Steve Trevor, portrayed by Chris Pine, died by piloting a German bomber laden with deadly chemical weapons beyond Earth’s atmosphere and detonating it, thus preventing their deployment on a global scale and saving countless lives. His sacrifice was a pivotal moment in Wonder Woman’s (Diana Prince’s) journey, solidifying her belief in humanity and her commitment to fight for good.
The Anatomy of a Sacrifice: Steve Trevor’s Final Act
Steve Trevor’s death is not just a plot point; it’s the emotional core of the 2017 Wonder Woman film. To truly understand it, we need to break down the situation leading to his fateful decision.
The film’s climax sees Diana face Ares, the God of War, who intends to destroy humanity by influencing them towards self-destruction. A key element in Ares’s plan is the production and intended deployment of a new, devastating chemical weapon created by Doctor Poison (Isabel Maru). This weapon, if unleashed, would decimate civilian populations and escalate the already horrific First World War.
Steve Trevor, along with his team, tracks down the bomber intended to carry this weapon. He realizes that the plane is programmed to automatically deploy the payload upon reaching its designated targets, making it impossible to disarm conventionally. The only solution, and a profoundly difficult one, is to intercept the bomber mid-air and take it beyond the Earth’s atmosphere where the explosion wouldn’t harm anyone.
This realization leads to the crucial scene where Steve, after a heartfelt goodbye to Diana, commandeers the bomber. He uses his piloting skills and understanding of aviation technology to override the autopilot. With the bomber hurtling towards the upper atmosphere, Steve detonates the explosives, sacrificing himself to destroy the chemical weapons and thwart Ares’s plan.
The impact of Steve’s sacrifice on Diana is immense. It initially shakes her faith in humanity, as she witnesses firsthand the potential for destruction and cruelty. However, ultimately, it reinforces her commitment to fight for good, reminding her that even amidst darkness, humanity is capable of incredible acts of selflessness and love, embodied by Steve’s final act. His death fuels her resolve to become the beacon of hope and justice that she ultimately becomes.
The Technological and Tactical Considerations
The specifics of the bomber and its payload are crucial to understanding the necessity and impact of Steve’s actions.
The Chemical Weapons: Deadlier than Conventional Warfare
The chemical weapons created by Doctor Poison were significantly more devastating than anything seen on the battlefield at that time. They were designed to kill indiscriminately and cause long-term environmental damage. The potential for these weapons to prolong and intensify the war was catastrophic, making their destruction paramount.
The German Bomber: State-of-the-Art Technology
The bomber itself was a formidable piece of technology, representing the advanced capabilities of the German military during World War I. Its automation and targeting system made it extremely difficult to disable or divert, leaving Steve with only one viable option.
Reaching the Upper Atmosphere: Minimizing Casualties
By taking the bomber beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, Steve ensured that the explosion and the deadly chemicals would not harm any human population. This demonstrates a level of strategic thinking and selflessness that underscores the heroic nature of his sacrifice. The upper atmosphere provides a buffer, dissipating the force of the explosion and neutralizing the chemical agents.
The Emotional Resonance: Steve’s Impact on Diana
Steve’s death is more than just a tactical maneuver; it’s a deeply personal and emotional moment that profoundly impacts Diana’s character arc.
A Catalyst for Diana’s Growth
Witnessing Steve’s selflessness solidifies Diana’s understanding of humanity’s complexities. She learns that while humans are capable of great darkness, they are also capable of extraordinary acts of love and sacrifice. This understanding fuels her commitment to protecting humanity, even when they don’t deserve it.
The Meaning of Love and Loss
Steve’s sacrifice is a testament to the power of love and the pain of loss. The bond between Steve and Diana is quickly formed but deeply felt, and his death leaves a lasting scar on Diana’s heart. This experience shapes her perspective on relationships and her understanding of the human experience.
A Legacy of Heroism
Steve’s actions cement his legacy as a true hero. He represents the best of humanity, showing that even ordinary individuals can make extraordinary sacrifices for the greater good. His memory serves as a constant reminder to Diana of the importance of hope, compassion, and unwavering dedication to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Steve Trevor’s Death
Here are some common questions surrounding Steve Trevor’s death in Wonder Woman:
Q1: Could Steve Trevor have survived the explosion?
No, based on the circumstances depicted in the film, it was impossible for Steve Trevor to survive. The explosion of the bomber, combined with the altitude and the presence of the deadly chemical weapons, ensured his demise. His sacrifice was designed to be a one-way mission.
Q2: Was there any other way to stop the bomber?
Within the narrative of the film, there was no other feasible way to stop the bomber. The bomber’s automated targeting system and the nature of the chemical weapons made conventional methods of disarming or diverting the plane impossible. Steve had to override the autopilot and detonate the bomb himself in a safe location.
Q3: Why didn’t Wonder Woman fly the bomber into the atmosphere herself?
While Wonder Woman possesses incredible strength and flight abilities, she was engaged in a direct confrontation with Ares. Leaving the battle to deal with the bomber would have allowed Ares to unleash his full destructive power on humanity. Steve’s skills as a pilot were also essential for managing the complex controls of the German aircraft.
Q4: How did Steve Trevor return in Wonder Woman 1984?
Steve Trevor’s return in Wonder Woman 1984 is explained by the Dreamstone, an artifact that grants wishes but at a significant cost. Diana wishes for Steve’s return, and her wish is granted, but it comes at the expense of her superpowers. The specifics are fantastical, but it’s directly attributed to the magical properties of the Dreamstone.
Q5: Did Steve Trevor know he was going to die when he boarded the bomber?
Yes, Steve Trevor understood the implications of his actions. He knew that detonating the bomber in the upper atmosphere would be a one-way trip. He accepted this fate to save millions of lives and prevent the chemical weapons from being deployed.
Q6: What was the significance of Steve giving Diana his watch before he left?
Steve giving Diana his watch was a symbolic gesture of love and a final farewell. The watch represented his time with her and served as a tangible reminder of their bond. It symbolized the preciousness of time and the impact they had on each other’s lives.
Q7: How did Steve learn to fly the German bomber so quickly?
Steve Trevor was established in the film as a skilled pilot with extensive knowledge of aviation technology. He was able to quickly assess the bomber’s controls and systems, leveraging his existing expertise to commandeer the aircraft.
Q8: What impact did Steve’s death have on the future of the DCEU (DC Extended Universe)?
While not directly impacting the plot of subsequent films, Steve’s death served as a foundational element of Wonder Woman’s character and her unwavering commitment to justice within the DCEU. It established her as a hero deeply connected to humanity and willing to fight for their survival.
Q9: Was Steve Trevor’s sacrifice historically accurate for World War I?
While the specific scenario is fictional, the film draws inspiration from the real-world horrors of World War I, including the use of chemical weapons. The themes of sacrifice and heroism resonate with the experiences of soldiers during that era.
Q10: Did the comic book version of Steve Trevor die in a similar way?
The comic book versions of Steve Trevor have experienced various deaths and resurrections over the years. However, the specific circumstances of his death in the 2017 film are unique to that narrative.
Q11: Why was it important for Wonder Woman to experience loss?
Experiencing loss, especially the loss of someone she loved, grounded Wonder Woman and made her more relatable to the audience. It humanized her character and allowed her to connect with the pain and suffering of humanity on a deeper level, motivating her to fight for a better world.
Q12: How did Steve’s sacrifice influence Wonder Woman’s outlook on war?
Steve’s sacrifice tempered Wonder Woman’s initial idealistic view of war. While she initially believed she could simply eliminate Ares and end all conflict, Steve’s death showed her the complexities of human nature and the inherent contradictions of war. It taught her that even in the darkest of times, there is hope for redemption and the possibility of peace. He ultimately showed her the shades of grey that exist within good and evil.