How a decades-long development struggle finally birthed the 2017 Wonder Woman blockbuster
In short: Stuck in development hell since 1996, the Wonder Woman film faced years of rejected scripts and shifting directors. When Patty Jenkins finally took the helm, she transformed the project into a record-breaking success, blending ancient mythology with the grim reality of World War I to redefine the modern superhero origin story.
The journey to the screen was arduous, spanning over two decades of uncertainty. Initial development began in 1996 with Ivan Reitman, but the project languished through various iterations involving writers like Joss Whedon, who left in 2007. It was not until 2015 that Patty Jenkins was hired to direct, working from a screenplay by Allan Heinberg. Jenkins made the pivotal decision to shift the setting from the character's traditional World War II comic book roots to the trenches of World War I, aiming to ground the narrative in a period of profound human conflict.
Central to the film's identity was the casting of Gal Gadot, who had previously appeared as Diana in 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Despite facing criticism regarding her physique and heritage, Gadot underwent an intense six-month training regimen, gaining 17 pounds of muscle through martial arts and combat conditioning. Jenkins sought to portray Diana not as an infallible icon, but as a vulnerable, emotionally intelligent character experiencing the world for the first time. This approach was heavily influenced by Richard Donner's 1978 Superman, emphasizing a tone of warmth and genuine curiosity.
The film's production was equally meticulous, with costume designer Lindy Hemming creating armor inspired by ancient Greek and Roman designs, utilizing body scanning to ensure both durability and empowerment. Locations were carefully scouted, with the Cilento Coast in Italy chosen to represent the mythical island of Themyscira. Upon its 2017 release, the film grossed over $824 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film by a solo female director at the time. It was praised for its visuals and cultural impact, ultimately securing a Hugo Award in 2018 and cementing its place as a significant entry in the DC Extended Universe.
Beyond the spectacle, the film explored complex themes of war and human nature. Actors like Danny Huston and Elena Anaya portrayed characters who viewed conflict as a natural state, contrasting with Diana's evolving belief in human goodness. The production also prioritized authenticity, with Eugene Brave Rock, a member of the Kainai Nation, receiving creative control to ensure his character, Chief, was presented with nuance. This collaborative spirit defined the project, turning a long-delayed comic book adaptation into a thoughtful meditation on justice and love.
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