Gal Gadot's Pay For Wonder Woman: A Closer Look At Gender Pay Disparity In Hollywood

If you spent any time on the internet this week, it's a cinch that you heard about how much Gal Gadot got paid for Wonder Woman, and how her salary compared to Man of Steel and Batman v Superman star Henry Cavill. Initial reports stated that Gadot made $300,000 for Wonder Woman, a pittance compared to the reported $14 million Cavill was supposed to have earned from his first turn as Supes in Man of Steel. Given how hot and important a topic equal pay for women in the workplace is these days, especially in Hollywood, it’s no surprise that the story resonated. But actually, (and fortunately for Gadot), she didn’t get as much of a raw deal as those initial reports suggested – and Cavill’s supposed $14 million salary probably wasn’t “anywhere close” to that.

Warner Bros. hasn’t given precise salary figures for any of the DC Cinematic Universe stars, but an anonymous source familiar with the pay scale told Buzzfeed that in reality, Gadot’s and Cavill’s respective debut paydays were about the same. Gadot’s $300,000 base salary for her first three DCU outings (which will already be up after Justice League comes out later this year) isn’t as low as it sounds, and in fact is about par for the course for unproven stars in major superhero movies – it’s reportedly what Chris Evans got for the first Captain America. On top of that, it doesn’t include any bonuses that Gadot will receive following Wonder Woman’s surprise phenomenal box office success, having as of this writing, pulled in more than $578,000,000 worldwide.

This same source also shut down the idea that Henry Cavill got “anywhere close” to $14 million for Man of Steel. So it’s likely that Superman and Wonder Woman have (at the very least) roughly equivalent salaries for saving the world from evil villains time and time again. And given how beloved and commercially lucrative her solo debut has turned out to be, it’s very possible she’ll be making more than Superman once it comes time to negotiate those contracts for sequels.

Update! In May 2019 it was revealed that Gal earned $10 million for the Wonder Woman sequel which is slated to premiere sometime in 2020.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Gal Gadot
• Salary Comparison: Gadot vs. Cavill
• Pay Disparity in Hollywood
• Future Prospects for Female Actors

Biography of Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot is an Israeli actress and model, best known for her work in the DC Extended Universe. She was born on April 30, 1985, in Petah Tikva, Israel. Before becoming an actress, Gadot served two years in the Israeli Defense Forces as a combat instructor, which has significantly influenced her portrayal of strong female characters.

Gadot rose to fame after being cast as Wonder Woman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and later starred in her solo film, Wonder Woman. Her portrayal of the titular character has garnered both critical and commercial success, making her one of the leading actresses in Hollywood today.

Salary Comparison: Gadot vs. Cavill

The discussion around Gal Gadot's salary for Wonder Woman compared to Henry Cavill's pay for Man of Steel highlights an ongoing issue in Hollywood regarding gender pay disparity. Initial reports exaggerated Cavill's earnings, suggesting he made $14 million, while Gadot's reported $300,000 seemed significantly lower.

However, sources indicate that both actors were compensated similarly for their respective roles, with Gadot's salary being standard for newcomers in major superhero films. Notably, her earnings do not account for the bonuses she will receive due to the film's box office success.

Pay Disparity in Hollywood

Hollywood has long been criticized for its pay disparity between male and female actors. This issue has gained more attention as discussions about equal pay for women have intensified in recent years. While initial reports suggested a stark difference between Gadot and Cavill's salaries, further investigation revealed that their paydays were much closer than originally thought.

Efforts to address and rectify pay inequality in the film industry continue, and Gadot's success serves as a potential catalyst for change, emphasizing the importance of equal pay for all actors regardless of gender.

Future Prospects for Female Actors

The success of Wonder Woman has opened doors for Gal Gadot and other female actors in Hollywood. As audiences increasingly demand diverse and strong female leads, the film industry is beginning to adapt. Gadot's earnings for the sequel to Wonder Woman, which reportedly reached $10 million, signals a shift in how female actors are compensated.

Moving forward, it is likely that studios will recognize the profitability and popularity of female-led films, leading to improved pay and opportunities for women in Hollywood. This evolution is crucial for fostering an equitable environment within the film industry.