Another Batman vs. Superman casting announcement, another outcry from comic book fans around the web. But are they being unfairly criticized for not agreeing with Gal Gadot’s casting as Wonder Woman?
I keep seeing people berating “fanboys” for not being happy with Gal Gadot’s casting based on her appearance. I don’t think that there’s anything wrong with people having that opinion. Fans have loved these characters and have seen them depicted a certain way over the years. What if Michael Cera were cast as Batman? Fans would want him to be taller and more muscular, perhaps even a bit more handsome. People wish Gal Gadot was a little curvier and more muscular. It’s not a sexual thing… it’s just that some fans want their movie heroes to look as close to the comic book characters as possible. Every casting decision can’t be based on acting ability alone, appearance is a factor, especially in a comic book movie.
We’ve seen atypical casting in superhero movies before, and it can go both ways. A perfect example of unconventional casting gone right would be Michael Keaton. He was short and didn’t look like the Batman that fans loved in the comics, but he gave an amazing performance as the Dark Knight. Hugh Jackman would be another example. He certainly didn’t look like the short and ugly Wolverine from the books, but he’s made the role his own. However, sometimes atypical casting can go terribly wrong as well. Just take a look at Topher Grace as Eddie Brock/Venom in Spider-Man 3, or Jessica Alba as Sue Storm in Fantastic Four.
With all that said, I don’t know enough about Wonder Woman or Gal Gadot to really have a strong opinion on her casting. I do think it’s odd that they went with a model instead of an established actress… but we know some of the other girls that she was up against, so Gadot must have nailed her audition. Zack Snyder assembled a phenomenal cast for Man of Steel, so I’m in “wait and see” mode. This could be a great break out role for Gadot and I’m looking forward to her performance.
