It’s not surprising to learn that DC Studios is developing a new Wonder Woman film, as the new cinematic universe would want to take advantage of one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. A new take on Diana Prince’s story will also allow James Gunn’s franchise to help correct some of the errors that were made in the DCEU version. The first Wonder Woman film suffered from the same gloomy visuals of the Zack Snyder films, and Wonder Woman 1984 was a tonal disaster that committed to a ridiculous “wishing well” storyline. Nonetheless, Patty Jenkins’ films nailed their depiction of the Amazons and Themyscira, which is something that Gunn’s interpretation will want to replicate.
Themyscira is the remote island nation in which the Amazons reside, as they are relatively secluded from the rest of mankind. Although the depiction of the Amazons and their interactions with real-world events have changed dramatically over the years, they have been an integral part of DC Comics since the 1940s. Focusing on Themyscira and the other Amazon warriors isn’t just important in defining what makes Diana a hero, as it also allows the DCU to introduce more exciting female characters.
The Amazons Are Important to Wonder Woman’s Story
Wonder Woman is one of the few superheroes who would benefit from another origin film, as her story has not been told so many times that the audience knows it by heart. While the destruction of Krypton and the death of Bruce Wayne’s parents have been depicted several times, Jenkins’ film offered just one interpretation of why Diana was of such great importance to the Amazons, and what events drew her to intervene in mankind. It’s clear that Gunn’s universe is very different from the DCEU, as the Green Lanterns and Creature Commandos have already operated in a universe that is familiar with supernatural beings. Showing the Amazons’ reaction to these other factions may allow Gunn’s take on the Wonder Woman story to be more dynamic when compared to previous versions.
Diana’s training was only briefly explored in Wonder Woman, which allows a new version to flesh out the Amazon culture in more detail. Although Wonder Woman quickly shifted its focus away from Themyscira as soon as Gal Gadot’s Diana went off on an adventure with Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), a new film could explore the motivations that the Amazons had for choosing to remain reclusive. Although Robin Wright and Connie Britton gave good performances as Antiope and Hippolyta, respectively, these are characters with a rich history in the comics that could benefit from being given more to do.
Exploring a unique society and culture within a larger franchise is important in helping standalone superhero stories feel exciting to audiences, as they offer something different. The Thor films benefited from their depiction of Asgard and its ancient ways, and the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy showcased further regions of space that have not otherwise been explored in the comic book canon. So far, Peacemaker, Creature Commandos, and the upcoming Superman have all taken place on a familiar version of Earth, and thus, a new Wonder Woman film could succeed in giving new fans a different opportunity to engage with the franchise.
The DCU Needs To Focus on Worldbuilding
The DCU needs a diversification of genres to be an exciting cinematic universe. Superman appears to be inspired by classic sci-fi serials, Clayface seems pitched as a more horror-centric story, Peacemaker is a more light-hearted action-comedy, and the impending Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow looks to be a more robust space opera. The Amazons and Themyscira are strongly connected to high fantasy and would likely allow the DCU to include allusions to mythology. Themyscira also has the benefit of being an ancient civilization, allowing the DCU to build an entire fictional history that makes the universe feel more lived-in.
A focus on the female-fronted Amazon society gives the DCU the opportunity to address feminism in a way inherent to the story, which has long been a hurdle that superhero franchises have faced. There has yet to be a woman hired to direct a DCU film, as while Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is set to introduce Milly Alcock as the titular heroine, it is directed by a man, Craig Gillespie. It’s more than likely that Wonder Woman will interact with other DCU heroes, but a film centered around Themyscira would have to examine the benefits of an entirely female government, military, and culture. By showing the values that Diana learned from her home, the DCU is given the opportunity to identify the virtues she might bring to the rest of the universe. Having a female director tell this story is an absolute necessity.
The DCU does not need to rush to a team-up movie, as the primary issue that the DCEU faced was that it developed films like Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League without a strong foundation in its characters. In order to ensure that the new actress cast as Wonder Woman can be the definitive version of a character that has been beloved for generations, the DCU would be savvy to spend time with her people and culture before inserting her into an alliance with other superheroes.
Wonder Woman is available to stream on Max in the U.S.
