Director Denies Deepfake Allegations Over Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman Cameo In Shazam 2

Director David F. Sandberg Responds To Deepfake Allegations Regarding Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman Cameo In Shazam! Fury Of The Gods

By Amitabh Mukherji
March 20,2023
Featured Image

The recent release of the superhero film Shazam! Fury of the Gods has sparked some concerns over the authenticity of actress Gal Gadot’s cameo appearance as Wonder Woman. Some viewers speculated that her performance was accomplished through deepfake technology. However, the film’s director, David F. Sandberg, has since taken to Twitter to set the record straight.

Explanation For The Behind-The-Scenes Images

Behind-The-Scenes Shazam 2

Twitter user @maybegrayson shared a behind-the-scenes image that showed a body double standing on set with Zachary Levi and Djimon Hounsou. The photo suggested that a deepfake face replacement was used to bring Gal Gadot into the film. Sandberg explained that they shot the scene with a double first, in this case, Taylor Cahill, to determine what coverage they would need to get with Gadot, who was unable to make it to Atlanta. It was also Taylor’s body with the wizard’s head on it. There was no deepfaking involved, and when viewers see Gadot in the film, it is 100% her.

Comparison With Superman’s Cameo

Superman Cameo in Shazam

Sandberg drew comparisons to Superman’s cameo in the first Shazam movie, explaining that this was the approach they also took for Gadot’s cameo. They first shot with a double, then captured the required coverage with Henry Cavill. However, this did not happen for Shazam! Fury of the Gods.

Opportunities For Shazam To Interact With Other DC Heroes

Shazam With Other Heroes

While there were concerns over Gadot’s cameo, Sandberg’s explanation provides a satisfying answer to those who were wondering about the authenticity of her appearance. If Gadot had been able to make it to the set of the Shazam sequel, she almost certainly would have. It would have been exciting to see more interaction between Shazam and other heroes of the DC Universe in a potential future installment. However, with Fury of the Gods underperforming at the box office and receiving negative critical reception, another Shazam film seems unlikely, especially with the relaunch of the live-action DCU on the horizon.

Read More About