Gal Gadot joins Batman vs Superman as Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot joins Batman vs Superman as Wonder Woman (Photo: GalGadot/facebook)

DC Entertainment and Warner Bros have announced that Fast and Furious star Gal Gadot will be starring in the Man of Steel sequel, tentatively titled Batman vs Superman, as Wonder Woman.

Gadot, the former Miss Israel who spent two years as a tough sports trainer in the Israel Defence Forces, looks like the right choice to play the warrior princess of the Amazons.

"Wonder Woman is arguably one of the most powerful female characters of all time and a fan favourite in the DC Universe," the film's director Zack Snyder said in a statement.

"Not only is Gal an amazing actress, but she also has that magical quality that makes her perfect for the role. We look forward to audiences discovering Gal in the first feature film incarnation of this beloved character."

An excited Gadot tweeted about the development: "Wonder Women! So exciting!!! Can't express how happy I am :))))

— Gal Gadot (@GalGadot)"

The gorgeous brunette appeared in the three most recent Fast & Furious movies but was not listed in the cast for Fast & Furious 7.

The movie has suspended filming following the car accident death of star Paul Walker.

The development also puts to rest several rumors which were floating around the casting (and inclusion) of Wonder Woman in the hugely awaited DC film. A number of actresses have been linked to the project as contenders for wonder woman's role. According to E! Online, the trades reported that French beauty Olga Kurylenko was one of several actresses who auditioned for the female lead in the picture that, according to the casting breakdown, calls for someone "tall, brunette, athletic and exotic".

Neither the cast members nor any of the suits from DC have given any official indication with regards to a Justice League film as yet, but according to Hollywood insiders, the film is definitely on with plans in place for a 2017 release.

The Zack Snyder-directed Batman vs Superman is slated to hit theatres on 17 July, 2015.