While playing ex-Mossad agent Gisele Yashar over three installments, the “Fast & Furious” franchise became one of the biggest in Hollywood, boosting her visibility as she delivered memorable supporting turns in films like “Knight and Day,” “Triple 9” and “Keeping Up With the Joneses.”

 Although a resume full of formidable female characters undoubtedly helped her get cast as Wonder Woman in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” she’s eager to credit that film’s director for getting the role that would put movie stardom within her grasp. “Zack Snyder really had the vision for Wonder Woman,” she insists.

Gadot’s eventual collaboration with Patty Jenkins on the two solo “Wonder Woman” films only burnished her reputation — as a mesmerizing screen presence, not to mention a box office draw. 

Yet more important to her than career stability was the chance to create an unforgettable, multidimensional female character in Diana, crown princess of Themyscira. “To do the solo Wonder Woman movie with a partner like Patty Jenkins was life-changing,” she admits.