Gal Gadot & Patty Jenkins: A Hollywood Sisterhood That Changed Wonder Woman Forever
In an industry often characterized by competition and fleeting relationships, the bond between actress Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins stands out as a genuine Hollywood sisterhood. Their friendship, born on the set of "Wonder Woman," has not only created box office magic but also redefined what it means for women to collaborate in the film industry.
An Unlikely Beginning
When Jenkins first read in the news that Wonder Woman had been cast, her heart sank. Jenkins explained that it was due to her childhood image of Wonder Woman as an "all-American" character, and she was uncertain about Gadot, who was born in Israel.
However, Jenkins eventually changed her mind about the casting decision. "I started paying attention to her and watching her and looking at her and it was just unbelievable," Jenkins said. "Frankly, I think they did a better job than I could have, because I don't know that I would have scoured the earth as hard to find her" .
A Four-Hour Conversation That Changed Everything
The first day Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot met, they slipped into a sushi restaurant and didn't stop talking for four hours. "Both of us were so passionate about so many topics," says Gadot. "Family life, World War II, the Holocaust, humans, race, politics. We were upset and we were happy and we were thrilled".
"We realized very quickly that we wanted to do the same thing," says Jenkins. They dreamed of making a classic, Richard Donner-style superhero movie—"a tentpole of yesteryear"—that was exciting and romantic and funny and, above all, inspirational.
That conversation never really ended. Their creative partnership evolved into something far more profound than a typical director-actor relationship.
A Symbiotic Bond
They'd shoot six days a week, and on the seventh day, get together with their kids. Late into the shoot after months of stunts and rain and physical exhaustion, when Gadot's knee would start to ache, Jenkins' would, too.
"The relationship got symbiotic," says Gadot. "If my right shoulder was painful, her left shoulder was painful. She was mirroring my pain".
Gadot describes their working relationship as family: "Patty's family is my family. They're all like we're one. We're living in a commune when we're shooting these type of movies. So it is just amazing!"
Mutual Respect and Admiration
In honor of #femalefilmmakerfriday, Gadot tweeted in 2018, "This #femalefilmmakerfriday post is for the incredible @PattyJenks. So much to say about this incredible woman. Not only an admirable storyteller, she is a wonderful leader, not afraid to (literally) get into the trenches. Lucky to call her a collaborator, friend, sister in film".
Jenkins quote-tweeted Gadot and added her own message for the actor, "Oh my dear collaborator, friend, sister and true partner. Thank you so much! Working with you and watching your skills, bravery, and heart every day is a highlight of my life, and I can't wait for more every day".
Gadot also shared a touching Facebook tribute to her Wonder Woman director, calling Jenkins her "sister soul" and "best partner".
At Gadot's Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in March 2025, Jenkins spoke about their relationship: "Not only have we worked together hundreds of days, but we've also become super-close family friends. We've been through all kinds of highs, lows. It's been absolute bliss".
Jenkins described Gadot as "the most loving, most heroic person on the set".
Beyond Professional Success
Gadot and Jenkins' working relationship is a powerful reminder of the magic that can happen when women are allowed room to collaborate. Together they brought a movie about a hero who was strong, feminine, moral, and resilient to life.
Gadot emphasized in an interview with Variety that people often think Jenkins was the right Wonder Woman director only because she's a woman. "No, Patty was the right director because she knew exactly what she wants and how to get it," insists Gadot.
Their first collaboration, 2017's "Wonder Woman," was a massive success, grossing $817.6 million worldwide. While their second film, "Wonder Woman 1984," faced challenges during the pandemic era, their bond remained unshaken.
Gal Gadot and the Model Years The Story of How Variazioni Moda and Castro Shaped Her Early Path
Before the world knew her as a global star and the face of modern heroism, Gal Gadot was simply a young woman navigating Israel’s fashion industry with quiet determination and striking natural beauty. Her years working with Variazioni Moda and Castro marked the beginning of a journey she had never planned, yet one that ultimately opened doors she never expected to walk through. Long before Hollywood, before premieres and red carpets, her story began in front of studio lights and behind the scenes of local campaigns that captured something unmistakable about her presence.
Where It All Started A Natural Presence in Front of the Camera
Gal Gadot never set out to be a model. But the moment she appeared in early studio shoots, photographers recognized something both rare and captivating. She had an effortless confidence, a softness mixed with strength, and a camera presence that felt grounded and genuine. Agencies quickly took notice, and soon she found herself working with Variazioni Moda, a brand that valued clean lines, simplicity, and a natural aesthetic that suited her perfectly.
Castro and the Evolution of Her Style
As her modeling work expanded, Castro became the brand that shaped her public image in Israel. Known for its contemporary style and polished campaigns, Castro gave Gadot the chance to experiment with different looks and moods. From structured jackets to soft denim classics, she transitioned effortlessly between roles before she ever imagined taking on a role like Wonder Woman.
The Turning Point From Local Campaigns to Global Opportunities
These early modeling years may seem far removed from Hollywood, yet they created the stepping stones that led her toward an international career. Her work with Variazioni Moda and Castro built a strong professional foundation, teaching her discipline, performance awareness, and how to carry herself with poise even under pressure.
A Legacy Born Before Stardom
Gal Gadot’s early modeling career is often overshadowed by her Hollywood achievements, but these years shaped her more than people realize. Variazioni Moda gave her space to explore simplicity and authenticity. Castro allowed her to refine her aesthetic and discover emotional expression through visuals. Together, they built the foundation of a woman who would one day inspire millions.
