Development of a live-action Wonder Woman film began in 1996, withIvan Reitman initially set to produce and possibly direct. The project remained indevelopment hell for many years, with writers and directors likeJon Cohen,Todd Alcott, andJoss Whedon attached at various points. Warner Bros. officially announced the film in 2010, and Patty Jenkins was hired as director in 2015. The film drew inspiration fromWilliam Moulton Marston's 1940s Wonder Woman stories,George Pérez's 1980s comics, and theNew 52 version of the character.Principal photography began on November 21, 2015, in the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, concluding on May 9, 2016. Additional filming occurred in November 2016.
Wonder Woman premiered at thePantages Theatre in Hollywood on May 26, 2017, and was released in the United States byWarner Bros. Pictures on June 2. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, visuals, story, action sequences, and cultural significance, though some criticism was directed at the climax. It grossed over $824 million worldwide, making it thetenth highest-grossing film of 2017 and the highest-grossing film by a solo female director until it was surpassed by the Chinese filmHi, Mom (2021). TheAmerican Film Institute included it in itstop ten films of 2017, and it won theHugo Award forBest Dramatic Presentation in 2018. Asequel,Wonder Woman 1984, was released in December 2020, with Patty Jenkins returning as director and Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielsen reprising their roles. Plans for a third film were canceled after DC Films was restructured intoDC Studios in 2022.
Diana, the daughter ofQueen Hippolyta, is raised on the hidden island ofThemyscira, home to theAmazons, women warriors created by theOlympian gods to protect mankind. Hippolyta tells Diana the story of howAres became jealous of humanity and orchestrated its destruction. When the other gods attempted to stop him, Ares killed all but Zeus, who used the last of his power to wound him and force his retreat. Before dying, Zeus left the Amazons a weapon, the "god-killer", to prepare them for Ares' return. Overprotecting Diana, Hippolyta conceals Diana's true origin from her, but reluctantly agrees to let her sister,Antiope, train Diana as a warrior.
In 1918, Diana rescues U.S. pilot CaptainSteve Trevor when his plane crashes off the Themysciran coast. The island is soon invaded byGerman soldiers, who had been pursuing him. The Amazons suffer some casualties, but wipe out the German landing force, with Antiope sacrificing herself to save Diana.
Steve is interrogated with theLasso of Hestia and reveals that agreat war is consuming the outside world and that he is anAllied spy. He has stolen a notebook from theGermans' chief chemist,Dr. Isabel Maru, who is attempting to engineer a deadlier form ofmustard gas under the orders of GeneralErich Ludendorff. Believing Ares to be responsible for the war, Diana arms herself with the "god-killer" sword, the lasso, and armor before leaving Themyscira with Steve.
InLondon, they deliver Maru's notebook to theSupreme War Council, where Sir Patrick Morgan is trying to negotiate anarmistice with Germany. Diana translates Maru's notes, revealing that the Germans plan to release the deadly gas at theWestern Front.
Although forbidden by his commander to act, Steve, with secret funding from Morgan, recruits Moroccan spy Sameer, Scottish marksman Charlie, and Native American smuggler Chief Napi to help prevent the gas from being released. The team reaches the front inBelgium. Diana goes alone throughNo Man's Land and destroys the enemy trench, liberating the nearby village of Veld with the aid of the Allied forces. The team briefly celebrates, taking a photograph in the village, where Diana and Steve fall in love.
The team learns that a gala will be held at the nearbyGerman High Command. Steve and Diana separately infiltrate the party; he intends to locate the gas and destroy it and she hopes to kill Ludendorff, believing that he is Ares. Steve stops her to avoid jeopardizing his mission, but this allows Ludendorff to unleash the gas on Veld, killing its inhabitants.
Blaming Steve for intervening, Diana pursues Ludendorff to a base where the gas is being loaded into a bomber aircraft bound forLondon. She fights and kills him, but is confused and disillusioned when his death does not stop the war.
Sir Patrick appears and reveals himself to beAres. He tells Diana that although he has subtly given humans ideas and inspirations, it is ultimately their decision to resort to violence, as they are inherently corrupt. When Diana attempts to kill Ares with the "god-killer" sword, he destroys it before revealing to Diana that she is the "god-killer", since she is the daughter ofZeus.
While the two battle, Steve's team destroys Maru's laboratory. Steve hijacks and pilots the bomber carrying the poison to a safe altitude and detonates it, blowing up the plane and himself. Ares attempts to direct Diana's rage and grief at Steve's death by convincing her to kill Maru, but the memories of her experiences with Steve cause her to realize that humans have goodness within them. She spares Maru and redirects Ares's lightning into him, definitively killing him. Later, the team celebrates theend of the war.
In the present day, Diana sends an email toBruce Wayne thanking him for the photographic plate of her and Steve. She continues to fight on the world's behalf as Wonder Woman.
Gal Gadot asDiana Prince / Wonder Woman: An immortalAmazon warriordemigoddess who is thecrown princess ofThemyscira and the daughter ofQueen Hippolyta andZeus being raised by the Amazons.[8] Describing Wonder Woman and her appeal, Gadot said "She's relatable. She has the heart of a human and is very compassionate, but her experiences—or lack of them, her naivete, really—make her interested in everything around her and able to view the world in a way that we'd all like to: with a genuine curiosity."[9] On Diana going to human world, Gadot stated "When Diana comes to the real world she's completely oblivious about gender and society rules, that women are not equal to men."[10] Additionally,Lilly Aspell andEmily Carey portray young Diana, respectively.[11][12]
Chris Pine asSteve Trevor: An American pilot and the love interest of Diana.[13][14] On his role for the film, Pine said "I am an American pilot who's aspy. It's like a boy's dream: You're either a spy or a fighter pilot. The first thing I wanted to be was a fighter pilot a long time ago. I wanted to be Goose [fromTop Gun]".[15] Pine describe his character as a "rogue-ish, cynical realist who's seen the awful brutish nature of modern civilization" and added that he is a "worldly guy, a charming guy".[16]
Robin Wright asAntiope: The sister of Hippolyta, general of the Amazonian army, Diana's aunt and mentor.[17] Describing her character mentoring and training Diana to be a warrior, Wright said "It's a sixth sense that it is coming and I think that's also in the mythological story behind Antiope and Queen Hippolyta. They know it's coming and it's her duty as the aunt to her young niece to make sure she is the fiercest warrior of all time." On the Amazons fighting style, Wright said "It's hand combat. Yes, swords and knives and arrows, but the precision that they have, right, as these warrior women; it's so nice to see that disparity between what we had in the day of just raw fighting materials and the guns and how easy that is in comparison."[18]
Danny Huston asErich Ludendorff: An iron-fisted general of theGerman Army during World War I.[19] Huston described Ludendorff as a "pragmatist, realist, patriotic, fighting for his country", further explaining, "he lost his son on the German front lines and was just quite tortured, diabolical, stubborn and believes that what he's doing is for the betterment of mankind."[20] On his character, Huston said "Ludendorff is a believer that war is a natural habitat for humans."[21]
David Thewlis asSir Patrick Morgan/Ares: A speaker for peace on theImperial War Cabinet later revealed to beAres, based on theGreek mythological god of war, who is secretly working behind the scenes to ensure humanity's destruction.[22][23][24] Describing the Sir Patrick persona of his character, Thewlis said "Sir Patrick's entire drive through the other half of the story is to bring about the armistice. That's his whole intention no matter what's going on. He meets Diana and sees in her somebody who is sympathetic to his cause, quite vehemently so."[25]
Connie Nielsen asHippolyta: The Amazon Queen ofThemyscira and Diana's mother.[26] On her character being Diana's mother and Amazonian queen, Nielsen stated "I'm queen and I'm preparing my child for a world that entails a lot of responsibility. So it was important to me to bring that into the character."[27] She readThe Amazons byAdrienne Mayor to familiarize herself with women warriors and said "I used what I learned in Mayor's book as a rallying cry for how I approached Hippolyta. And then, of course, what is a leader who is elected by her peers every year and has been doing this for a thousand years? That too was interesting to think about".[28]
Elena Anaya asDr. Isabel Maru/ Doctor Poison: The chiefchemist associated with General Ludendorff who specializes in chemistry and poisons.[19] On her role, Anaya said "Well, it was a small role in this big ensemble, but it is an important character in the story. I'm going to be a big nightmare" for Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor.[29] Describing her character, Anaya said "Dr. Maru loves rage and enjoys people's pain. She's creating terrible weapons and her purpose in life is to kill as many people as possible and provoke as much pain as possible". She researchedWorld War I andFritz Haber, the scientist who created mustard gas, to prepare for the role.[30] On the character's facial scars, Anaya said Dr. Maru scarred her own face by testing her gas on herself to provoke suffering, showing her sadistic nature. She described the character as the opposite of Wonder Woman, with a strong ability to inflict pain.[31] On Dr. Maru's relationship with General Ludendorff, Anaya said "I think that they have a relationship based on loyalty. Ludendorff is a very tormented General that lacks self-confidence. That's why, in part, he takes these drugs that Dr. Poison gives him. They are from different worlds, but they complement each other".[32]
Lucy Davis asEtta Candy: Steve Trevor'ssecretary who befriends Diana.[33] Describing her character, Davis said "She's a woman in a man's world and so being heard and seen aren't the easiest things, but it kind of doesn't deter her", adding, "Etta is unapologetically herself and I think that that's the thing that has drawn me to her the most".[34]
Saïd Taghmaoui as Sameer: Asecret agent and ally of Steve Trevor.[35][36] On his casting, Taghmaoui stated "I was among hundreds of potential candidates and I slowly became the favorite", adding, "It wasn't easy. It took me three months. [I'll have to go through] extensive physical training."
Ewen Bremner as Charlie: Asharpshooter and ally of Steve Trevor.[35] On his role, Bremner said "I play a character who's enlisted by Wonder Woman to help save the world as part of a small, unlikely band". Describing his character, Bremner stated, "He's a shellshocked soldier who's been discharged from the war and is brought back to help on a secret mission."[37]
Eugene Brave Rock as Chief: ABlackfoot demi-god,[38] and a smuggler who trades with both sides of the war and knows how to get people across the front lines.[35][39]
Lisa Loven Kongsli asMenalippe: Antiope's lieutenant and Diana's aunt.[17] Describing her character, Kongsli said "Menalippe is a fearless warrior with a strong justice needs. She lives with the other Amazons on the island Themyscira and exercising continuous battle to assist man in the fight for the good."[40]
Development for a live-actionWonder Woman feature film began in 1996, withIvan Reitman attached as producer and possible director.[47] In 1999, the project became attached toJon Cohen, who adaptedWonder Woman for producerJoel Silver, with the hope thatSandra Bullock would star.[48] By 2001,Todd Alcott was hired to write the screenplay, withSilver Pictures backing the project.[49] At that time,Mariah Carey andCatherine Zeta-Jones were also rumored to be possible candidates for the role of Wonder Woman.[50]Leonard Goldberg focused on Bullock[51] who said that she was approached for the role.Lucy Lawless, the star ofXena: Warrior Princess, was also under consideration, though she stated that she would have been more interested if Wonder Woman was portrayed as a "flawed hero".[52] The screenplay went through various drafts written by Alcott, Cohen, Becky Johnston and Philip Levens,[53] and by August 2003, Levens had been replaced by screenwriterLaeta Kalogridis.[54]
In March 2005,Warner Bros. and Silver Pictures announced thatJoss Whedon would write and direct the film.[55] Early drafts of his screenplay included Steve Trevor as the narrator, a fierce battle between Diana and her mother over Trevor's welfare and after leaving Themyscira, his need to frequently rescue a Diana rendered helpless by the modern world.[56] Whedon was not able to complete a final version of his screenplay and left the project in 2007.[57][58] Although Whedon stated in May 2005 that he would not cast the part of Wonder Woman until he finished the script,[59]Kate Beckinsale was linked to the part.[60] Beckinsale declined as she thought the script wasn't good.[61] In 2010, Whedon admitted that he did have an actress in mind for the part, stating that "Wonder Woman was basicallyAngelina Jolie."[56][62]Cobie Smulders was Whedon's choice for the part.[63]
A day before Whedon's departure fromWonder Woman, Warner Bros. and Silver Pictures purchased aspec script for the film written by Matthew Jennison and Brent Strickland. Set during World War II, the script impressed executives at Silver Pictures.[58] However, Silver stated that he had purchased the script because he did not want the rights reverting; while stating the script had good ideas, Silver did not want the film to be aperiod piece.[64] That same year, Warner Bros. began development of aJustice League film with Michele andKieran Mulroney writing the screenplay. The film, entitledJustice League: Mortal, was to be directed byGeorge Miller and would have featured Wonder Woman in her cinematic debut. Australian modelMegan Gale was ultimately cast in the role in January 2008. The film would later be cancelled following production delays and budgetary concerns.[65] By April 2008, Silver hired Jennison and Strickland to write a new script set in contemporary times that would not depict Wonder Woman's origin, but explore Paradise Island's history.[66]
In 2010, Warner Bros. stated that aWonder Woman film was in development, along with films based onDC Comics superheroesthe Flash andAquaman.[67] Both Wonder Woman and Aquaman were still under consideration for solo film subjects as of June 2013.[68] DC Entertainment presidentDiane Nelson said Wonder Woman "has been, since I started, one of the top three priorities for DC and for Warner Bros. We are still trying right now, but she's tricky."[69] On October 5, 2013, WB chairman and CEOKevin Tsujihara said he wanted to get Wonder Woman in a film or on TV.[70] Shortly afterward,Paul Feig said he hadpitched the studio an idea forWonder Woman as an action-comedy film.[71][72] The studio then began to search for female directors to direct the film.[73] WhileMichelle MacLaren was the studio's initial choice to direct standalone film, and while she initially indicated interest,[74][75][76] she eventually left the project due to creative differences.[77]
In 2015,Patty Jenkins accepted an offer to directWonder Woman,[78] based on a screenplay by Allan Heinberg and a story co-written by Heinberg and Zack Snyder and Jason Fuchs.[79] Screenwriter Allan Heinberg's work had to be finished and rewritten by Jenkins andGeoff Johns after he had left to work on a TV show. Producer Charles Roven said that the duo had done "a tremendous amount of collaboration".[80] Johns was initially given screenplay credit by the studio but was left out in the official credits by theWGA.[81] Of this version, Gadot stated that,
for a long time, people didn't know how to approach the story. When Patty and I had our creative conversations about the character, we realized that Diana can still be a normal woman, one with very high values, but still a woman. She can be sensitive. She is smart and independent and emotional. She can be confused. She can lose her confidence. She can have confidence. She is everything. She has a human heart.[82]
This version of Wonder Woman acts as the character'sorigin story and serves as aspin-off, marking the fourth installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).[83][84] The character made her theatrical debut in the 2016 film,Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, placing Wonder Woman in the 1910s and World War I—a departure from hercomic book origins, where she supported theAllies duringWorld War II.[85] Director Jenkins drew inspiration fromWilliam Moulton Marston's 1940s stories andGeorge Perez's 1980s in which he modernized the character.[86] The film also incorporates elements from DC Comics'origin changes inThe New 52 reboot, where Diana is the daughter ofZeus.[8][87] Jenkins citedRichard Donner'sSuperman (1978) as a significant influence on the film's tone and storytelling.[88] Jenkins noted that she faced pushback from the studio regarding her decision to make Wonder Woman vulnerable, as some questioned portraying the character with flaws rather than as purely strong or perfect. Jenkins emphasized that creating a relatable, multifaceted character was essential, citingTheHunger Games as a significant step in changing perceptions of female leads.[89] Gadot said that the movie is a "coming-of-age story, it's about her become an adult, really. From a child to an adult, and understanding the complexities of life."[90]
I remember when I read in the news that Wonder Woman had been cast and my heart sank ... I'm sure we wouldn't have made the same choice. And then I started paying attention to her and watching her and looking at her and it was just unbelievable. Frankly, I think they did a better job than I could have because I don't know that I would have scoured the earth as hard to find her ... They were looking for all the same things I would have looked for—all the values that Wonder Woman stands for exuding from someone in an honest way and boy did they find it ... She shares every quality with Wonder Woman and that's no joke. It's one of those rare things. You need someone who can appear to be Wonder Woman on screen ... Every once in a while, there's superhero casting that transcends, because that person is so authentic to the character that it becomes identified with them, likeLynda Carter orChristopher Reeve.
– DirectorPatty Jenkins[91] in response to the interview questions:"Let's talk a bit about Gal. You inherited her from Zack Snyder. Was it difficult to not get to choose your own Wonder Woman?" and"What is it about Gal that makes her such a good fit?"
In late 2013,Zack Snyder castGal Gadot in the role of Wonder Woman for the 2016 film,Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice overÉlodie Yung andOlga Kurylenko,[92][93][94][95]Jaimie Alexander was also considered but declined due to her contract withMarvel.[96] Gadot had previously been offered the role of theFaora-Ul inMan of Steel (2013) but turned it down due to her pregnancy.[97] Gadot later signed a three-picture deal and received a base salary of $300,000 for the film itself.[98] Some criticized the casting, arguing that Gadot'sIsraeli background should have disqualified her from playing the role, which is often seen as an American symbol of freedom.[99] Others said she was too thin to portray the character, who traditionally is depicted asbusty andmuscular.[99][100] Gadot dismissed the backlash,[100] explaining she trained extensively to build muscle and move beyond herFast & Furious image. She took lessons inswordsmanship,Kung Fu,kickboxing,capoeira, andBrazilian jiu-jitsu, gaining 17 pounds. She said, "I trained six hours a day for six months—gym, fight choreography, and horseback riding. It was more intense than the army."[99][101]
Snyder later commented on his decision to cast Gadot, stating that he tested a "bunch of actresses, as you can imagine. But the thing with Gal is that she's strong, she's beautiful and she's a kind person, which is interesting, but fierce at the same time. It's that combination of being fierce but kind at the same time that we were looking for.[102]Connie Nielsen was cast asHippolyta afterCharlize Theron turned down the role.[103] Nielsen recalled that Snyder pushed Jenkins to meet with her, despite Jenkins initially thinking she was too tough for the part. Nielsen flew to London just beforeChristmas and met Jenkins for lunch, where they quickly bonded, leading to her casting.[28] Nielsen went through a workout regimen for the film, saying "I did six hours a day. You know, two hours ofweight training, two hours of swords training and then two hours ofhorseback riding".[28]Robin Wright was cast asAntiope. Wright said training for the film included riding, weights, martial arts, and eating 2,000–3,000 calories a day.[104]
Chris Pine was cast asSteve Trevor,[13][105] and signed a multi-picture deal.[13] Pine initially had no interest in playing the role, feeling that it was "second fiddle." However, after speaking with director Jenkins, his perspective changed. Pine recalled, "I had no interest in playing the boyfriend, and it sounded like second fiddle... Then, in talking to Patty, the way she described it was, 'Forget the superhero of it all, this is a romance, this isCasablanca, that's the movie I want to make.' I was like, 'Oh, now that is very cool because when have you seen a superhero film that was a love story, ultimately? That had nothing to do with blowing shit up."[106] Pine worked out for the film and said, "I got in great shape," but joked, "I was wearing about 75 pounds of clothes. I made a mistake—getting in shape only to have it covered up."[107]
Eugene Brave Rock was cast as Chief,blackfoot, he recalled thay he "had no idea it was forWonder Woman. I lost it when I showed up and I couldn't remember my lines. I didn't take it literally until a month later, I got a call saying I got the role and they wanted me to fly to London for a fitting."[108] Other cast members include,Lucy Davis's performance asEtta Candy is the first live-action cinematic portrayal of the character.[109] As well,Elena Anaya's performance asDoctor Poison is the cinematic debut of that character.Nicole Kidman was in negotiations for the role of Queen Hippolyta, but was forced to drop out due to scheduling conflicts withBig Little Lies.[110][111]
Gadot described Diana as having "the heart of a human so she can be emotional, she's curious, she's compassionate, she loves people. And then she has the powers of a goddess. She's all for good, she fights for good."[82] She also said that Diana has "many strengths and powers, but at the end of the day she's a woman with a lot ofemotional intelligence".[112] As to how her character is different from her appearance inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Gadot said "We go back 100 years to when she's more naive", further explaining, "She's this young idealist. She's pure. Very different to the experienced, super-confident, grown-up woman you've seen".[113]
Pine noted that, "When I first read the script, it had elements ofRomancing the Stone, kind of a very classic fish out of water. Two people that don't really bond well at first and they're butting heads and just fun, witty banter".[15] Wright noted that the film's message was "not just female empowerment; it's about love and justice. That's what the film is about. And what a great message to spread to our little ones."[114]Danny Huston who is playingErich Ludendorff, stated the film as ananti-war film.[21] On the genre of the film, Huston said "It'sGreek mythology. It's theorigin of story."[21]
Brave Rock raised several concerns with Jenkins over the representation of his character in the film, particularly that he was not comfortable playing into stereotypes and that he was not keen on his character being simply known as "Chief". Jenkins responded by giving him some extra creative control over his character, which Brave Rock said was "unprecedented".[115]
Wonder Woman features a reimagined costume byLindy Hemming, building uponMichael Wilkinson's original design fromBatman v Superman.[116] The updated suit retains key elements of Wonder Woman's classic look while modernizing it for practicality.[117] Hemming's design emphasizes strength and functionality, inspired by ancient Greek andRoman armor.[118] It includes leather skirts modeled afterpteruges worn byHoplite soldiers andgilded breastplates reflecting Amazonian warrior culture.[117] Hemming aimed to create empowering armor without veering into sexualization. She drew inspiration from sportswear, focusing on durability and flexibility to support the film's action sequences.[116] Collaborating with Whitaker Malem, she used body scanning technology to tailor the suit to Gadot's exact measurements. Whitaker recalls, "We built around 160 costumes in total," highlighting the meticulous attention to detail that conveyed Diana's evolution from a princess on Themyscira to a warrior hero.[117]
Jenkins envisioned their battle wear as distinct from traditional male armor, Jenkins explained "to me, they shouldn't be dressed in armor like men, it should be different—authentic, real, and appealing to women." Together, Jenkins and Hemming crafted a look that showcased the Amazons' physical strength, with outfits highlighting their toned shoulders and legs. The designs balanced practicality with comic book tropes, including wrist braces and, notably, high heels. Jenkins defends the latter, calling it "total wish-fulfillment," She adds, "The warriors have flats for heavy fighting, but I, as a woman, want Wonder Woman to be hot as hell, fight badass, and look great at the same time—the same way men want Superman to have huge pecs and an impractically big body. That makes them feel like the hero they want to be. And my hero, in my head, has really long legs."[17]
On March 20, 2016, filming was underway in Italy. In late April, filming took place at theLouvre Museum inParis, France, where aWayne Enterprises truck was spotted alongside Gadot.[133] Principal photography finished on May 9, 2016.[134] Jenkins and director of photography Matt Jensen said that the film's look was inspired by painterJohn Singer Sargent.[135] Jenkins said she shot the movie on film instead of digital video "because there's a certain type of epic grander escapism that film gives you that you cannot – you will struggle very hard – to get that on video".[136] Reshoots took place in November 2016, while Gadot was five months pregnant. Agreen cloth was placed over her stomach to edit out her pregnancy during post-production.[137]
To find the perfect location to shoot the Amazon island of Themyscira, the birthplace of Wonder Woman herself, the film's producers searched all over the world, finally settling on theCilentan Coast: a stretch of coastline on theTyrrhenian Sea, located in theProvince of Salerno in Southern Italy.[138] It was chosen because most beaches in the world that sit below big cliffs disappear beneath the tide for part of every day. Production designerAline Bonetto and her location manager Charles Somers considered 47 countries and visited several of them before they found what they were looking for. Bonetto explained that, "Italy had beautiful weather, a beautiful blue-green sea, not too much tide, not too much wave. Our effects team added some cliffs in post-production and it was the perfect way to go".[139] The estuary atLower Halstow inKent is featured in the scene in which Diana arrives at a Belgian creek to make her way to the warfront.[140]Bill Westenhofer served as the visual effects supervisor for the film[141] andMartin Walsh served as editor.[128]
Jenkins wanted to make a "classic, Richard Donner-style superhero movie— a tentpole of yesteryear" film.[142] The visual design of the film emphasized vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, marking a departure from the darker tones of previous DC Extended Universe films likeMan of Steel andBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Jenkins and cinematographer Matthew Jensen drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including a photograph of singer-songwriterJames Blunt with colored smoke in the background. Jenkins described the image as representing the "colored-smoke thing" she wanted to explore.[143]
The film's diverse color palette played a key role in its storytelling. Themyscira, Wonder Woman's utopian homeland, was depicted with azure skies, verdant fields, and clear waters, symbolizing a paradise untouched by war. In contrast, London was designed with grays, blues, and cyans to reflect its industrial, polluted environment, aligning with Diana's line, "It's hideous". However, even in London, Jensen avoided complete desaturation, achieving a balance by filming under overcast winter light to create a soft patina.[143] Jenkins and Jensen deliberately avoided traditional period drama tropes, such as heavy filters, desaturation, andgauzy visuals. Instead, they opted for a sharp, clear look with a full-color spectrum, blending grit with vibrancy to maintain a modern feel.[144] However, historical and artistic references shaped the film's visual identity. Jenkins and Jensen studied the vibrant portraits of Edwardian painterJohn Singer Sargent's vibrant portraits, particularly those from around 1918, to create a period aesthetic without relying on muted tones. Inspiration also came from Wonder Woman comic runs, including the late-1980s work ofGeorge Pérez and the early-2000s art ofCliff Chiang andMatthew Wilson.[143] Jensen further referenced photographers likeInge Morath for vibrant color work and Annie Leibovitz for her natural skin tones against contrasting backgrounds.[144]
The beach battle sequence between Amazons and German soldiers showcased the team's innovative approach to action cinematography. A standout shot involved a custom-built rig resembling a "roller-coaster of pipe and tracks," designed to move the camera from a high vantage point down to ground level while capturing the action in slow motion. Despite challenges with the rig sinking into the sand, the sequence was successfully executed without relying heavily on CGI.[143]
Jenkins's focus on color and individuality extended to the overall production philosophy. Unlike other franchise films that prioritize brand consistency, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. gave Jenkins and Jensen creative freedom, allowing them to craft a distinctive aesthetic that aligned with Wonder Woman's character and origin story. This approach contributed to Wonder Woman being celebrated as a visually unique entry in the DCEU.[143]
On November 3, 2016,Rupert Gregson-Williams was hired to write and compose the film's music.[145][146] He was joined by Evan Jolly, Tom Howe,[147] Paul Mounsey,[148] and Andrew Kawczynski,[149] who provided additional music. The soundtrack was released on CD, digital and vinyl the same day as the film.[150] Australian musicianSia sang a song for the film, titled "To Be Human", featuring English musicianLabrinth. Written byFlorence Welch andRick Nowels, the track is also featured on the soundtrack.[151] The soundtrack also features samples from Wonder Woman's theme "Is She with You" fromthe soundtrack forBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice composed byHans Zimmer andJunkie XL.[citation needed]
The success of the superhero television seriesSupergirl informed the marketing and promotion strategy used forWonder Woman.[153] According toTime Warner chief marketing officer Kristen O'Hara, they wanted to approach theWonder Woman marketing campaign in a light manner, similar to how they did withSupergirl. O'Hara elaborated that the modest campaign route they took forSupergirl aided in establishing a large central fanbase among women well in advance of the series, which reportedly generated 5million female superhero fans in one week.[153] They were then able to model over time and grow that audience leading up to the 15-months-later release ofWonder Woman.[153] Though neither the film nor the series are aimed exclusively at women, the latter's campaign gave them their first opportunity to begin collecting data about female superhero fans.[153] In May 2017, a promo forWonder Woman was released during the season finale ofSupergirl, featuring a remix of the song "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" andSupergirl (Melissa Benoist) wearing Wonder Woman's boots.[154] The promo included an appearance byLynda Carter, star of the 1970sWonder Woman series, who plays the American president onSupergirl.[154]
The costs for television advertisements forWonder Woman were higher in comparison to that of previous DCEU filmSuicide Squad (2016). Warner Bros. has spent over $3 million on advertisements forWonder Woman, whereas they spent $2.6 million on advertisements forSuicide Squad.[155][156] Ticket selling siteFandango reported thatWonder Woman rounded the final leg of its marketing campaign as the most anticipated blockbuster of summer 2017, according to a poll conducted by 10,000 voters, the biggest survey in company history.[157] Separately, Fandango also found that 92% of people surveyed said that they were looking forward to seeing a film that features a standalone woman superhero and 87% wished Hollywood would make more women-led superhero films.[158] In May 2017,NASCAR driverDanica Patrick drove herNo. 10 car with aWonder Woman paint scheme at theGo Bowling 400 inKansas and at theMonster Energy Open inCharlotte.[159]
Wonder Woman had its world premiere on May 25, 2017, atPantages Theatre inHollywood, Los Angeles.[160] The film's London premiere, which was scheduled to take place on May 31 at theOdeon Leicester Square, was canceled due to theManchester Arena bombing.[161] The film had its Latin America premiere inMexico City on May 27. It was released in most of the world, including inIMAX,[162] on June 2, 2017, after originally being scheduled for June 23.[163][164] Belgium, Singapore and South Korea received the film first, with May 31 openings.[165][166][167] On April 17, it was announced thatWonder Woman would be released in China on June 2, the same day as its North American release.[168]
Wonder Woman grossed $412.8 million in the United States and Canada and $411.1 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $824 million, against an estimated production budget of $120–150 million.[6] Estimates for the number the film needed to surpass internationally in order to cover its production and promotional costs andbreak even ranged from $300 million[169] to $460 million.[170]Deadline Hollywood calculated the film's net profit as $252.9 million, accounting for production budgets, marketing, talent participations, and other costs; box office grosses and home media revenues placed it sixth on their list of 2017's "Most Valuable Blockbusters".[171]
In May 2017, early tracking hadWonder Woman opening with $65–75 million and possibly as high as $105 million.[169][172][173][174][175] The film opened Friday, June 2, 2017, across 4,165 theaters and made $38.2 million on its opening day, including $3.7 million in IMAX. It was the biggest single-day gross for a woman-directed film, ahead of the $35.9 million opening Friday ofCatherine Hardwicke'sTwilight in 2008 and the biggest opening day for a woman-led comic book superhero film, ahead ofGhost in the Shell ($7 million).[176] This included $11 million it made from Thursday previews, also the best start for a film directed by a woman, surpassingFifty Shades of Grey's (2015) $8.6 million which was directed bySam Taylor-Johnson and the third-biggest of the year, behindBeauty and the Beast andGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Of that, $1.5 million came from IMAX screenings.[177][178]
Earning a total of $103.3 million on its opening weekend, the film recorded a number of records: the biggest domestic opening of all time for a female director (surpassing previous record holderFifty Shades of Grey), the biggest DC Comics release without Batman or Superman (ahead ofConstantine), the sixth-biggest non-sequel comic book superhero debut ever, as well as the sixth-biggest June debut weekend.[179] Its three-day opening alone made it the highest-grossing woman-led comic book superhero film ever (surpassingGhost in the Shell).[180] It was also the 16th superhero film to cross $100 million in its domestic box office launch.[181] About 9% ($9 million) of the opening weekend came from IMAX screenings from 343 theaters.[182] In its second week, the film grossed $58.5 million, again topping the box office, while also defeatingThe Mummy ($31.7 million).[183] It marked a 43.3% drop for itssecond weekend at the box office, better than the average 50–60% decline superhero films tend to see and was a better second weekend thanBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice ($51.3 million) andSuicide Squad ($43.5 million).[184] In its third weekend it grossed $41.2 million, finishing second behind newcomerCars 3 ($53.5 million). It was the second-best third weekend ever for Warner Bros. and was nearly double whatBatman v Superman ($23.3 million),Suicide Squad ($20.9 million) andMan of Steel ($20.7 million) made in their third weekends. It earned $24.9 million and $15.7 million in its fourth and fifth weekends, respectively, dropping just 39% and 36% despite facing rough competition from opening filmsTransformers: The Last Knight andDespicable Me 3.[185] It eventually became the highest-grossing film directed by a woman, surpassing the previous records ofJennifer Yuh Nelson'sKung Fu Panda 2 andPhyllida Lloyd'sMamma Mia!, while also holding the record worldwide untilHi, Mom surpassed it in[186][187]> followed byBarbie in 2023.[188] By August 8, the film had garnered $400 million in ticket sales, becoming the second female-fueled film (after Disney'sBeauty and the Beast), Warner Bros.' third-biggest movie (afterChristopher Nolan'sThe Dark Knight andThe Dark Knight Rises), holding the record of the highest-earning superhero origin film, replacing the previous record held bySpider-Man (2002).[189] It also became the highest-earning film with a female director in terms of domestic earnings—surpassingFrozen (2013).[190][191][192]
Beyond the US and Canada, the film was released day-and-date with its North American debut in 55 markets (72% of its total release) and was projected to debut with anywhere between $92–118 million.[169] It ended up opening to $125 million, including $38 million in China, $8.5 million in Korea, $8.4 million in Mexico, $8.3 million in Brazil and $7.5 million in the UK.[193] In its second week of release, the film brought in another $60 million, including holding the top spot on France, the UK, Australia and Brazil.[194] In the Philippines, it broke 2017 box office record for highest-earning non-holiday opening day—earning $4.7 million and becoming the9th-most successful commercial film of all time as well overtaking the record set byBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.[195][196][197] The film opened in its last market, Japan, on August 25 and debuted to $3.4 million, helping the international gross cross the $400 million mark.[198] The biggest markets of Wonder Woman outside North America are China (US$90million) followed by Brazil (US$34million), UK (US$28million), Australia ($23million) and Mexico ($22million).[199]
Wonder Woman was released on Digital HD on August 29, 2017, and on Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray and DVD on September 19, 2017.[200] The film debuted at the top spot of both the NPD VideoScan overall disc sales chart and the Blu-ray Disc sales chart.[201]Wonder Woman's home video sales earned a revenue of $98.7 million with 3.9 million copies sold, making it the fourth best-selling title of 2017.[202]
Wonder Woman received a highly positive response from critics, with some calling it the DC Extended Universe's best film, praising Jenkins's direction and the acting, chemistry between Gadot and Pine, musical score and action sequences.[206][207] On the review aggregatorRotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 93% based on 480 reviews, with an average rating of 7.7/10. The site's consensus states: "Thrilling, earnest, and buoyed by Gal Gadot's charismatic performance,Wonder Woman succeeds in spectacular fashion."[208] It is the eighth best reviewed live-action superhero film on Rotten Tomatoes and the highest rated live-action DCEU film.[209][b] OnMetacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 76 out of 100, based on 50 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[210] Audiences polled byCinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale, whilePostTrak reported filmgoers gave it an 85% overall positive score and a 73% "definite recommend".[211]
Critics praisedWonder Woman as the best DC film sinceThe Dark Knight.[212][213][214][83] Scott Mendelson ofForbes called it "the best female-centric comic book movie," far surpassing films likeCatwoman (2004) andElektra (2005), though he noted it has flaws and doesn't match the 2009 animated filmWonder Woman.[212]Chris Nashawaty applauded the film's "smart, slick, and satisfying" tone, while emphasizing the irony that a female hero and director set new standards in a male-dominated genre.[213] Kelly Lawler ofUSA Today celebrated its feel-good tone, making it a refreshing contrast to the darker superhero films from both DC and Marvel.[214]
Critics commented favorably on Gadot's performance of the titular character and Chris Pine's Steve Trevor.[205][215][216] Andrew Barker ofVariety found the film to be more lighthearted than recent DC Comics films:
Never prone to stewing in solitude and taking more notes fromRichard Donner than fromChristopher Nolan, Patty Jenkins'Wonder Woman provides a welcome respite from DC's house style of grim darkness—boisterous, earnest, sometimes sloppy, yet consistently entertaining—with star Gal Gadot proving an inspired choice for this avatar of truth, justice and the Amazonian way.[217]
Vox stated "Trevor is the superhero girlfriend comic book movies need".[218] TheSan Francisco Chronicle'sMick LaSalle lauded the performances of Gadot, Pine, Huston and Thewlis while commending the film's "different perspective" and humor.[219]Richard Roeper ofChicago Sun-Times described Gadot's performance as inspirational, heroic, heartfelt and endearing and the most "real" Wonder Woman portrayal.[220]
A. O. Scott ofThe New York Times wrote that it "briskly shakes off blockbuster branding imperatives and allows itself to be something relatively rare in the modern superhero cosmos. It feels less like yet another installment in an endless sequence of apocalyptic merchandising opportunities than like ... what's the word I'm looking for? A movie. A pretty good one, too."[221]Michael Phillips ofChicago Tribune compared the film toCaptain America: The First Avenger (2011), noting that as with "the firstCaptain America movie over in the Marvel Comics universe, DC'sWonder Woman offers the pleasures of period re-creation for a popular audience. Jenkins and her design team make 1918-era London; war-torn Belgium; the Ottoman Empire; and other locales look freshly realized, with a strong point of view. There are scenes here of dispossessed war refugees, witnessed by an astonished and heartbroken Diana, that carry unusual gravity for a comic book adaptation."[222] Katie Erbland ofIndieWire commended its thematic depth, explaining that "Wonder Woman is a war movie. Patty Jenkins' first—and we hope not last—entry into the DC Expanded Universe is primarily set during World War I, but while the feature doesn't balk at war-time violence, it's the internal battles of its compelling heroine that are most vital."[223]Alonso Duralde ofTheWrap similarly felt that, "Diana's scenes of action are thrilling precisely because they're meant to stop war, not to foment it; the idea of a demi-god using love to fight war might sound goofy in the abstract, but Jenkins makes the concept work."[224] Ann Hornaday ofThe Washington Post praised Gadot's and Pine's performances as well the film's detailed plot and narrative while comparing some of the slow-motion action sequences toThe Matrix.[225]Stephanie Zacharek ofTime magazine hailed the film as a "cut above nearly all the superhero movies that have been trotted out over the past few summers" while praising Gadot's performance as "charming" and "marvelous" and commending Jenkins's direction of the film as a step forward for women directors in directing big-budget blockbuster films in Hollywood.[226]
Elise Jost ofMoviepilot observed that "Gadot's take on Wonder Woman is one of those unique cases of an actor merging with their story, similar toRobert Downey Jr.'sTony Stark. Gal Gadot is Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman is Gal Gadot."[205] Jost praised Gadot's interpretation of Wonder Woman as the one in which Gadot "absolutely nails the character's unwaveringly positive outlook on life. She's a force of nature who believes in the greater good; her conviction that she's meant to save the world is stronger than her bullet-deflecting shield. She's genuine, she's fun, she's the warm source of energy at the heart of the movie."[205] OnHuffPost, cultural critic G. Roger Denson highlighted the "No Man's Land" sequence, calling it "one of the most powerfully mythopoetic scenes ever filmed," and that it raises "the esteem for powerful yet compassionate women as heroes and leaders to a level equal with that of men for having won over a huge and adoring popular audience around the world."[227]
Steve Rose inThe Guardian criticized the film for failing to explore the material's potential for "patriarchy-upending subversion".[228]Peter Travers ofRolling Stone criticized the film's over-reliance on exposition: "Wonder Woman is hobbled by a slogging origin story and action that only comes in fits and starts. Just when Gadot and director Patty Jenkins...are ready to kick ass, we get backstory."[229]
Rachel Becker ofThe Verge stated that despite the scientific liberties of using a "hydrogen-based" chemical weapon as a plot device, the film succeeds in evoking real and horrifying history. "First off, mustard gas is such a horrible, terrifying weapon, it doesn't need to be made more potent. But if you were a chemist bent on raining destruction on the Allied forces, you wouldn't do it by replacing the sulfur atom inmustard gas with a hydrogen atom. You'd know that sulfur is the linchpin holding together this poisonous molecule."[230]
One criticism was directed towards aspects of the final act, with the reveal of Ares and the climactic fight. Patty Jenkins later admitted when promotingWonder Woman 1984 (2020) that it was studio mandated, with her commenting "that was the only thing that the studio forced my hand on … it was supposed to be like, that he never turns into Ares. The whole point of the movie is that you get there to the big monster, and he's just standing there looking at you saying, I didn't do anything. And then the studio kept saying, we'll let you do that, and then we'll see. And then I could feel it creeping up, and then at the last minute, they were like, you know what? We want Ares to show up. And I was like, we don't have time to do that now. Nope, you gotta do it!"[231][232]
Wonder Woman, according to theBBC had "some thinking it's too feminist and others thinking it's not feminist enough".[233] Kyle Killian found an inherent contradiction in the construction of Wonder Woman as "a warrior" who, she states, is highly sexualized. Killian suggests these elements "should not be the focus of a kickass heroine—her beauty, bone structure and sexiness—if she is to be a feminist icon".[234] Theresa Harold concurred, comparing Wonder Woman toKatniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games), who "didn't have to wear a teenager's wet dream of a costume to fight in".[235] Christina Cauterucci felt Wonder Woman's ability to be considered a "feminist antidote" was undermined by her "sex appeal".[236] Other critics refer to the construction of Wonder Woman in the film as "an implausiblepost-feminist hero".[237][238]
Jenkins disagrees with this; she was raised by asecond-wave "feminist mother",[239][240] who taught her to be "both super aware that there had been sexism but also: 'Congratulations—thank you, now I get to do whatever I want, Mom!'"[239] Jenkins notes it is this upbringing which led her to question a feminist critique of Wonder Woman's costume.[241] When she was working on her own version of Wonder Woman's "Gladiator" re-design of the outfit[242] Jenkins decided Wonder Woman "shouldn't be dressed in armor like men...It should be different...I, as a woman, want Wonder Woman to be hot as hell, fight badass and look great at the same time—the same way men wantSuperman to have huge pecs and an impractically big body."[17] Jenkins notes she is "frustrated" by the critique of Wonder Woman's appearance, stating "when people get super critical about her outfit, who's the one getting crazy about what a woman wears? That's who she is; that's Wonder Woman."[240]Gal Gadot agreed arguing the character "is a feminist"[243] as "feminism is about equality and choice and freedom. And the writers, Patty and myself all figured that the best way to show that is to show Diana as having no awareness of social roles. She has no gender boundaries. To her, everyone is equal."[244]
Critic Valerie Frankel supported Jenkins's vision. Frankel argues the film subverts themale gaze,[241] stating the construction of Wonder Woman shifts every few decades as it reflects the state of feminism, includingthird-wave feminism.[241][245][246] Zoe Williams offers a similar argument, stating that while Wonder Woman "is sort of naked a lot of the time," that is not, "objectification so much as a cultural reset: having thighs, actual thighs you can kick things with, not thighs that look like arms, is a feminist act".[247] Williams then juxtaposes Wonder Woman with past female action heroesSarah Connor,Ellen Ripley andLara Croft, whom she suggests were all constructed for themale gaze, in which a "female warrior becomes a sex object".[247]
Gloria Steinem liked the film, stating she felt it made the "Amazon origin story clear; [Wonder Woman] was stopping war, not perpetuating it." Steinem said she knew "some women were disappointed by all the makeup, but I may be desperate—I was just happy that the Amazons had wild hair!" Her only complaint lay in the choice to eliminate the World War II setting, as the Wonder Woman comic book developed in response to existing comics that were "so sadistic and racist that there was a congressional hearing on the subject".[248] Steinem gaveHillary Clinton the firstWonder Woman Award in 2017 during theWomen's Media Center's "Speaking Truth to Power Awards". Clinton noted she had seen the film and "loved the outfit". She said that as her granddaughter was "really keen" on Wonder Woman, Clinton "thought maybe I could borrow something from her for the night. It didn't quite work for me, but I will say that this award means a lot to me because as a little girl and then as a young woman and then as a slightly older woman, I always wondered when Wonder Woman would have her time and now that has happened."[249] Clinton in a public 2017 message, stated "it was just as inspirational as I'd suspected a movie about a strong, powerful woman in a fight to save the world from international disaster would be."[250][251][252]
DirectorJames Cameron critiqued the representation of female power in the film. In a 2017 interview, Cameron qualifies Jenkins's vision of Wonder Woman as "an objectified icon" and called the film "a step backwards". In contrast, he states, his character Sarah Connor "was not a beauty icon. She was strong...troubled...a terrible mother and...earned the respect of the audience through pure grit."[253] Jenkins responded that Cameron's "inability to understand what 'Wonder Woman' is, or stands for, to women all over the world is unsurprising as, though he is a great filmmaker, he is not a woman". She argued "there is no right and wrong kind of powerful woman" because "if women have to always be hard, tough and troubled to be strong and we aren't free to be multidimensional or celebrate an icon of women everywhere because she is attractive and loving, then we haven't come very far, have we?"[254][255] Reaction to this debate was mixed. Julie Miller sided with Cameron, whom she states refers to himself as "a pretty hardcore feminist" and who toldVulture that "I have no problem writing a script in which the males become subservient to the females, which is what happens inAliens ... It's up toRipley to win the day." In contrast, Miller argues that Jenkins envisioned Wonder Woman as "a woman who exuded both femininity and strength, along with genuine confusion as to why men would treat women differently than they do other men".[256] Susannah Breslin agreed with Cameron, describing Jenkins's Wonder Woman as "a Playmate with a lasso" and "female power with no balls".[257] Others were more critical of Cameron's critique.[258] ANewsweek article suggests that in contrast to his criticism of Jenkins, Cameron's own films include "lot of objectification" and quotes Hollywood celebrities who echoed this view. One came from Jesse McLaren who states "Cameron's just confused there's a female hero whose motivations aren't centered around motherhood."[259] Noah Berlatsky found areas of agreement between Cameron and Jenkins, stating that while Cameron's objection is "an old point that's been made over and over for decades", Jenkins's film is not "solely focused on objectifying Gal Gadot for a male audience".[260]
Cameron reiterated his criticism in an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter. He compared Gadot's representation of the character toRaquel Welch films of the 1960s,[261] and reinforced a comparison withLinda Hamilton's portrayal of Sarah Connor. He argued Connor was "if not ahead of its time, at least a breakthrough in its time" because though she "looked great", she "wasn't treated as a sex object".[261] He stated that he while he "applaud[s] Patty directing the film and Hollywood, uh, 'letting' a woman direct a major action franchise, I didn't think there was anything groundbreaking...I thought it was a good film. Period."[261] Former Wonder Woman actressLynda Carter responded by asking Cameron to "Stop dissing WW." Like Jenkins, she suggests that while Cameron does "not understand the character", she does. She refers to Cameron's critiques as "thuggish jabs at a brilliant director" that are as "ill advised" as the "movie was spot on." Carter states she has the authority to make these observations because she has "embodied this character for more than 40 years".[262][263][264] Jenkins responded to Cameron's comments in an interview withVariety, stating she "was not upset at all", as "everybody is entitled to their own opinion. But if you're going to debate something in a public way, I have to reply that I think it's incorrect."[265] Tricia Ennis was critical of Cameron's statements, arguing that "while he may consider himself a feminist and an ally to women, [he] is not very good at it" as being an ally means using his position of privilege "without silencing the voices of those you're trying to help". She states that it "is not enough to simply call yourself a feminist. It's not even enough to create a strong female character ... You have to bring women to the table. You have to let them speak. You cannot speak for them. But speaking for women is exactly what Cameron is doing through his comments ... Cameron is using his position of power as a respected producer and director to silence women."[266]
In Tel Aviv, aWonder Woman poster featuring Gal Gadot with the Hebrew phrase "We love you!" in the upper left corner.[267]
The release of the film sparked discussions about theracial identity of Jews, particularly whether Gal Gadot should be considered awoman of color due to her Jewish and Israeli heritage, as well as broader conversations surrounding race in the United States.[268]Comicbook.com argued that, despite Gadot's white appearance, she should be categorized as Israeli rather than Caucasian.[269] Similarly,The Forward questioned whether Jews should be considered "white," exploring the nuances of Jewish identity.[270]
Mark Tseng-Putterman, an Asian American and Jewish writer, critiqued the oversimplification of categorizing Jews aspeople of color. He pointed out that Jews in the U.S. were historically classified as white, benefiting from associated privileges despite facing discrimination. Tseng-Putterman suggested that race, as it applies to Jews, is fluid and complex.[268]The Atlantic, examined how Jewish identity has evolved in the U.S., noting thatAshkenazi Jews were gradually assimilated into broader racial structures over time.[271] The cultural differences between American andIsraeli Jews was also highlighted. Dan Lainer-Vos, asociology professor atUniversity of California in Los Angeles, who is Israeli, explained thatAmerican Jews fit into U.S. society easily and don't see themselves as different, while Israeli Jews, influenced by mandatory military service, are seen as tougher or more "macho." He added that Israeli women are often viewed as "exotic" and admired for their strength.[268]
The film resonated deeply with Jewish and Israeli audiences. According toTimes of Israel, Gadot's portrayal of the superhero carries special significance, symbolizing a strong, empowered woman. The film's storyline reflects values liketikkun olam (repairing the world), as Wonder Woman seeks peace and battles the God of War, Ares. For Israeli audiences, there was an added sense of pride in seeing a Jewish woman lead such a prominent international film. Gadot's role reflected her cultural heritage, making Wonder Woman a celebration of Israeli identity, while also highlighting the empowerment of women in Hollywood.[272][267]
Jewish communities praised the film. Danielle Berrin ofThe Jewish Journal noted that Wonder Woman's origins in battling Nazis during World War II lent her character symbolic importance for Jewish audiences, aligning with a narrative of resistance and empowerment.[273] Emily Shire, politics editor atBustle, highlighted how Gadot's portrayal of Wonder Woman challenged longstanding stereotypes of Jewish women, who were often relegated to secondary or unattractive roles in film. Gadot's Wonder Woman, by contrast, presented a powerful and visually striking image of Jewish femininity, offering a new, empowering archetype for Jewish women in Hollywood.[268]
However, the film also ignited debates aboutintersectionality, particularly surrounding Gadot's outspoken support for Israel.Yair Rosenberg, senior writer atTablet Magazine, examined how Gadot's portrayal became a focal point for broader political debates regarding Israeli identity. Rosenberg noted how some viewers projected their political stances on Israel onto the film, turning it into a platform for discussing the complex intersections of identity, politics, and representation.[274] Deborah Lauter, senior vice president of policy and programs at theAnti-Defamation League (ADL), commented on the politicization of the film, in light of Israel'sSix-Day War anniversary. Lauter pointed out that the film's connection to Israel emerged at a particularly sensitive time, amplifying tensions between cultural representation and political ideologies.[268] The film's release also sparked debates about reconciling feminist values with Gadot's support for Israel. Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour argued that feminists could not support both Israel and Palestinian rights, causing a rift in feminist circles. Amal Matan, a writer forNerdyPOC, explored the tension within the Wonder Woman fan community, where some fans struggled to support Gadot due to her stance on Israel, highlighting the complexities of intersectionality in cultural representation and political beliefs.[268] Annika Hernroth-Rothstein, writing forIsrael Hayom, highlighted how Wonder Woman is a feminist masterpiece, portraying a strong, independent woman who challenges traditional female stereotypes. Rothstein explored how Israeli women, empowered by mandatory military service, are treated equally and encouraged to grow, contrasting this with societies where women face oppression. She argued that the film is powerful not because Gadot is Israeli, but because it symbolizes Israel's strength and potential.[275]
Gadot initially signed a contract for three DC Extended Universe (DCEU) films, includingWonder Woman, later extending it to include appearances in further DCEU projects.[320] Patty Jenkins initially signed on for only one film,[321] but began working on a sequel withGeoff Johns, who revealed they had a "cool idea for the second one."[322] At the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con, Warner Bros. officially announced a sequel, initially titledWonder Woman 2,[323] set for release on December 13, 2019, later moved to November 1, 2019.[324][325] Jenkins officially returned as director in September 2017, with Gal Gadot reprising her role, andDavid Callaham joined to co-write the script with Jenkins and Johns.[326][327]
In March 2018,Kristen Wiig was confirmed to playCheetah, the villain of the film.[328] That same month, it was announced thatPedro Pascal would have a key role in the film.[329] By May 2018, long-time DCEU producer Zack Snyder confirmed on social media platformVero that he, along with his wife Deborah Snyder, would serve as producers on theWonder Woman sequel.[330] In June 2018, the title of the film was announced to beWonder Woman 1984.[331] The film's release was delayed several times, including owing to theCOVID-19 pandemic,[332] and was not released until December 25, 2020.[333]
FollowingWonder Woman 1984, plans forWonder Woman 3 were canceled during a restructuring of theDC Universe (DCU) under new co-CEOsJames Gunn andPeter Safran. Although Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot were expected to return, the project was scrapped as the DCU shifted direction. Jenkins later confirmed her departure in December 2022, citing creative differences, with Gunn and Safran's reboot ending Gadot's iteration of the character.[334][335]
On May 31,Wonder Woman was banned inLebanon after the Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel asked the Lebanese government's Ministry of Economy and Trade to block the film because its star, Gal Gadot, is a formerIsrael Defense Forces soldier.[336][337] The Lebanese government did not ban Gadot'sFast & Furious films which did screen in Lebanon.[338][339] On June 6,Variety reported thatAlgiers, the capital ofAlgeria, pulled the film from the "Nuits du Cinéma" film festival.[340] On June 7,Variety also reported that aTunisian court suspended the theatrical release ofWonder Woman after a lawsuit brought by theAl-Chaab party and the Tunisian Association of Young Lawyers to have the film blocked due to Gadot's military service and public comments she made in support of the Israeli military during the2014 Israel–Gaza conflict between her nativeIsrael and thePalestinian enclave of theGaza Strip.[341][342]Jordan was reportedly also considering a ban of the film and suspended screenings pending a decision,[343] but on June 11, it was reported that the government decided not to do so, as there was no legal precedent for it.[344] On June 30,Qatar issued a ban on the film.[345]
Women-only screenings were held at theAlamo Drafthouse Cinema inAustin, Texas. Opponents of the gender-restricted screening stated onFacebook that such screenings were discriminatory against men.[346][347][348] AnAlbany Law School professor initiated a complaint with Austin'sEqual Employment and Fair Housing Office claiming discrimination against male prospective customers and employees of the theater.[349] The chain responded with an online statement saying the event "may have created confusion—we want everybody to see this film" and announced a similar event at their Brooklyn location. Tickets sold out in less than an hour, prompting the chain to schedule additional screenings.[346] On July 18, Alamo Drafthouse proposed settlement offers of aWonder Woman DVD to the complaints, stating "Respondent did not realize that advertising a 'women's only' screening was a violation of discrimination laws."[350]
^Wonder Woman is set first in the DCEU, taking place in 1918, and is framed by present-day scenes set afterBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.[7]
^This is by an adjusted Rotten Tomatoes rating that uses a weightedBayesian based formula for films with at least twenty reviews to account for the differences in the number of ratings.
^Sapienza, Cinzia (March 24, 2016)."Neanche la frana ferma Wonder Woman, al via le riprese a Camerota" [Not even the landslide stops Wonder Woman, starts filming in Camerota].InfoCilento.it (in Italian). Agropoli, Italy: Qwerty Publishing House.Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. RetrievedSeptember 13, 2016.
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