Gal Gadot has become synonymous with her iconic role as Wonder Woman, but her path to success in the big-budget studio franchise was one of persistence and determination. From facing rejection in auditions, such as the Bond girl in “Quantum of Solace” in 2008, to achieving a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, Gal’s journey has been remarkable.
What makes her story even more exceptional is that she achieved this success in a foreign film industry, as she is originally from Israel. In this sense, her journey is akin to that of her “Heart of Stone” co-star, Alia Bhatt. Alia, who made her debut in Bollywood with Karan Johar’s “Student of the Year” in 2012, has also come a long way in the past decade. Now, she is set to make her international debut alongside Gal Gadot in Tom Harper’s upcoming spy thriller, “Heart of Stone.”
In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Gal expressed how much she relates to Alia’s experience in navigating the early stages of Hollywood. Despite coming from different countries and having English as a second language, they connected instantly. Gal praised Alia’s warmth and no-nonsense attitude, which she finds delightful, especially coming from her Israeli background.
When asked if she has any advice for Alia, Gal confidently stated that Alia is already well-equipped to make her mark in Hollywood. With over a decade of experience in the massive Indian film industry, Alia knows how to handle the challenges that may come her way. Gal believes Alia’s transition into the American market will be smooth and healthy. However, she reassured Alia that she will always be there for her, should she need any support or guidance.
Interestingly, both Gal and Alia had their share of challenges while filming action scenes for “Heart of Stone.” Alia was pregnant during the filming, and Gal had to turn down an action role in “Man of Steel” years ago due to her own pregnancy. Despite this, both actors worked under strict safety standards, ensuring the well-being of the cast and crew. Gal emphasized the importance of a safe working environment and praised the progress in safety standards on Hollywood sets in the last decade.
“Heart of Stone,” an action-packed spy thriller, is set to premiere on Netflix on August 11. As Gal Gadot and Alia Bhatt share the screen, their combined talent and determination promise an enthralling cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.