Wonder Woman (2017 film)

Wonder Woman (2017 film)
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Name	Wonder Woman
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	Patty Jenkins
Producer	Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Richard Suckle, Wesley Coller
Screenplay	Allan Heinberg; story by Zack Snyder, Allan Heinberg, Jason Fuchs
Based on	Characters created by William Moulton Marston
Starring	Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Elena Anaya, Lucy Davis, Saïd Taghmaoui, Ewen Bremner, Lisa Loven Kongsli
Music	Rupert Gregson-Williams
Cinematography	Matthew Jensen
Editing	Martin Walsh
Studio	Warner Bros., DC Films, Atlas Entertainment, Cruel and Unusual Films
Distributor	Warner Bros. Pictures
Released	2017
Runtime	141 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$149 million
Gross	$821.8 million

Wonder Woman (2017 film) is a 2017 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston. Directed by Patty Jenkins and produced by Warner Bros. and DC Films, the film stars Gal Gadot as the titular Amazonian warrior, with Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, and Robin Wright in supporting roles. It is the fourth installment in the DC Extended Universe and marks a major milestone as a female-led, female-directed blockbuster.

Plot

Princess Diana of Themyscira trains among the Amazons led by Queen Hippolyta and Antiope as depicted in Greek mythology, preparing for threats linked to the legacy of World War I. Diana's world changes when American pilot Steve Trevor crash-lands near Themyscira, prompting interactions with entities from United Kingdom, France, and Germany as Trevor brings Diana into the conflict with General Ludendorff and Doctor Poison, a scientist aligned with weapons programs influenced by the historical environment of 1910s Europe and the ongoing diplomatic tensions preceding the Treaty of Versailles. Diana adopts the persona of Diana Prince and teams with Steve Trevor, along with allies such as Sameer, Charlie, and Chief Napi, to infiltrate a German command and uncover Ares' influence framed against battlefield engagements reminiscent of the Battle of the Somme and chemical warfare developments. Confrontations culminate at the Western Front where Diana confronts themes of heroism, love, and sacrifice while challenging the ideology behind wartime leadership including parallels to Friedrich Ebert-era sociopolitical turmoil. The narrative resolves with Diana embracing her role among the pantheon established by her origins and entering a modern trajectory linked to agencies like S.T.A.R. Labs as continuity for the DC Extended Universe.

Cast

Gal Gadot portrays Diana Prince / Wonder Woman; Gadot's casting followed performances in productions associated with Fast & Furious franchise entries and modeling work with Vogue. Chris Pine appears as Steve Trevor, a role that references archetypes from Howard Hughes-era aviators and wartime pilots similar to figures in The Lost Battalion. Connie Nielsen plays Queen Hippolyta, while Robin Wright portrays General Antiope; both actors bring experience from films connected to Gladiator and The West Wing respectively. David Thewlis appears as Ares in a role invoking mythic antagonists from sources such as Homer and Hesiod. Elena Anaya embodies Doctor Poison, a scientist role echoing portrayals from wartime bioethics debates linked to Kaiser Wilhelm II-era research. Supporting cast includes Danny Huston, Lucy Davis, Saïd Taghmaoui, Ewen Bremner, and Lisa Loven Kongsli, many of whom have credits in productions associated with studios like Warner Bros. and franchises such as Harry Potter and Trainspotting.

Production

Development began under Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Films after the commercial trajectory established by Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Patty Jenkins joined as director following screenplays from Allan Heinberg and story contributions by Zack Snyder and Jason Fuchs, aligning creative input with producers Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder. Pre-production included choreography influenced by classical sources and stunt coordination referencing combat sequences from films like Captain America: The First Avenger and Mad Max: Fury Road. Principal photography took place across locations in United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain with cinematography by Matthew Jensen and set design drawing on iconography from William Moulton Marston's original comics and artists such as H. G. Peter and George Pérez. Visual effects were produced by multiple vendors with sequences referencing mythological settings akin to depictions in Percy Jackson adaptations and practical effects traditions seen in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Hans Zimmer was initially attached then replaced by Rupert Gregson-Williams for the score; costume design by Lindy Hemming updated classic motifs from All-Star Comics and Sensational Comics.

Release

Warner Bros. premiered the film with marketing coordinated alongside appearances at events such as San Diego Comic-Con and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts screenings. Theatrical release dates spanned international windows including launches in United States, United Kingdom, and European markets during 2017. The home media rollout included digital and physical releases timed with awards season and connected to promotional synergies with other DC Extended Universe titles. Distribution handled by Warner Bros. Pictures targeted both multiplex chains and specialty engagements, while promotional partnerships included tie-ins with publications like Entertainment Weekly and Vanity Fair.

Reception

Critics and audiences widely praised the film for its direction, Gadot's performance, and its tone, with commentary appearing in outlets such as Variety, The New York Times, and The Guardian. The film achieved strong box office results, grossing over $800 million worldwide and outperforming several contemporary releases like Logan in certain markets. It generated discussions within cultural forums regarding representation and gender in blockbuster cinema, drawing analysis from scholars who reference works by Laura Mulvey and activists associated with movements like Time's Up and HeForShe. Some critiques focused on tonal shifts between acts and historical liberties related to depictions of World War I-era geopolitics involving nations such as Germany and France. The film's impact influenced studio decisions on subsequent DC Extended Universe projects and spurred increased investment in female-led tentpoles.

Accolades

The film received multiple nominations and awards from bodies including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Critics' Choice Association, and various critic circles; recognitions emphasized production design, score, and performance categories. Gal Gadot earned nominations from organizations such as the Golden Globe Awards and the People's Choice Awards while Patty Jenkins received accolades acknowledging directing achievements from groups like the Directors Guild of America affiliates and festival juries. The film's commercial and critical success contributed to its inclusion in year-end lists compiled by outlets like Empire (film magazine) and Rolling Stone, and it secured entries in retrospectives on landmark superhero films at institutions comparable to national film archives.

Category:2017 films Category:DC Extended Universe films Category:Films directed by Patty Jenkins