By John Nugent | Posted 28 Jan 2016

Empire’s Batman v Superman issue is now on the shelves, and with it we reveal some fascinating tidbits on DC’s upcoming superhero dust-up. Among them: the role of Wonder Woman, ultimate foil to Bats and Supes, played by Gal Gadot.

Speaking to Empire, Gadot admits she had no idea what her first audition was for - she only knew it was a project at Warner Bros for Zack Snyder. “I mean, I could have guessed,” she admits now. “I thought it was going to be Selina (Kyle), you know?”

“I only knew what role it was when I flew in to test with Ben (Affleck),” she says. “I was very excited. Anytime I had general meetings in LA, I always said that my dream role was to do an empowered, independent woman who doesn’t rely on men.”

Gadot explained a little about her approach to the character, a warrior princess of the Amazons, over 5,000 years old, and – at the point of Batman v Superman – coming out of retirement.

My dream role was to do an empowered, independent woman who doesn’t rely on men.

“She’s seen it all,” says Gadot. “She has seen what humans can do, so it was very hard for her to come back and fight.”

We learn of the sheer commitment to the role Gadot has given. The 30 year-old actress underwent seven months of training before she ever set foot on set. “I was a dancer for 12 years,” she says, unable to believe how lucky she is to be able to parlay all that experience into a film role, “and now I get paid to work out and do crazy stuff with a lasso.”

In spite of the character's mystical origins, Gadot insists that there is room for humour and a lighter touch. "I don't want people to think she is perfect," she insists. "She can be naughty."

For the full interview with Gal Gadot, plus exclusive on-set access to Zack Snyder, Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Jeremy Irons and more, pick up a copy of this month’s Empire magazine. Available wherever you buy your magazines - or pick up an instant digital subscription here.

Want to learn more about the DC Universe? Read our guide to Suicide Squad.