Exploring The DC Cinematic Universe: Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman

Release Date: June 23rd, 2017

Who is Wonder Woman?: Diana is an Amazonian princess, demigod (in the New 52), and a founding member of the Justice League. Her mother is Queen Hippolyata and (in the New 52) her father is Zeus. She left her homeland in Themyscira to help protect "Man's world". She is gifted with a wide range of superhuman powers and superior combat and battle skills. She possesses an arsenal of weapons, including the Lasso of Truth, a pair of indestructible bracelets, a tiara which serves as a projectile. Recently she has been fighting with and against various members of her "new" god family.

Director: Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty)

Why?: Funny I wrote this now because it was reported earlier today that WB is looking at a shortlist of female directors to helm Wonder Woman. And of course my choice Kathryn Bigelow was right at the top of the list. She has been a fan favorite choice among the comic community to direct Diana's first solo movie for a while now, so I know she isn't the most original pick, but the reason she is mentioned all the time is because she is the best one. Bigelow knows how to balance action and characters. She gets great performances for her casts. Hell, her last two films have been nominated for shit load of Oscars (She won Best Director and Best Picture for The Hurt Locker). Gal Gadot will need a strong director to help guide her in her first lead role. Bigelow is the woman with the credentials to bring her to the promise-land.

Imagine if theres a Flashpoint Movie down the road!!!

Proposed Story: For the entire DC cinematic universe I propose NO ORIGIN STORIES. By this movie we will have seen Diana in action in Batman V Superman. So this shouldn't be about the first story of Diana in "man's world". She is already active, so let's get rocking and rolling. This story should be about Wonder Woman learning she is a demigod and that Zeus has vanished from Olympus (Automatically differs from Thor who has Odin around in his flicks). Which leads her to protecting Zola's baby (Her new little half brother) against a pissed off and scorned Hera. And eventually the First Born is unearthed and vows to conquer Olympus and the entire planet. Lastly I do want flashbacks to Ares training a young Diana (including that awesome Minotaur scene from #0). It showcases their relationship and isn't a total origin tale. It also adds emotion when Diana kills Ares to become the God of War. 

Inspired By: I believe this movie will be heavy inspired by Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang's New 52 run. Recently producer Charles Roven said that Diana is a demigod in Batman V Superman, which is a key component to her most recent comic stories. 

Lead Characters (Cast): By following the New 52 mythology most the cast will be Greek gods and demigods. I also decided to cast Orion in a minor role because although he only factors a little bit into the New 52, blockbuster films always have love interests (even thought they don't need them). And Orion leads to the introduction of New Genesis before Darkseid comes in Justice League Pt. 2.

1. Wonder Woman/ Diana Prince (Gal Gadot)

"I'd like to keep the illusion that there is a shade of moral difference between us and those we fight."

Why?: The lead character and hero of the story, Diana has long deserved a big screen treatment. I'm just glad it's finally happening. Let's hope Gal Gadot is up for the challenge of bringing such an iconic character alive. I think she looked great in her costume in the pictures from SDCC. We will get our first taste of her Diana in March 2016. Can't wait.

2. Queen Hipolyata (Lucy Lawless)

"Jupiter's Cock"

Why?: This an absolute lay-up. Lucy Lawless is meant to play the Queen of the Themyscrians. She has a history of playing Greek/Roman roles. Formerly she was Xena and more recently she starred as Lucria on Sparatcus: Blood and Sand. Hippolyata is in the story to tell Diana of her real father Zeus.

3. Apollo (Idris Ebla)

Why?: Idris Ebla is one of the coolest actors around. Apollo is the smoothest and coolest God around. This is just another match made in Olympus. In the movie, Apollo takes over Olympus after Zeus's departure. He must then join with Diana to defeat the First Born and keep his crown.

4. Hades (Peter Dinklage)

Why?: In the film Hades teams with Poseidon and the First Born to remove his nephew (Apollo) from the throne of Olympus. He does this so that he and his brother Poseidon won't lose their positions in Hell and in the Sea to the First Born as well. I casted Dinklage because he is a great actor and would definitely bring a fun take of the king of Hell.

5. Poseidon (Ron Perlman)

Why?: Giant Fish Poseidon is the best. He aligns himself with Hades and the First Born. He would be 100 percent CGI so anyone with a great voice could play him. I chose Ron Perlman because I enjoy his voice work as DC villains Clayface and Deathstroke.

6. Lennox (Tom Hardy)

Why?: Lennox is a tough as nails British demigod and half brother to Diana. His body made of organic rock. Lennox helps Diana protect Zola's baby and fight the First Born. Tom Hardy would be perfect for this role as well (casted him as Deadshot or Boomerang yesterday). I really should just cast Tom Hardy as role in the DCU. He is that good.

7. Hera (Rose Byrne)

Why?: Rose Byrne can do funny or dramatic roles. She is starting to nab roles in major movies and I think she would own as the jealous Queen of the gods. And she doesn't have to be naked the entire time like the New 52 run. (Unless she wants too!)

8. Orion (Liam Hemsworth)

Why?: Sent from New Genesis to aid Diana in her quest, Orion is both a love interest and pain in the butt for the Princess of Themyscira. His personality allows for moments of humor between him and Diana. Orion is also a major force on the battlefield. Liam Hemsworth's brother is Thor. To counter he should be the New God Orion (Darkseid's real son).

9. Ares (Liam Neeson)

Why?: He has already trained Batman and Anakin Skywalker so why not add Wonder Woman to that list. Neeson is a badass who can provide gravitas and grit to the character.

And now for the Villain...

10. The First Born (Javier Bardem)

Why?: A great menacing villain created by Azzarello and Chiang. He wants to conquer Olympus because Zeus trapped him in the center of the Earth. He and Diana collide towards the end of the film. Javier is an Oscar-winner known for his villainous portrayals.

Thanks for reading! Those are my thoughts on Wonder Woman. Who is your villain for the movie? Should Diana be a demigod? Sound off in the comments.

Make sure to check out the next 10 days of Exploring the DC Cinematic Universe. A different DC movie each day. Next up is Justice League Pt.1. You can also check out our entire schedule by clicking here. Click the link below to read our first article on the DCCU.

• Suicide Squad