Gal Gadot, a dedicated action movie enthusiast, often pondered the curious absence of female-led films in this thrilling genre. Being a major fan herself, she couldn’t help but question why there was such a shortage of movies featuring strong, empowering female protagonists taking charge of the action-packed narratives.
“I’ve always been amazed by the brilliance of numerous male-led films, but deep down, I’ve always believed that we need more female-led films to truly represent the diversity of storytelling. Films like Bond, Mission: Impossible, Bourne Identity, and Die Hard have always captivated me, and I’ve secretly longed for the opportunity to take on a similar powerful and thrilling role.” During an interview with EW prior to the commencement of the SAG-AFTRA strike, the actress expressed her desire to challenge herself in these types of roles.
Gadot is quite familiar with taking on leading roles in high-budget action films. However, it wasn’t until the release of the initial Wonder Woman movie in 2017 that she truly recognized the potential for her dream to come true. In that moment, she experienced a revelation or an “aha!” moment, realizing that there is a demand for action films led by women from both male and female viewers. This newfound confidence sparked a decision to embark on a new project called Heart of Stone, with the intention of creating more of these empowering films. In essence, Gadot’s realization and subsequent determination gave birth to an exciting and promising endeavor.
Gadot and her husband, Jaron Varsano, are collaborating on an exciting new project for Netflix through their production company Pilot Wave. In this upcoming thriller, Gadot takes on the role of Rachel Stone, an elite agent with MI6 who is hiding a massive secret. Not only is she the sole woman standing in the way of the Charter, a secretive and influential global organization dedicated to keeping the peace, but she is also the only one who can protect their most prized and perilous possession: the Heart. As the story unfolds, viewers will be captivated by the mysterious plot and high-stakes adventures that await Rachel Stone in this action-packed series.
“I was really excited to share the incredible journey of a real person from a female perspective,” Gadot states. “I wanted to tell a story that is both fascinating and unique, something that I haven’t seen enough of. Rachel Stone, the character I portray, is full of contradictions. On one hand, she is an exceptional secret agent who thrives on the adrenaline rush. On the other hand, she doesn’t conform well to the conventional system. Following rules is a bit challenging for her; she’s like a wild card who is driven by a strong sense of justice and follows her heart. The character of Rachel Stone has so many intricate layers and depth for me to explore and portray on screen. It was an absolute delight to bring this character to life.”
I also found it thrilling to explore a new dimension in the realm of action films. It was a refreshing change for me, taking on the roles of both Diana Prince, famously known as Wonder Woman, and Gisele from the Fast & Furious series. This opportunity allowed me to showcase my versatile acting skills and embrace diverse characters. I was eager to challenge myself and bring something fresh to the table, delivering an unforgettable experience for the audience.
To start off, let me tell you that this character is completely authentic. This means that the vibe of the movie is unlike anything I have ever been a part of before, according to Gadot. The character is deeply rooted in reality and shows a raw and tough side. Instead of appearing flawless and grand, the character is deliberately portrayed as unpolished. When she experiences hardships, you can almost feel the icy chill, and when she takes a hit, it’s as if you can feel the pain yourself. It’s as if you’re right there, cheering her on, fully invested in her journey.
When it came to shooting the stunts for Heart of Stone, Gadot, with her impressive background in action movies, believed she had an inkling of what to anticipate. However, she soon discovered that the level of difficulty and intensity continually rises with each new project. In fact, she claims that this particular shoot turned out to be the most demanding one she has ever been a part of. The bar just keeps getting higher and higher, leaving her facing a whole new level of challenges.
“It was the greatest challenge I have ever encountered,” she asserts. “It required immense effort and dedication. Countless months were dedicated to thorough preparations, extensive training sessions, relentless workouts, and mastering numerous intricate choreographies. It truly demanded a lot from me.”
Despite contracting COVID-19 during the shoot, she remarkably managed to accomplish all of that. She candidly shares that everyone was anxiously anticipating her negative test results. Once confirmed negative, she wasted no time and embarked on a journey to Portugal, where the set was located. Without much rest, she woke up bright and early to film a scene that required her to run a significantly long distance. It was quite challenging for her since she had just recovered from COVID-19; she found it difficult to catch her breath every time the director yelled “cut.”
Despite facing obstacles, she refused to let them hinder her progress. Gadot asserts with determination, “You simply push forward without hesitation.” Once the red light on the camera signals action, she switches into high gear. She reminds herself that no one will scrutinize her performance, attributing any imperfections to external factors like her recent battle with COVID-19, challenging weather conditions, lack of rest, or the bitter cold. The only option is to press on and give it her all.
Heart of Stone features an all-star cast including Jamie Dornan, Alia Bhatt (who is making her first appearance in an American film), Sophie Okonedo, Matthias Schweighöfer, Jing Lusi, and Paul Ready. You can catch this exciting film when it premieres on Netflix starting this Friday.