As of October 26, 2023, there are three theatrically released Wonder Woman movies: Wonder Woman (2017), Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), in which she made her live-action cinematic debut. This encompasses films primarily focused on Wonder Woman as the central character and major ensemble appearances.
Wonder Woman’s Journey on the Big Screen: A Retrospective
Wonder Woman, the iconic Amazonian princess Diana Prince, has captivated audiences for decades, not only in comic books and television but also on the big screen. Her cinematic journey, however, has been relatively recent compared to other DC Comics heavyweights like Batman and Superman. The path to bringing Wonder Woman to theaters was fraught with development difficulties, numerous scrapped projects, and a long wait for fans eager to see her in action.
While Gal Gadot’s portrayal is the one most readily associated with the cinematic Wonder Woman, it’s crucial to remember that the character’s live-action history extends back to Lynda Carter’s legendary TV series. The anticipation for a modern big-screen adaptation was immense, contributing to the considerable success of the films we have today. Understanding the current count of Wonder Woman movies requires careful consideration of her role in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and solo productions.
Breaking Down the Wonder Woman Filmography
The theatrical Wonder Woman movies can be classified into two categories: solo films focusing primarily on Diana Prince and ensemble films where she plays a significant, albeit shared, role.
Solo Wonder Woman Films
These are the movies where Wonder Woman is the main character, driving the plot and receiving the majority of screen time.
- Wonder Woman (2017): Directed by Patty Jenkins, this film tells Diana’s origin story, from her childhood on Themyscira to her involvement in World War I. Critically acclaimed and a box office success, it’s considered a landmark in superhero cinema and widely praised for its direction, performances, and themes.
- Wonder Woman 1984 (2020): Also directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot, this sequel is set in the vibrant 1980s. While it brought back the beloved character, it received a mixed reception compared to its predecessor. Its simultaneous release in theaters and on HBO Max (due to the pandemic) also impacted its theatrical performance.
Wonder Woman in Ensemble Films
While not solely Wonder Woman movies, these films feature her prominently as a key member of the Justice League or in other team-ups.
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016): This is Gadot’s debut as Wonder Woman on the big screen. Her presence, though not central to the main conflict between Batman and Superman, proved to be a highlight for many viewers and served as an introduction to her character before her solo outing.
- Justice League (2017) & Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021): Wonder Woman is a crucial member of the Justice League in both versions of this film. She fights alongside other DC superheroes to defend the world from Steppenwolf and his Parademons. Zack Snyder’s Justice League offers a more fleshed-out portrayal of Diana’s role and motivations compared to the theatrical cut.
The Future of Wonder Woman on Film
The future of Wonder Woman on film within the new DC Universe (DCU) under James Gunn and Peter Safran remains uncertain. While Gal Gadot has expressed interest in reprising her role, nothing is officially confirmed. Speculation about a potential Wonder Woman 3 has been rampant, but the new direction of the DCU necessitates a strategic reevaluation of all existing characters and storylines. Fans eagerly await official announcements regarding Wonder Woman’s continued presence in the cinematic landscape.
Wonder Woman Movie FAQs
To further clarify the topic and address common questions, here are some frequently asked questions about Wonder Woman movies:
1. Is there a Wonder Woman 3 planned?
While there were initial plans for a Wonder Woman 3 with Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot, those plans are currently on hold as the DCU undergoes a reboot under James Gunn and Peter Safran. The future of the character within the new DCU is still being determined.
2. Is Wonder Woman in Suicide Squad?
No, Wonder Woman does not appear in either Suicide Squad (2016) or The Suicide Squad (2021).
3. What is the order to watch Wonder Woman movies?
The recommended order to watch the Wonder Woman movies is:
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Wonder Woman (2017)
- Justice League (2017) or Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
- Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
4. Where can I watch Wonder Woman movies?
Wonder Woman movies are available on various streaming platforms, depending on your region and subscription. They can also be rented or purchased digitally on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Physical copies (Blu-ray and DVD) are also readily available.
5. Who plays Wonder Woman?
Gal Gadot has portrayed Wonder Woman in all of her modern cinematic appearances.
6. Who directed the Wonder Woman movies?
Patty Jenkins directed Wonder Woman (2017) and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020). Zack Snyder directed Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League (theatrical cut), while Zack Snyder’s Justice League is his director’s cut.
7. How successful were the Wonder Woman movies at the box office?
Wonder Woman (2017) was a massive box office success, grossing over $821 million worldwide. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice grossed over $873 million, with Wonder Woman being a popular element. Justice League (theatrical cut) grossed over $657 million. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) had a significantly lower box office due to the pandemic and its simultaneous streaming release, earning around $169 million globally.
8. Are there any animated Wonder Woman movies?
Yes, there are several animated Wonder Woman movies, including Wonder Woman (2009) and Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020). These films feature different actresses voicing Diana Prince and often adapt storylines from the comic books.
9. Will Gal Gadot continue to play Wonder Woman in the DCU?
This is currently unknown. With the new DCU being crafted by James Gunn and Peter Safran, no official announcement has been made regarding Gal Gadot’s future as Wonder Woman.
10. What makes Wonder Woman such a popular character?
Wonder Woman’s popularity stems from her empowering message of peace, justice, and compassion. She is a powerful female role model who embodies strength, intelligence, and empathy. Her rich history and compelling mythology have resonated with audiences for generations.
11. What are some of the key themes explored in the Wonder Woman movies?
The Wonder Woman movies explore themes of feminism, heroism, war, love, and loss. They also delve into the complexities of human nature and the importance of hope and resilience.
12. Are the Wonder Woman movies connected to other DC movies outside of the DCEU?
No, the Wonder Woman movies released as part of the DCEU are not connected to other DC films that exist outside that continuity, such as The Batman (2022) or Joker (2019). The DCU aims to create a more cohesive and interconnected cinematic universe moving forward.