The Queens

- Gayatri Moodliar

THE MODERN CLASSIC

Gal Gadot

WONDER WOMAN

Taking on the role of a character as emblematic as Wonder Woman is no small feat, nor is filling the shoes of Lynda Carter, TV’s Wonder Woman. The Amazon is a character that makes ‘empowered’ and ‘sexy’ synonyms, and Gadot exemplifies that. She’s shattered the glass ceiling after her stint, as the superhero broke records at the boxoffice (and records in cosplay). A rebel and an all-around bad-ass, Gadot is the Wonder Woman we need and deserve. Morons have questioned everything: from her cleavage to her costume, but she’s already iconic.

THE PATH BREAKER

Carrie Fisher

STAR WARS

Can a list about women in sci-fi or science fantasy be accurate if it doesn’t include the woman who personified one of the most enduring cinematic marvels of the genre? Sharp as a tack, Fisher’s Princess Leia was a no-bullshit woman. From her gold bikini to when she becomes the commander of the Resistance, this character remains eternal. We lost a legend when Fisher passed away in 2016.

THE BOMBSHELL

Monica Bellucci

THE MATRIX TRILOGY

“Cause and effect, my love!” Monica Bellucci as Persephone managed to explain exactly why she has legions of fans. Sure, she was explaining a completely different situation, but the effect remains: more than 10 years later, she is still on a pedestal for her performance in