Zack Snyder Shares First-Ever Wonder Woman Gauntlet Smash Footage From BATMAN V SUPERMAN
Zack Snyder is once again taking fans back to the era when the DCEU was just finding its footing. This time, the director has shared a short but awesome piece of history from the making of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, spotlighting the moment when Gal Gadot first stepped into one of Wonder Woman’s most iconic combat moves.
Back in 2013, Snyder revealed plans to follow Man of Steel with a Batman vs. Superman movie inspired by Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns. That idea eventually evolved into Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a film designed not only to pit two legendary heroes against each other, but also to set the stage for a larger shared DC universe and the eventual arrival of the Justice League.
When Batman v Superman hit theaters in 2016, it opened with a record-breaking debut. The excitement didn’t last long. Harsh reactions from critics and mixed word of mouth from audiences led to a steep drop-off in its second weekend.
Sitting at 28% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film struggled to gain critical approval, and despite earning $874.4 million worldwide, it was widely viewed as a disappointment given the expectations for DC’s first big shared-universe event.
Still, the movie delivered some undeniable fan service. Seeing Batman and Superman clash on the big screen was a major draw, but it was Wonder Woman’s arrival that truly electrified audiences. For the first time in live-action film history, DC’s Trinity finally stood together.
Snyder’s newly shared footage comes straight from the set of Batman v Superman and shows Gadot training for what he calls her "first ever Gauntlet Smash practice." The filmmaker described the moment as "pure joy, pure power."
It’s a quick glimpse, but it captures the energy of an actress and a character about to make a massive impression.
Gadot, who was wonderful as Wonder Woman, would go on to portray Diana Prince across several DCEU projects, including Wonder Woman, Justice League, Wonder Woman 1984, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and The Flash.
Her future as Wonder Woman seemed uncertain once DC Studios began restructuring under James Gunn and Peter Safran. While promoting Netflix’s Heart of Stone in 2023, Gadot insisted plans were in place for her return and spoke openly about meetings with Gunn and Safran that suggested she would continue as Diana in a new Wonder Woman movie.
That optimism didn’t last. Wonder Woman 3, which was set to be directed by Patty Jenkins, was shelved shortly after DC Studios was formed, and trade reports later shut down any expectations of Gadot reprising the role.
Looking ahead, DC Studios has tapped Supergirl writer Ana Nogueira to script a new Wonder Woman film. Casting hasn’t been announced, and it’s already confirmed that the Amazon Warrior won’t debut in Man of Tomorrow next summer. For now, fans are left waiting to see who will next pick up the shield and gauntlets.
Until then, Snyder’s behind-the-scenes throwback serves as a reminder of when Wonder Woman first made her mark on the big screen.