Story highlights Gal Gadot hopes her portrayal of Wonder Woman sends a message of 'love' and 'compassion'

'Wonder Woman' hits theaters on Friday

(CNN) Gal Gadot hopes her portrayal of the iconic female superhero Wonder Woman inspires some positivity in the world.

"It was really important for us to convey a message and to remind people about good things like love and hopefulness," Gadot told CNN at a press day for the film. "If we have that more, we'll have a better society."

Gadot, an Israeli-born actress, who got her start in the 2009 film "Fast & Furious," is the first woman to anchor a superhero movie in more than a decade. (Jennifer Garner starred in Marvel's "Elektra" in 2005. Prior to that, Halle Berry starred in the Warner Bros. produced "Catwoman" in 2004.)

Robin Wright, who plays General Antiope, Gadot's aunt in the film, hopes audiences will connect with Wonder Woman and appreciate her strength.

Read More