Thanks to Maria Hart for this guest column.
Last time we saw Diana Prince she was in the 21st century battling alongside the Justice League. But what’s next for the amazing Amazonian? Her 2017 solo outing exceeded all expectations and shattered box office records. Now Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins are gearing up to release the follow up to Wonder Woman.
Titled Wonder Woman 1984, it isn’t hard to guess the setting. Here’s what to expect from the iconic heroine, now she’s relocated to the decade that taste forgot…
New looks & retro fashion
The recently-released poster reveals some changes in the wardrobe department. Gone are the downbeat stylings of the First World War. This time the classic outfit has been reimagined as a gold-plated camp costume. Squint and Wonder Woman could be a character from 1980’s Flash Gordon.
And that’s before we even get to the regular fashions of the mid-Eighties. Big hair. Shoulder pads. Brightly-coloured squiggles showing up in odd places. Some big blockbusters are a feast for the eyes. Wonder Woman 1984 may well give us indigestion!
The plot
Jenkins and the DC team have played their cards very close to their chests on this one. Aside from who’s involved, the story of WW 1984 is shrouded in mystery. The sudden shift in time period could mean a radical change in tone for Gadot’s adventures.
What we do know about the Eighties is it was a fraught time, where the US and Russia were at each other’s throats. Notably the two sides nearly nuked each other in 1983. The Cold War didn’t end till 1991, so international intrigue is bound to come into play.
Heroes & Villains
As well as Gadot, Chris Pine is reprising his role as military hero Steve Trevor. Bearing in mind Trevor died in the first movie, this comeback is going to be of huge interest to fans.
However, he might be in for a shock, as reportedly Gadot has a new love interest in WW 1984. Other returning cast include Connie Nielsen (Hippolyta) and Robin Wright (Antiope).
The big bad role of Barbara Minerva/Cheetah will be played by Kristen Wiig. This is arguably the key element, as the casting is unconventional to say the least – Wiig is known mainly for her comedy work. While she’s done dramatic work to great acclaim, her action movie chops have yet to be tested.
Producers are on safer ground with Pedro Pascal, future Mandalorian and veteran of Narcos, who portrays what’s described as a politician. Speculation is rife that he’s actually Maxwell Lord, a crooked businessman and DC mainstay who recently appeared on the small screen in Supergirl (played by Peter Facinelli).
Is it a sequel?
It’s natural to assume WW 1984 is a sequel, but producers don’t really want you thinking that’s the case. How come? Well, the intention is to present a different part of Diana Prince’s life, as opposed to doing a follow on story.
This is kind of confusing, as surely certain things will build on the first film. For example, we doubt Steve Trevor is just popping round for coffee and catch up. And even though Wonder Woman has moved on a few decades to 1984, she’s still the person we left behind in 2017 (alright now I’ve got a headache).
Quite what the problem is with just calling it a sequel is anyone’s guess. Comparisons have been drawn between Wonder Woman and Indiana Jones, which does clarify the situation a little. Temple Of Doom followed Raiders Of The Lost Ark but was a prequel. Even so, the action is chronological so why not call it the second part of Diana’s story? Whichever way you look at it, WW 1984 will be at least moderately entertaining.
Release
Like various movies with billions of dollars riding on them, the release date of WW 1984 has been shifted around a couple of times. Initially announced as Christmas this year, it’s since been changed to next June, a year and a half after shooting wrapped.
DC’s cinematic counterblow to Marvel’s well-oiled movie machine swung and missed at first. In the rush to create a team up franchise the magic was arguably lost. But Wonder Woman was one character who endured. A lot more thought has gone into her 21st century incarnation which, combined with Gadot’s central performance, made her a worldwide sensation.
Could it all come crashing down if WW 1984 fails to lasso audiences? We have a long wait before we can all judge the result.
Bio: Maria Hart is the content marketing manager at Comic Years. She is an enthusiast of the comic book industry, which is why she loves to share her knowledge with all fans of comics, movies, and TV shows. Her passion and love towards the industry are what make her articles stand out and gain the interest of many readers.
Email: maria.harutyunian.c@gmail.com
Great guest-piece! I am excited for this and also wonder how it may impact DC’s overall plan for films.
I think aquaman and Shazam is keeping warner in the superhero biz, unless both joker and Wonder Woman bomb. I really hope WW is good, wish they were not making us wait so long. Thanks for the write up!
Joker will be great, but it has nothing to do with the DCEU group of movies. As far as Wonder Woman, I will tell you they won’t get $50 from me this time around.
Mmmmm…shoulder pads. ? NFL in 4 weeks
Shoot ravens have their first pre-season game a week from yesterday.
Those shoulder pads won’t help the Giants much.
Another year of initial optimism and ultimately disappointment for this life long Detroit Lions fan!!!
Im a lifelong RAIDERS fan, Devildog. I share your sentiments.
JC, What’s up with your Argonauts?
CFL Eh? I have a connection to it believe it or not. My father in law was one of the owners of the Baltimore Stallions CFL team when they played here.
The Who-gonauts? Lol. I dont follow the CFL. I only watch the best, aka the pros. No NCAA or collegiate sports either. However, I think the NFL should incorporate the ‘rouge’ into its scoring rules (although I’m not sure if it would work with the end zone only being 10 yds deep in the NFL. Its 20 yds deep in the CFL).
Go Ravens! Go get ’em Lamar – prove all them wrong! AFC Champs all the way, hopefully claiming their 3rd SB ring this year! Should be an epic AFC showdown with the Pats in the end. That D should records this year. Faster, hungrier, and skilled.
That D should (SET) records this year. Faster, hungrier, and skilled.
The Ravens D will miss Moselys leadership in the middle. I have a deep dispassion for the Ravens ever since Siragusa jumped on Gannon, ultimately hurting him and my RAIDERS’ chances that season. But I now love Siragusas’ sideline commentary and Ray Lewis is the best LB I have ever had the pleasure of watching in my 30 years as a NFL fan.
You’re right, JayClue. Mosely’s leadership is a big loss, no doubt. But his lack of solid coverage won’t be. He got burnt in coverage on the regular. The younger LB’s are faster, or so the word is thus far. He’s a great thumper, and can shut down the run (was it more the defensive then him though?). But he was a huge liability in pass coverage. I was scared that playoff game vs. the Raiders, it was a rough but solid game for a while, but once Shannon Sharpe rumbled for 94 (?) yards on a short pass, I started to feel better. But if Gannon didn’t get hurt, they could have definitely won it. Siragusa is a great analyst, for sure. As a Ravens fan I’m curious, who do you dislike more the Patriots or the Ravens? ‘Cause the Raiders got straight ripped off in that Snow Bowl game in 2001. Tuck Rule…yeah alright. More like FUMBLE!!! Ray was a beast, the Ravens wouldn’t have done anything that Super Bowl year, if he didn’t make the pick against the Oilers/Titans, and shrug off Eddie George like a rag doll; while taking it to the house. One of the illest football moments. The Ravens have had quite the historical defensive cast over the years. Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Hgata ( maybe?), Peter Boulware, Bart Scott, C.J., Rod Woodson, Deion “Prime Time” Sanders. Man, football is coming. Can’t wait!
Hmmm. Who do I dislike more? Ravens or Patsies?….That has honestly made me think deeply. I would have to go with disliking the Patsies more. I enjoy the defensive side of the game more than I enjoy a good offense. So, with the Ravens being the defensive stalwart that they are, I can respect their players. Suggs and Lewis are/were phenomenal players. And yes, we were robbed by that tuck rule. Brady had two hands on the ball when C-Wood blitzed from his LCB position and knocked it out.
The Pats Dynasty started with that Tuck rule call. Gruden is back with the RAIDERS and we are going to end the Pats Dynasty. Make the world whole again. ?
It sure did. That would be spectacular! 🙂 I’d also love to see a Super Pro comic, done as a “What If”, showing how the league would have changed if the Raiders won! That would be sweet.
Id buy that, and start teaching its contents as fact. ?
Me too! No doubt – between that, filming the Rams prior to the SB, and Spygate; there’s to many strange issue surrounding them ( or let’s call a thing a thing ->just straight cheating)! It’s funny, I was going through some of my books, trying to organize them a bit, and happened to see the Super Pro issue with Lawrence Taylor, and the 1st issue w/Spider-Man. So. I’ve had Super Pro on my mind lately. 🙂 Man, I wonder if I could get L.T. to sign his issue, how much it might be worth if I got it graded! The comic hustle doesn’t stop! 🙂
A man after my own heart! I love defense more than offense as well. A well played 6-3 final score with a bunch of defensive stops and turnovers makes me happy. A 48 – 40 score, not so much. C-Wood’s blitz was incredible, and perfectly timed. I thought it was wrap after that. It’s been great talking football with you JayClue!
I have enjoyed our convo as well. If you are not in the CHU forum, go sign up. Im going to start an NFL category, if Im allowed too.
Sorry to the author of this article (great read, fyi) for hijacking the comments with football talk. But you did mention shoulder pads. ?.
You can start a conversation but we’ll likely not start a category for NFL 😉
Thanks Jay! I do need to sign up for the forum and stop slacking (I’ve been meaning to). My bad to the author of this article too, it was very good. Appreciate your thoughts & insight on the upcoming WW movie (thanks and a shoutout to guest columnist Maria Hart, for not getting heated with all the football related comments). I want to wish everyone out here in CHUland a great day!
Correction -> In the immortal words of Bart Scott ” Can’t wait!”. 🙂
I’m in Cleveland. The Browns should be able to give us something to cheer about this year! Watch out, AFC!
Marmi92, your team made major moves this offseason. They should do some damage this year. They always give Baltimore a go, that’s for sure! Can’t sleep on division rivals, ever.
Football aside (although as a long-time Bucs fan I feel your pain), with Patty Jenkins directing and Gal Gadot starring I don’t see how it can be anything but fantastic!