When Wonder Woman 1984 was released in December 2020, it had all the potential to be a blockbuster hit. Following the success of the original Wonder Woman in 2017, fans were eagerly anticipating the next chapter of Diana Prince’s story. However, despite high expectations, the film did not perform as well as anticipated at the box office. Many pointed to Kristen Wiig’s portrayal of the villain Cheetah as a key factor, but there were other significant reasons behind the film's lackluster reception that go beyond her character.
While Wiig's Cheetah was a much-anticipated role, the execution left many fans disappointed. Her transformation into the villain was widely criticized, with some feeling that it was more of a superficial addition than a well-rounded character arc. The CGI effects used for her final form were also noted for looking unconvincing, leading to mixed reactions from both audiences and critics.
However, to attribute the film’s box office struggles solely to the inclusion of Cheetah would be an oversimplification. The film's plot itself was another major point of contention. Set in 1984, Wonder Woman 1984 tried to balance a lighthearted tone with high-stakes drama, but the result was a narrative that felt disjointed and confusing to many viewers. The central storyline, involving the Dreamstone that grants wishes with unforeseen consequences, felt like a forced plot device rather than a natural progression of Diana’s journey. The romantic arc involving Steve Trevor's resurrection also drew criticism, particularly for the lack of consent. Diana’s relationship with Steve was a key element of the story, but the controversial nature of his return—essentially bringing him back in another man’s body—raised ethical concerns that did not sit well with many fans. This plot twist, which seemed to undermine the original emotional weight of Steve's death, left a sour taste for viewers who had grown attached to the heartwarming and respectful bond between the two characters.
The timing of the release also played a significant role in the film's commercial struggle. Premiering in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wonder Woman 1984 was released both in theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously. While this was a bold move to adapt to the changing landscape of film distribution, it also meant that potential ticket sales were impacted. Many fans opted to watch the film from the safety and comfort of their homes, leading to a decline in box office revenue. The decision to make the film available for streaming at the same time as its theatrical release likely contributed to its inability to recapture the full potential of a big-screen release.
Lastly, Wonder Woman 1984 faced tough competition from other films and the overall fatigue of audiences from a year of streaming and home entertainment. After months of being deprived of new releases due to the pandemic, people’s attention was scattered, and expectations for blockbuster films were high but fraught with skepticism due to shifting release strategies and delays.
In conclusion, while Kristen Wiig’s portrayal of Cheetah was one factor in Wonder Woman 1984's performance, it was far from the only reason the film failed to meet box office expectations. The film's lackluster plot, controversial narrative decisions, release strategy, and external factors all combined to leave the DC sequel struggling to find its footing. As the dust settles, it becomes clear that the reasons behind Wonder Woman 1984’s underwhelming success are far more complex than a single character’s arc.
