will see significant updates from the 1937 animated film, with Snow White herself having significantly more agency than in the previous story. Check out the comments below. 

While Rachel Zegler’s statement that it’s not 1937 anymore might seem obvious, some corners of social media are apparently upset by any form of update to the story, including the fact that Snow White will no longer be “saved” by the Prince in this new version of the film. The fact that an interview from months ago is being dredged up at this point shows a concerted effort by some to want to slam the movie over stuff we already knew was happening-- despite the fact that any actual live-action Snow White movie details are few.

This specific backlash follows a lot of voices who were previously critical of Rachel Zegler’s casting in the film, which itself followed some leaked shots of the Snow White production, and included confirmation that the live-action movie will not include seven dwarves, a fact that has been pretty clear from the beginning, as the live-action film has always been called simply Snow White. The idea that the movie would even contain dwarves was the subject of criticism of its own from many including Peter Dinklage.

It’s difficult to argue with Rachel Zegler’s initial point here. Snow White has almost zero agency in the 1937 animated movie. The plot mostly happens to her, and she simply reacts to various characters’ influence upon her. While that may have been enough 90 years ago, most audiences today would want to see a main character who takes a more active role in their own story.

This sort of negative dogpile can’t usually sustain itself for long periods, so there’s a good chance it will all die down soon. Of course, when we do eventually get a trailer for Snow White we will likely hear plenty from these voices about what they don’t like about it, since they have already made their decision regarding the movie. 

For her part, Rachel Zegler has declared she will be staying out of the backlash surrounding the movies, as she simply doesn’t want to deal with it. It’s the same tactic that Halle Bailey employed when dealing with the racist backlash to her casting in The Little Mermaid. She never addressed any of the criticism directly, instead focusing only on the messages of support she received. And while Zegler may be dealing with a similar backlash now, there are also loud voices supporting her. 

Warning: SPOILERS for Fast X are in play. If you haven’t seen the latest Toretto family drama just yet, you’ve been warned. 

Involvement in one of the best action movies is almost always an invitation to be asked whether or not you’ll be returning for a future installment. For Gal Gadot, questions about her potential role in Fast and Furious 11 have lived up to the name of the very franchise she was once part of. A recent interview saw the former Wonder Woman star fielding such inquiries yet again, and her comment was pretty surprising. 

Considering what we know about Fast and Furious 11, there’s definitely time for Gadot’s Gisele Yashar to make a proper return in the next chapter, slated for release in 2025. With that caveat in mind, the Heart of Stone star provided EW an update on what she knows, and it doesn’t sound like those details are quite fleshed out yet: 

As Vin Diesel teased a potential Fast and Furious trilogy to end the series on a high note, that could be part of circumstances that have left Gal out in the cold. When last we left the lovely Gisele in the Fast X ending, she came to the aid of Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) and Cipher (Charlize Theron) as they were escaping a secret Agency prison in Antarctica.

Yet another huge tease towards the future of the Fast Saga, Gal Gadot’s return was something that people had speculated was going to happen for some time. If it was outdone by anything, it was that Fast X mid-credits scene where Dwayne Johnson was brought back to the table as well. 

In both cases, these twists are now in play, with audiences waiting for the eventual resolution. That leads to the second and more important condition holding thing up. With the ongoing WGA writer’s strike still in play, work on either of the hypothetical scripts for Fast and Furious 11 and its supposed sequel is more than likely paused in the early stages. 

Even if there was a script in play for the immediate follow-up to Fast X, the new plan for a trilogy may have prevented a smooth transition into production and release for the tenth sequel to 2001’s The Fast and the Furious. Gal Gadot seems to have signaled as much in her statement of waiting for a script, but naturally, that viewpoint is purely speculative.

A lot of moving parts are still swirling in motion, as the Fast Saga approaches its conclusion. Gisele Yashar's return definitely counts as one of those pieces that helps keep things turning, even if the current state of the character gives us no concrete expectations on what to expect. Perhaps the recent past may hold some clues or threads as to where this long lost figure factors into the end of the road.

Fast X is currently available on PVOD, with a physical home release currently undated. Fast and Furious 11, in the meantime, is awaiting a more specific release date, with 2025 set as the year intended for that project’s debut. Gal Gadot fans won’t have to wait forever to see her kicking ass again, as her next film Heart of Stone will be available to stream for those with a Netflix subscription, starting August 11.

With the upcoming live-action Disney remake of Snow White, audiences will get to see a new side of Gal Gadot. The actress is typically recognized for being one of the good guys on the big screen, be it as Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe or Gisele in the Fast & Furious movies, but she'll be getting to play the legendary baddie simply known as the Evil Queen opposite Rachel Zegler's titular protagonist. We'll get to see a new energy from the star, but that's not all she is changing for her performance, as she has confirmed that she will be using a new voice playing the character.

Recently interviewed by Vogue Hong Kong, Gadot has explained that she had a lot of fun with the new experience of playing an extremely arch character. She says that she tried a lot of "different" things for the turn, and the one that she directly points to is her accent. Said the Snow White star,

With a screenplay written by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson, Snow White is directed by The Amazing Spider-Man's Marc Webb, and while there have been many different big screen versions of the fairy tale, this one will specifically draw from the 1937 Disney classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (the first feature film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios). It's worth noting that actress Lucille La Verne doesn't have a voice remotely similar to Gal Gadot's natural accent playing the original version of the Evil Queen, so it will be interesting to see how the two performances ultimately compare.

In addition to Gadot and Rachel Zegler, the film will also star Andrew Burnap (WeCrashed, Under The Banner Of Heaven), Martin Klebba (Pirates Of The Caribbean), and Colin Michael Carmichael. The movie went through production last year – from March to July 2022 – but Snow White's release date isn't until March 22, 2024.

Disney surely has high hopes for the film, particularly as a follow-up to The Little Mermaid, which has continued to crush at the box office since its release over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Stay tuned here on CinemaBlend for the latest updates about Snow White, including the eventual official first looks we'll get at Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler in full costume.

Gal Gadot’s future as Wonder Woman may be unclear right now, but no matter what, the actress is most definitely a star, and she’ll soon get an honor that is fit for one. It was announced on Monday that the actress is among the latest names set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Gadot took to social media to react to the “unbelievable” milestone.

The actress went on Instagram to share a video message in response to the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s announcement for its “Class of 2024.” Check it out: 

As Gal Gadot shared with her over 100 million followers, she learned of the big news via her husband who was called to be congratulated about the honor. Once she checked with her publicist, she learned that it’s official: her name is set to be on a star in Hollywood, California! Gadot shared how “grateful, thankful and humbled” she is to receive a Hollywood star, but what’s even more impressive is she’ll actually be the first female Israeli artist to have one. 

Gadot also shared in the video that the announcement “brings so much more fuel” for her to continue working as an actress in the industry and doing what she loves. The Wonder Woman lead was chosen for the category of motion pictures alongside the late Chadwick Boseman, Marvel president Kevin Feige, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Chris Meledandri, Chris Pine and Christina Ricci, along with recent Best Actress Oscar winner, Michelle Yeoh. 

Gal Gadot is among notable women who’ve led blockbuster movies over the years, with 2017’s Wonder Woman, which made $821 million worldwide at the box office when it hit theaters. The actress also is the star of Netflix’s biggest original movie debut ever, Red Notice, alongside Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson. She’s set to lead one of Netflix’s new releases as well with Heart of Stone, hitting the streaming service later this summer. You can check out the Heart of Stone trailer below: 

Heart of Stone will have Gadot starring as an international intelligence agent who embarks on a mission to protect a mysterious object called “The Heart.” Also starring in the movie with her is Fifty Shades of Grey actor Jamie Dornan, Sophie Okonedo and Alia Bhatt. Gadot also made a surprise cameo in Fast X and the second Shazam! movie earlier this year. 

Unfortunately, Gadot’s Wonder Woman 3 was scrapped late last year, but the actress has since spoken about her excitement to develop her own projects moving forward and work as an “actress-for-hire.” Following Heart of Stone, which is coming out on Netflix on August 11, Gadot will next play the Evil Queen in Disney’s live-action version of Snow White, set to hit theaters on March 22, 2024. Gadot and her fans can look forward to the actress’ Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony now coming up! 

The DC Extended Universe has been a skew of hit or miss films, and as a result, Warner Bros. Discovery decided to bring in new leadership to restructure the superhero franchise. James Gunn and Peter Safran were hired as co-chairs of the studio and are bringing in an entirely new direction. In turn, many projects were canceled, and characters are in the process of being recast. Unfortunately, for Diana Prince fans, this meant Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman 3 was scrapped. While this may be disappointing for many, Gal Gadot is keeping her head up and is up to a number of things in the aftermath.

The Wonder Woman actress spoke with Total Film, a sister site of CinemaBlend, during which she opened up about what she has planned professionally in the aftermath of her DC threequel being discarded. While her future as the character is still up in the air, she's still more than able to capitalize on the notoriety the role has brought her. As a result, more projects are being offered to the actress, which she is extremely grateful for. It also sounds like the Fast & Furious alum is aiming to do some producing of her own:

Despite wanting to work more power behind-the-scenes and having more of a say in her projects, the 38-year-old still loves what she's been doing. She revealed that she still has every intention in acting in projects that she isn’t directly developing. The Red Notice star explained:

While Wonder Woman 3 isn’t happening at this point, it appears that Gal Gadot has a lot of upcoming projects down the line. So she’ll be just fine and seems excited to have new creative endeavors. Her latest film, Heart of Stone, is a crime thriller co-starring Jamie Dornan, which is set to release on Netflix in August. In addition, she's starring as Disney's Evil Queen in the highly anticipated live-action Snow White film led by Rachel Zegler. It’s an iconic part, and a different kid of role for Gadot, who's usually playing the lead role. In addition, the Justice League alum is set to return for the Red Notice sequel, which is in development at the aforementioned streaming company. 

Amid all of that though, one still can't help but wonder if she'll ever play Diana again. DC is apparently look towards a reset, and that seems very evident following the events of The Flash. Henry Cavill is being recast in future Superman films, while Ben Affleck is may or may not be reprising his role as Batman one last time in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Many would agree with the notion that Gal Gadot helped define the character of Wonder Woman for a generation, and it'd be a shame if she were to never don the iconic costume again. But at the very least, it's great to see that she remains booked and busy and is plotting out future business moves.

Fans can catch her latest film, Heart of Stone, which premiere on August 11 for anyone with a Netflix subscription. You can also revisit her iconic performances as Diana Prince in several DCEU films that are all currently streaming for Max subscribers. For more information on other upcoming movies within the franchise, make sure to consult our DC movie release schedule.

Though she’s spent the last couple of years as Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot has also been branching out into the world of action movies removed from her usual IPs. Netflix has been a key factor in that pivot, as Gadot’s role in the wildly successful Red Notice is one such step to more projects outside of the superhero realm. And now, with the trailer for her upcoming film Heart of Stone, Gadot and co-star Jamie Dornan are being thrust into a pulse-pounding spy adventure that pulls out all the stops. 

Netflix released this first look at the 2023 new movie release during its recent Tudum event, and it lives up to the hype we’ve been hearing so far. Rachel Stone (Gal Gadot) is not only a spy, but she’s working for an organization that even the proper spies like Jamie Dornan’s Parker don’t know about: The Charter.

Embedded within MI6, she’s aided by her covert compatriots through the use of their unique skills and a pretty huge digital brain known as “The Heart.” For a movie that’s supposed to be Gal Gadot’s own Mission: Impossible, everything’s starting to line up in proper fashion, right down to a rogue hacker (Alia Bhatt) stealing The Heart, forcing Rachel Stone to accept her own mission to get it back.

With action and plot that is very reminiscent of Ethan Hunt's own adventures, this picture could pose a bit of competition for Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One. Even if the two movies are opening a month apart, there's a chance that Gal Gadot's action prowess just might wow people as much as Tom Cruise's. 

The action in Heart of Stone definitely looks different from the antics Gadot was getting into through her other streaming hit, Red Notice. As anyone with a Netflix subscription will tell you, the adventure of that Ryan Reynolds/Dwayne Johnson co-starring vehicle was more comedic than the serious tone that seems to be present here. The difference only makes this heart-pounding adventure all the more valuable.

With a cast that includes Army of the Dead’s Matthias Schweighöfer, among others, Heart of Stone has some keen franchise potential in its bones. Should Jamie Dornan’s character turn out to be trustworthy, there’s a chance that even he could be part of the fun. Though there’s always the possibility that the spy Gal Gadot could potentially get close to might be a villain himself. 

As with any spy game, what we're seeing here may not be what it seems on the surface. Which just makes the eventual path towards this potential new action gem something to keep tabs on over the summer.  All will be revealed when Heart of Stone breaks the streaming ice on August 11th. However, if you want to keep up with everything new on Netflix, it’s easy if you try. 

Warning: SPOILERS for Fast X are ahead!

Fast & Furious may not technically be a superhero franchise, but like like countless Marvel and DC stories, the Universal Pictures-produced film series has started building a reputation for undoing/retconning big deaths. Up until Fast X, this was best exemplified by Sung Kang’s Han Lue revealed to be alive in F9 after previously being thought to have died in a fiery blaze, but now someone new has snagged the spotlight on this front. Gal Gadot’s Gisele Yashar is back in the Fast & Furious world, and the actress finally opened up about returning for the 2023 new movie release, saying that “it just felt right this time.”

Fans last saw Gisele in Fast & Furious 6 seemingly perishing when she fell out of a moving airplane, but since she emerged from a submarine in the Fast X ending to rendezvous with Letty Ortiz and Cipher, reports of her demise were greatly exaggerated. While Gadot wasn’t willing to comment in any way on the plot twist itself, she did say the following to Total Film about being part of the Fast & Furious franchise once more:

Although a lot of people primarily know Gal Gadot for playing Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe, prior to being cast as Diana of Themyscira, the Fast & Furious franchise was her main claim to fame, debuting as Gisele Yashar in 2009’s Fast & Furious. She reprised the role in 2011’s Fast Five and 2013’s Fast & Furious 6, and 10 years later, she’s back in play, though the details on how Gisele survived that fall remain a mystery. For her part, Gadot acknowledged just how much Fast & Furious has meant to both her career and her personal life, and she was more than ready to jump back into the film series. Beyond that, she’s keeping mum… for now.

Gadot’s return to the Fast & Furious franchise came five months after it was announced that Wonder Woman 3 had been shelved, although it hasn’t been officially clarified yet in her version of Diana will be the new DC Universe’s Wonder Woman or not. As for when we’ll see Gisele Yashar back in action, the Fast X sequel, a.k.a. Fast & Furious 11, is the likeliest bet, as it’s already dated for April 4, 2025. However, with Dwayne Johnson having also returned to the franchise in Fast X and confirmed to be leading a Luke Hobbs spinoff movie, it’s possible Gadot could appear in that movie too since those characters share some history.

Meanwhile, Gal Gadot can next be seen starring leading the action spy thriller Heart of Stone, which premieres to Netflix subscribers on August 11, and she’ll also be seen playing the Evil Queen in Snow White, one of the 2024 movie releases. Fast X, which CinemaBlend rated 3.5 out of 5 stars, is still playing in theaters.

Following the first Shazam! movie ending with Billy Batson, Freddy Freeman and the rest of the Shazamily meeting Superman, Shazam! Fury of the Gods delivered its own DCEU crossover with an appearance from Wonder Woman. Unlike the Man of Steel though, we didn’t see Diana of Themyscira just from the neck down, as Gal Gadot reprised the role, albeit separately from the other cast members. Following this cameo, Zachary Levi, who plays Billy’s mighty Shazam form, has shared his wild idea for a DC hero who could appear in Shazam! 3.

Two months after its premiere in theaters, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is now available for Max subscribers to stream as they go through the DC movies in order. So after seeing Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman appearance (which was unfortunately spoiled ahead of time), viewers might start thinking about who The World’s Mightiest Mortal and his foster siblings could cross paths with next. In an interview with EW, Levi suggested that they join forces with Green Lantern next, saying:

Zachary Levi didn’t name which specific Green Lantern he’d like the Shazam heroes to meet, but there’s no shortage of Emerald Knights from Earth who could be used, including Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, Kyle Rayner, Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz. It is interesting that the actor mentioned a specific scenario he had in mind for this team-up, as that description fits the bill for Blackest Night, a comics storyline that The Flash TV series nearly adapted. The idea of the Shazamily and Green Lantern taking on an army of Black Lanterns does indeed sound enticing, although a threat of that scale would warrant other DC heroes lending assistance. 

At this stage though, we shouldn’t be asking what the chances are that Shazam and Green Lantern will team up in Shazam! 3, but rather if that third movie will actually happen. Although a new DC Universe is being put together by James Gunn and Peter Safran, Fury of the Gods director David F. Safran said in February that he’d been told “there’s nothing in the Shazam films that contradict the future plans for DC.” As such, he urged people interested in Shazam! 3 to check out the film series’ second movie in theaters.

Unfortunately, along with Shazam! Fury of the Gods earning mixed reception from critics, it also underperformed at the box office, making just $133 million worldwide off a budget somewhere between $110-125 million. While it’s possible the sequel could end up doing well on Max and home media, the chances of Shazam! 3 moving forward aren’t looking good at the moment. It’s a shame, because Fury of the Gods’ end-credits scenes planted some intriguing narrative seeds for this corner of DC lore.

Nevertheless, if Shazam! 3 is officially announced, and certainly if it’s revealed that the story will deliver a Green Lantern crossover, CinemaBlend will let you know. In the meantime, there are plenty of other upcoming DC movies we’ll continue to cover as updates trickle in.

The following contains major spoilers for Fast X.

Fast X was all but certain to provide big explosive moments on the screen when it debuted in theaters this past weekend, but more than likely two of the biggest moments for fans took place not behind the wheel of a car, but inside a submarine, and in a mid-credits scene, as two previously MIA members of the Fast & Furious family returned to the fold. While it had been leaked before release that Dwayne Johnson appeared in a mid-credits scene, Fast X also sees the return from the grave of Gal Gadot’s Giselle, and now Vin Diesel is talking about both big moments.

Johnson’s return made early headlines in large part because The Rock’s appearance in Fast X had already been discussed, and seemingly removed from the conversation. However, Diesel tells THR that conversations with both actors had been going on for some time and that the decision to bring them both back was made for the simple reason that the audience would love it. Diesel explained…

At the end of Fast X we saw two big returns that are all but certain to play major roles in Fast & Furious 11. That may or may not be the final movie in the franchise. Vin Diesel has hinted recently that Fast X could be the beginning of a trilogy, so we might get 12 total movies out of this story.

While The Rock’s return was shocking because we’d been specifically told it wasn’t happening, the return of Gal Gadot was perhaps even more shocking because it wasn’t something that a lot of people were talking about at all. While “Justice For Han” had been a thing among fans for years before the character returned, we hadn’t seen that for Gadot’s Giselle. And since Giselle didn’t so much as have a line of dialogue, we know even less of the how and why regarding her survival.

Still, Gal Gadot is apparently ready for her Fast & Furious return. Following the film’s release and the confirmation of her cameo, Gadot took to Instagram to tell fans how excited she is to be back. 

With at least one and possibly two movies remaining, and two of the only characters that we didn’t think we’d see again confirmed to return, the Fast & Furious finale is certainly looking to be as big as possible. I guess the only question now is if there's still time to get "Justice For Elena."

Blake Lively confirmed back in September that she was expecting her fourth child with husband Ryan Reynolds, and said baby was born in February. While Lively shared funny and relatable mom posts throughout her pregnancy, this past weekend saw the actress make a different kind of social media update. She shared a photo of her pre-pregnancy body, adding a funny caption to it as well. And after doing so, she received a lot of responses from pals like Gigi Hadid and Gal Gadot.

The actress' Instagram posts are typically very lighthearted, and her latest was certainly no different. In addition to dropping the pre-pregnancy pic, she included a caption that marked the one-year anniversary of "the day I mean to post this photo." In the snapshot, she sports a purple mini dress, complete with a red clutch and stilettos to match. As per usual, the Shallows star absolutely rocked the look, and you can see the picture from her Instagram below:

While the post itself was delightful, the responses from some of Blake Lively's famous friends were even better. Gigi Hadid, who's no stranger to creating some iconic fashion moments herself, seemed happy to help celebrate the anniversary of the withheld post. She commented: 

Gal Gadot, who worked with Ryan Reynolds on Red Notice, also shared some love under the Instagram post. The Wonder Woman star's response was short but sweet:

Selma Hayek noticed the piece of Frida Kahlo artwork behind the Gossip Girl alum. With that, the actress -- who famously played the famed artist in the 2002 film Frida -- couldn’t help but point out the connection. She humorously responded to the post, saying: 

It's not hard to see why so many people are apparently digging that look. The mini dress is sexy while also being incredibly classy, and the statement shoes and bag only enhance the fit. The 35-year-old star has taken a keen interest in fashion over the years and become something of a style icon as a result. In the past, she's stated that she doesn’t have a stylist and puts together all of her ensembles herself. And if you need any evidence of her prowess, she wore a show-stopping reversible dress at last year's Met Gala, for which she served as one of the chairs. So yeah, she has an eye for fine threads.

The star has still been sporting some great street styles as of late and even rocked some post-pregnancy bikinis. Aside from stepping on our collective necks, she's also been making time for friends and family. Blake Lively was recently spotted amid an evening out with bestie Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds. She also had a girls night with Swift, Gigi Hadid, and the Haim sisters, last week in New York City. So it looks like she's still fully enjoying herself even with a newborn at home.

In terms of her acting work, Blake Lively is set to star in A Simple Favor 2, which will reunite her with Anna Kendrick and is set to start production this fall. I'm hoping that in the meantime, Lively graces us with even more stunning pics, whether or not they've been taken before or after she gave birth.

You can see her fashion-forward performance in the original A Simple Favor, which is streamable with an Amazon Prime subscription. For more information on other films set to hit theaters and streaming in the near future, you can consult CinemaBlend’s schedule of 2023 new movie releases.

Since James Gunn and Peter Safran took over DC Studios we have had as many questions as we have answers about what the future of DC heroes on the big screen will be. We know there will be more Superman and Batman movies, though with actors we have not seen before. The fate of Wonder Woman is still largely unknown, and some fans have apparently wondered if Ana de Armas could be the new Diana Prince.

It seems that some number of people have done Google searches asking the question whether or not Ana de Armas could be the next Wonder Woman, as it came up as a question in a Wired video where she and her Ghosted co-star Chris Evans answer questions based on what comes up on the search engine. For her part, de Armas thinks that the former, or possibly still current, Wonder Woman is doing a great job, so there’s no need to replace her. The actress said…

Gal Gadot appeared as Wonder Woman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, as well as a pair of stand-alone features. There had been plans for a third Wonder Woman movie, but it seems that the new heads of DC Studios and director Patty Jenkins could not come to an agreement, and the movie appears to be dead.

Gal Gadot did make a brief appearance as Wonder Woman in the recent Shazam!: Fury of the Gods film, but as things stand right now Shazam is in much the same boat as Wonder Woman, as we don’t really know what the plan for the future is, assuming there is one.

We know that Wonder Woman’s corner of the DCU will exist, as one project we’re getting in the first chapter of DCU stories includes an HBO Max series called Paradise Island, which will be set on Wonder Woman’s home, but prior to her existence. It certainly indicates that Wonder Woman will be appearing in the new DCU sooner rather than later, but exactly when, or who will play the role, is anybody’s guess.

And honestly, if we were going to recast Wonder Woman in the DCU, Ana de Armas would not be the worst choice in the world. She’s been on an absolute roll when it comes to action cinema, from No Time to Die to the new Apple TV+ movie Ghosted, to her upcoming John Wick spinoff movie Ballerina. It seems like only a matter of time before she gets cast in a big superhero movie, so the idea of her playing Wonder Woman is far from crazy. 

The DC Universe has had a unique life in theaters, full of peaks and valleys. The property is currently in the midst of some sweeping changes by new CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. Despite this, one of the most highly anticipated upcoming DC movies is The Flash, which is expected to course correct the franchise's official timeline. Gal Gadot’s cameo in that movie was recently revealed by Ben Affleck, but is it still happening?

There's a ton of chatter about DC cameos lately, thanks to The Flash and the recent release of Shazam! Fury of the Gods. The latter movie featured a brief but memorable appearance by Gal Gadot's Diana Prince, which turned heads since Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman 3 was scrapped. Ben Affleck recently appeared on the Smartless podcast, where he spoke about a scene he filmed opposite Gadot. He shared:

Well, that sounds pretty awesome. Batman is known for his brooding nature, and typically he's not one to share about his emotions to others--including other heroes. But the Lasso of Truth has a way of bringing that out of people; remember when Aquaman was accidentally affected by it in Justice League?

Ben Affleck might have accidentally let slip a major bit of information about The Flash, although I have to wonder: will this scene actually be in the theatrical cut? Director Any Muschietti filmed the upcoming blockbuster back in 2021, long before James Gunn and Peter Safran took over the vision of the shared universe. If this isn't the vision they have for Wonder Woman, then perhaps we won't be able to see her saved Batman with the Lasso of Truth. Fingers crossed. But what is clear is that Affleck seems happy with his own work as Bruce Wayne in the long-awaited DC flick. 

What’s Going On With Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman In The DCU?

Given the new leadership at DC, fans are left wondering about the fate of various superheroes such as Jason Momoa's Aquaman. Wonder Woman is no exception, especially given the state of Gal Gadot's franchise. Unfortunately Patty Jenkins' developing threequel was scrapped by the studio, so it's unclear exactly when Diana Prince will get another solo adventure.

That being said, Gadot did recently reprise her role as Wonder Woman, thanks to an appearance in Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Since that movie arrived after the news about Wonder Woman 3, it potentially offered some hope about the future of Gadot's signature character. As such, the stakes are high concerning her role in The Flash.

If Ben Affleck's comments are to be believed, Wonder Woman could have an action-heavy appearance in The Flash. But it all depends on whether or not this fit into the new direction of the DC Universe. Is Gadot sticking around or will James Gunn and company recast ala Henry Cavill's Superman? Only time will tell. 

The Flash will arrive in theaters on June 16th. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. As for Gal Gadot, she can be seen in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which is still in theaters now. 

Warning: SPOILERS for Shazam! Fury of the Gods are ahead!

If you were lucky enough not to avoid seeing that spoilery Shazam! Fury of the Gods TV spot, then you were like likely surprised by the major cameo towards the end of the latest DC movie. After Billy Batson gave his life to save Earth from Kalypso, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman came to the Gods’ Realm to repair The Wizard’s staff, which was subsequently used to revive Billy and restore the Realm. However, it wasn’t easy shooting Gadot’s big cameo in Fury of the Gods, and director David F. Sandberg has revealed the wild way he pulled it off.

Grace Caroline Curry, who plays Mary Bromfield in both her civilian and superhero forms in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, informed CinemaBlend that logistical issues preventing the sequel’s cast from filming with Gal Gadot. So instead, a stand-in was used on set, and as David F. Sandberg shared on Twitter, he was forced to direct Gadot remotely, which you can see below.

A combination of Gal Gadot being in England and David F. Sandberg being unable to go to the country due to a “visa issue” required to deliver instructions on how he wanted her scene to be shot over a video call. It doesn’t look like it was too complicated an endeavor, with the guy on the other end of the call making sure he understood Sandberg’s instructions before feeding them back to the actress who made her DCEU debut in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

While it’s a shame that the other Shazam! Fury of the Gods actors weren’t able to meet Gal Gadot, at least this isn’t another instance of only a stand-in being used for a big DC superhero appearance, like when a headless Superman popped up at the end of Shazam!. This marked Gadot’s fifth appearance as Wonder Woman (if we’re counting both versions of Justice League), and followed a little over two years after she was seen in Wonder Woman 1984. Jack Dylan Grazer also seemingly let slip that we’ll see Gadot back as Diana of Themyscira in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, but her appearance in The Flash was reportedly cut.

As for what the future holds in store for Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman after 2023, that’s unclear. Last December, Wonder Woman 3 was scrapped, and while there is a show called Paradise Lost in development for the DC Universe franchise that will take place on Themyscira before Diana’s birth, there was no mention of Wonder Woman herself during the presentation for the Chapter One slate, a.k.a. “Gods and Monsters.” That said, DC Studios co-head James Gunn debunked the claim that Gadot’s time as Wonder Woman is done, so all we can do for now is wait for official clarification on where things stand with her.

In the meantime, be sure to read our other coverage about Shazam! Fury of the Gods, such as David F. Sandberg explaining why the Justice League wasn’t involved, and the upcoming DC movies. If you’d rather watch the released DC movies in order, stream those with an HBO Max subscription.