It’s hard to believe Wonder Woman has been leading superheroes from page to screen to portfolio for 75 years, and she has yet to star in her own Hollywood blockbuster. Until now, that is.
In our world of perpetual war, creator William Moulton Marston and H.G. Peter’s subversive, aspirational Amazonian intertext has returned to the battlefront, with mainstream audiences and Wall Street earnings in mind. Everything old Princess Diana is new again, including this impressive feature film, Wonder Woman’s first and only, an animated standout dreamt up by Gail Simone and directed by Lauren Montgomery.
Indeed, Wonder Woman scholars might wonder if Wonder Woman is a better biopic, animated or otherwise, than DC Comics and Warner Bros.’ militarist live-action blockbuster, also called Wonder Woman, which invades the malls this year.
I reviewed the former Wonder Woman when it arrived in 2009, and have spent more than a few years analyzing the singular superhero’s history and impact. Check in below for more details on her animated recapitalization, as well as my ongoing coverage.
On the mystical island of Themyscira, a proud and fierce warrior race of Amazons have raised a princess of untold beauty, grace and strength – Diana. When U.S. fighter pilot Steve Trevor crash-lands on the island, the rebellious and headstrong Diana defies Amazonian law by accompanying Trevor back to civilization. Meanwhile, Ares (the God of War) has escaped his imprisonment at the hands of the Amazonians and has decided to exact his revenge by starting a World War that will last for centuries and wipe out every living being on the planet, starting with the Amazons. It is up to Diana to save her people and the world – by using her gifts and becoming the ultimate Wonder Woman!
Led by Golden Globe award winner Keri Russell (The Americans, Waitress, Felicity) as Diana/Wonder Woman, the all-star cast includes four-time People’s Choice Awards winner Nathan Fillion (Castle, Firefly) as Steve Trevor, three-time Tony Award nominee Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2, Chocolat) as Ares, Rosario Dawson (Daredevil, Sin City) as Artemis, Academy Award ® nominee Virginia Madsen (Sideways, Candyman) as Hippolyta, David McCallum (NCIS, The Man From U.N.C.L.E.) as Zeus, Emmy ® Award winner Marg Helgenberger (CSI, China Beach) as Hera, Oliver Platt (X-Men: First Class, Chicago Med) as Hades, and Vicki Lewis (NewsRadio, Godzilla) as Persephone.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, Wonder Woman: Commemorative Edition is directed by Lauren Montgomery (Batman: Year One, Justice League Doom, Voltron) from a story by Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Secret Six) and Michael Jelenic (Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Teen Titans Go!) with a screenplay by Jelenic. Sam Register serves as executive producer, and Emmy ® winner Bruce Timm (Batman: The Killing Joke, Batman: The Animated Series) is producer.
“The Wonder Woman animated film stands as one of the most beloved, complete, original stories in the decade-long history of DC Universe Original Movies,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing. “Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is proud to honor this iconic character with a Commemorative Edition.”
ENHANCED CONTENT
Featurette – What Makes A Wonder Woman: For 75 years, Wonder Woman has resonated with audiences because of her loving nature and quest for truth. Hear some of her biggest fans and fellow creators discuss how her qualities have crafted her into the icon we know today.
Sneak Peek – Batman and Harley Quinn: Sneak peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie, Batman and Harley Quinn, featuring the talented filmmakers and voice cast.
Creative Team Commentary: Scene and film analysis by producers Bruce Timm & Gregory Noveck, director Lauren Montgomery and screenwriter Michael Jelenic.
Featurette – Wonder Woman: A Subversive Dream – A definitive look at a psychologist’s dream, and the rich history of one of the pillars of DC Comics.
Featurette – Wonder Woman: Daughter of Myth – This revealing documentary explores the archetype and tradition of the female DC Comics Super Hero.
Wonder Woman Plays the Sex Card
