The past several years haven't been easy for the DC Extended Universe due to a lack of clear direction and the controversies surrounding 2017's Justice League.
While James Gunn's The Suicide Squad, coupled with DC's slate of upcoming projects like The Flash and Matt Reeves' The Batman, have helped the comic book franchise turn a corner, the legacy of Joss Whedon's abusive behavior on the set of Justice League remains.
Along with Cyborg actor Ray Fisher, Wonder Woman's Gal Gadot was one of the victims of Whedon's on-set remarks; and even though much of what was said remains unknown, the Justice League actors have proven their own commitment to justice not only on screen but in the real world as well.
Wonder Woman Actress Talks Justice & Justice League
In May 2021, Gadot opened up about Joss Whedon's treatment saying that he "kind of threatened my career and said if I did something, he would make my career miserable."
When asked by Elle how the actress reacted, Gadot's words indicated she did just what Whedon threatened her not to and went to the heads of Warner Bros, stating, "Oh, I was shaking trees as soon as it happened:"
“Oh, I was shaking trees as soon as it happened. And I must say that the heads of Warner Brothers, they took care of it.... Going back to the sense of righteousness that I have... you’re dizzy because you can’t believe this was just said to you. And if he says it to me, then obviously he says it to many other people. I just did what I felt like I had to do. And it was to tell people that it’s not okay."
Whether Whedon's words were an example of industry sexism, the Wonder Woman actress doesn't know; but she trusted her "sense of justice:"
“I would’ve done the same thing, I think, if I was a man. Would he tell me what he told me had I been a man? I don’t know. We’ll never know. But my sense of justice is very strong. I was shocked by the way that he spoke to me. But whatever, it’s done. Water under the bridge.”
Following the release of 2017's Justice League, Gadot went on to film Wonder Woman 1984 alongside new co-star Kristen Wiig who attested to Gadot's willingness to fight for herself, saying, “When she needs to wear that hat, she is very clear on what is right. People who think she’s just a pretty face are dead wrong.”
Gal Gadot's Real-Life Heroism
The fact that Warner Bros. heads "took care of it" in regard to Gadot's treatment on-set is great to hear, and the studio's new direction with its DC properties as shown at 2021's DC FanDome is also promising.
However, while the studio would understandably want to leave the Justice League debacle in the past, learning how one of Warner Bros.'s most popular characters from one of its most successful properties handled the situation is important for fans, actors, and the industry as a whole to note.
Gadot was motivated by her own sense of justice on the set of Justice League; and just like Wonder Woman, her example will hopefully inspire and help create a standard.
While the full details of what transpired on the set between Whedon and the actors remain unknown, the film, its cast, and its original director, Zack Snyder, experienced a sense of justice upon the release of Zack Snyder's Justice League earlier this year.
Still, questions remain, particularly in regard to Ray Fisher, who continues to speak out against Warner Bros. over their handling of the situation.
While it's a new day for the DC Extended Universe, for some, justice still hasn't been served.
