In the 1970s, Wonder Woman graced the small screen in a TV show that, despite its popularity, carried a certain whimsical charm. However, over time, the iconic character seemed to slip away from public consciousness. Fast forward to today, and that’s no longer the case, all thanks to DC’s blockbuster hit – the Wonder Woman movie. This cinematic triumph has not only revitalized the beloved superhero but also propelled her back into the limelight. So, as you soar through the skies in your invisible jet, here are 20 captivating facts about this film, narrating its journey from nostalgic beginnings to its triumphant place in contemporary cinema.
1. The project was in development for an extended period.
The journey to bring Wonder Woman to the big screen started as early as 1996, with Ivan Reitman at the helm of production and potentially directing. Over the years, the project saw various potential directors and producers, including Joss Whedon, who had an opportunity to shape the film. There was also a near-miss with George Miller, who contemplated featuring Wonder Woman in a Justice League movie, marking her debut on the big screen. Despite these numerous attempts, none of these projects came to fruition.
However, the persistence paid off when Patty Jenkins directed the standalone Wonder Woman film, released in 2017. The film was a commercial and critical success, reinvigorating the character and introducing her to a new generation of fans. Gal Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman was widely praised, and the film’s success paved the way for a sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, further expanding the character’s cinematic presence. This goes to show that good things come to those who wait, and in this case, the wait was well worth it for Wonder Woman fans around the world.
2. This implies that numerous names were considered for the role of Diana as well.
Throughout the years, the casting for the role of Wonder Woman saw a variety of potential actresses. Sandra Bullock was one of the earliest names considered for the part. Lucy Lawless, known for her role in “Xena: Warrior Princess”, was also in the running. Kate Beckinsale, famous for her role in the “Underworld” series, was rumored to be a contender. Joss Whedon, who had a stint with the project, had Angelina Jolie in mind for the role. George Miller’s planned Justice League film had even cast Megan Gale as Wonder Woman, but unfortunately, that film never saw the light of day.
However, the search ended when Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress and model, was cast for the role in Zack Snyder’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” in 2016. Her performance was well-received, leading to her reprising the role in the standalone “Wonder Woman” film directed by Patty Jenkins. Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman has since become iconic, defining the character for a new generation of fans.
3. Even the movie that was produced encountered issues.
At last, DC and Warner Brothers took the initiative to greenlight a Wonder Woman movie, adding another gem to their rapidly expanding DC Universe. They initially selected a director for the project, who was none other than Michelle MacLaren. Surprised? Indeed, before Patty Jenkins was brought on board and ultimately directed the film, MacLaren, a seasoned television director, was the first choice. However, due to “creative differences,” she decided to part ways with the project. This change in direction is a common occurrence in the film industry and can often lead to a different creative vision being brought to life. In this case, it paved the way for Patty Jenkins to step in and deliver the Wonder Woman film we know today.
4. Jenkins didn’t have the option to select the actress for the role of Diana.
While Wonder Woman marked the character’s first starring role, it wasn’t her debut on the big screen. Before this, Zack Snyder had already introduced Diana in his film, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. In this movie, the role of Diana was portrayed by Gal Gadot, who was chosen over other contenders such as Olga Kurylenko and Elodie Yung. This casting decision sets the stage for Gadot’s subsequent lead role in Wonder Woman, further solidifying her portrayal of the iconic character in the cinematic universe. This sequence of events highlights the interconnected nature of film franchises and the strategic planning involved in casting decisions.
5. Casting Diana’s mother required several attempts.
Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons and mother to Princess Diana, is a pivotal character in the Wonder Woman narrative. In the film adaptation, Connie Nielsen brilliantly brings this character to life. However, the journey to cast Hippolyta was not straightforward. Initially, several high-profile actresses were considered for the role. Nicole Kidman was one of the top contenders, but due to scheduling conflicts with her project, Big Little Lies, she had to step down. The role was then offered to Charlize Theron, another acclaimed actress. However, Theron decided to pass on the opportunity. After these considerations, the role was finally secured by Connie Nielsen, who successfully embodied the strength and wisdom of Hippolyta. This casting process underscores the complexities and challenges involved in bringing a beloved comic book character to the big screen.
6. The movie received promotional exposure in NASCAR.
Indeed, innovative marketing strategies can often make a significant impact, and the promotion of the Wonder Woman movie was no exception. NASCAR cars, with their high visibility, serve as moving billboards, making them an ideal platform for advertising. In a unique marketing move, a car featuring a Wonder Woman-themed paint scheme was introduced in two NASCAR races in 2017. This not only caught the attention of the audience, but also added a touch of excitement to the races. The driver behind the wheel of this specially designed car was none other than Danica Patrick, one of the most recognized figures in the sport. This strategic marketing approach successfully combined the thrill of racing with the anticipation for the upcoming Wonder Woman movie.
7. The film was banned in various parts of the Middle East.
Several countries in the Middle East, including Qatar and Lebanon, decided against screening the Wonder Woman movie. Tunisia and Jordan also contemplated imposing a ban. Additionally, the film was withdrawn from a film festival in Algeria. Interestingly, these decisions were not influenced by the content of the movie itself. Instead, they were largely driven by the fact that Gal Gadot, the actress who portrayed Wonder Woman, had previously served in the Israeli military. This highlights how external factors and geopolitical considerations can sometimes influence the distribution and screening of films globally.
8. In reality, Themyscira is located in Italy.
Themyscira, the idyllic home of the Amazons, appears to be a paradise on Earth in the movie. Interestingly, the scenes depicting this mythical place were filmed in a real-world location. However, it’s important to note that this location doesn’t represent Themyscira, but rather serves as a stand-in for the cinematic portrayal. The breathtaking scenes of Themyscira were shot along the stunning Amalfi Coast in Italy. So, if you’re captivated by the serene beauty of Themyscira and are planning a vacation, the Amalfi Coast could be an ideal destination to consider. Its picturesque landscapes and charming coastal towns might just make you feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life Themyscira.
9. Jenkins drew inspiration from another film in the DC universe.
Before directing Wonder Woman, Patty Jenkins’ experience in filmmaking was quite different. Her only other feature film before this was ‘Monster’, a narrative far removed from the realm of superheroes. As she ventured into the world of superhero storytelling with Wonder Woman, Jenkins sought inspiration from a classic in the genre – Richard Donner’s Superman. This choice of reference is quite fitting, considering that Superman, like Wonder Woman, is a super-powered being trying to navigate and understand human life. This parallel provided Jenkins with a valuable blueprint for shaping her own superhero narrative, contributing to the unique portrayal of Wonder Woman that we see on screen.
10. Two anticipated cameo appearances didn’t materialize as expected.
Before the advent of the recent DC films, Wonder Woman had made a significant cultural impact through her 1970s television show. In this series, the iconic roles of Diana and Steve Trevor were portrayed by Lynda Carter and Lyle Waggoner, respectively. When directing the new Wonder Woman film, Patty Jenkins had envisioned, including cameo appearances by both Carter and Waggoner as a nod to the show’s legacy. However, due to their busy schedules, this plan did not come to fruition. Interestingly, there is a cameo in the film by none other than Zack Snyder, the director known for his work on other DC movies. This blend of old and new elements serves to connect the various interpretations of Wonder Woman across different media platforms.
