I’m actually not expecting much from Gal Gadot in Batman vs. Superman, also known as 2 Fast 2 Batfleck. What I mean is that I sort of doubt that Gal’s Wonder Woman will have a major storyline in the film, and that this part is just meant to be an introduction before her stand-alone Wonder Woman film is released in June 2017. But Gal is still being sent out to promote BvS, so she covers the new issue of Glamour. I read the full piece, and I was charmed. She’s like a breath of fresh air, honestly. She comes across as sweet, funny and without a lot of affectations that we see with LA, NYC and London-based actors. Some highlights:

Her original life plan: “If things had gone according to my plans, I’d be a lawyer. I never dreamt of being an actress. My mother was a teacher; my dad is an engineer. But at 18 I was approached to compete in Miss Israel. I thought, That would be a nice experience. I never thought I would win! I was shocked when they crowned me; when I went to Miss Universe, I rebelled. I was afraid I might get picked again. I showed up late. I came without gowns. They tell you to come to breakfast in a gown. I was like, “No way am I having breakfast in a gown!” Who needs to wear an evening gown at 10:30 A.M.?”

She served two years in the IDF: “Let me start by saying, I wish no country had the need for an army. But in Israel serving is part of being an Israeli. You’ve got to give back to the state. You give two or three years, and it’s not about you. You give your freedom away. You learn discipline and respect. [After the army] I started studying law at university. While I was there, a casting director for Quantum of Solace saw my modeling card on my agency’s wall, and I auditioned to be a Bond Girl.”

Wonder Woman isn’t here for the dudes: “For BvS it was important for me that we show how independent she is. She is not relying on a man, and she’s not there because of a love story. She’s not there to serve someone else… She has so many strengths and powers, but at the end of the day she’s a woman with a lot of emotional intelligence. She’s loving. And it’s all her heart—that’s her strength. I think women are amazing for being able to show what they feel. I admire women who do. I think it’s a mistake when women cover their emotions to look tough. I say let’s own who we are and use it as a strength.”

How her body has changed for Wonder Woman: “A lot. Since I’ve started, I’ve gained about 17 pounds, and it’s all muscle. I feel so much better now. When you feel strong, it changes everything—your posture, the way you walk. I look at photos from five years ago and think, Whoa, I was too skinny. It’s not cool.”

Feminism: “There are such misconceptions as to what a feminist is. Feminism is about equality. I want all people to have the same opportunities and to get the same salaries for the same jobs. I realize I’m doing what I want to do because of the women before me who laid the groundwork. Without them I wouldn’t be an educated working mother who is following her dreams; I wouldn’t be here.

[From Glamour]

I understand completely what she’s saying about Wonder Woman’s emotional intelligence, but I do have to ask… why don’t we prioritize emotional intelligence in male superheroes too? The Batfleck could use some emotional intelligence. So could IronMan. And Captain America. One of Black Widow’s strengths is emotional intelligence too, and her ability to manipulate people and gather information through non-violent means. Why do we expect that of the women? I mean, that’s not on Gal – she’s obviously thrilled to be playing Wonder Woman and she seems like a great fit. I like what she said about feminism too. But the structure of these superhero films still defaults to women = emotional caretakers.

Photos courtesy of Glamour.