ALERT: We have Wonder Woman! I repeat, we finally have Wonder Woman!
Let’s talk about how much of a big deal this is. Wonder Woman first debuted in 1941 in All Star Comics #8. She was the brainchild of William Moulton Marston and Elizabeth Holloway Marston. The two psychologists wanted to create a superhero who used love AND brawn to fight the bad guys. Elizabeth brilliantly insisted that this superhero be a superheroine, making our girl Wonder Woman the very first female superhero. She got her own comic series in 1942.
Since then, Wonder Woman has appeared in almost every form of media…except film. Until now, Diana Prince has never showed up in our cinemas. This has developed into a point of contention for many (me included) considering that almost every other super-successful superhero has graced the big screen (some have even appeared too many times…I’m looking at you, Superman). All of these superheroes are male. We have yet to see any female superhero have their own stand-alone film or franchise. Until now.
Gal Gadot was just announced as Wonder Woman in Zach Snyder’s Batman vs. Superman film, the next feature in Warner Brothers and DC Comic’s Superman re-boot. At long, long last, our Wonder Woman is here….only to be put in a supporting role. It’s certainly a slight setback for many Wonder Woman fans, but it’s not altogether surprising. So here’s where I stand on this matter right now:
- WONDER WOMAN IS GOING TO BE IN A FILM….endless excitement
- Frustration because she’s secondary to the boys club (they have yet to call it Batman vs. Superman vs. Wonder Woman, for a whole host of obvious reasons)
- Trying patience because she might have a larger role than expected
- More excitement because Wonder Woman is going to be in what will likely be a major success
- Even MORE excitement because this could ultimately garner Diana Prince and Gal Gadot her own film (if they are attempting to rival Marvel’s cinematic universe plan)
Yes, Wonder Woman has mostly been written by men, and yes, she has had a difficult history heavily steeped in sexism and very little clothing, but she’s evolved. At this point, she is the strongest woman in the universe and an inspiring feminist and I’m excited to see what Warner Brother’s vision is for this. Despite some uneasiness, I’m going to choose to look at Gal Gadot’s casting and Wonder Woman’s inclusion as an empowering step in the right direction. I have never seen any of Gal Gadot’s work (which mostly includes the Fast and the Furious series) but I am excited for her. It’s the role of a lifetime, and I would like to support her rather than tear her down (as other bloggers have quickly done). So, bring on filming! This film has some problems to work out, but I’m so thrilled to see them moving forward.
The Nerdy Girl 