The Divisive Ending of Wonder Woman: A Look Back at the DCEU Movie

Wonder Woman's Impact on the DCEU

The 2017 Wonder Woman movie, the fourth installment in Warner Bros.' DC Extended Universe, remains a significant and impactful entry in the franchise. It delves into the origins of the Amazonian heroine and her initial encounters with humanity during World War I. Despite not retaining the franchise's highest-grossing record, the film received widespread critical acclaim and paved the way for a sequel, Wonder Woman 1984.

Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman in her classic superhero outfit in 2017's Wonder Woman

As the movie approaches its six-year anniversary, Screen Rant's Pitch Meeting series has revisited its Wonder Woman analysis, shedding light on the movie's strengths and weaknesses. The latest episode, hosted by Ryan George, looks back favorably on the original episode, acknowledging the flaws while appreciating the movie's overall impact.

Wonder Woman's Impact on the DCEU

The Divisive Ending: A Point of Debate

While Wonder Woman is widely regarded as one of the best DCEU efforts, its ending has remained a subject of contention among fans and critics alike. The movie's ending, particularly the generic CGI-heavy battle, has sparked debate within the franchise's fanbase. The decision to shift from the subversive approach to a more conventional battle scene has divided opinions, with some arguing that it was a necessary element in the superhero genre, while others felt it undermined the movie's overall narrative and the meaningful themes it explored.

DIana in Wonder Woman fighting Ares

Director Patty Jenkins' original vision for the ending was reportedly 'smaller,' but Warner Bros. pushed for a larger, more visually impactful battle. This change, while drawing criticism, did not overshadow the film's strengths, including Gal Gadot's acclaimed performance as the titular heroine and the palpable chemistry between her and Chris Pine's character, Steve.

Wonder Woman kills Ares in 2017's Wonder Woman.

The Impact and Future of Wonder Woman

Despite the divisive ending, Wonder Woman's impact on the DCEU remains significant, with the character earning widespread acclaim and becoming a central figure in the franchise. The anticipation for Wonder Woman 3 was high, but with James Gunn's impending DC Universe reboot, the future of the Amazonian warrior on screen remains uncertain. Fans hope that the new DC Studios co-CEO will find a compelling successor to Gal Gadot to carry the legacy of Wonder Woman forward.

Wonder Woman defends Themyscira in 2017's Wonder Woman.

Patty Jenkins' vision and Gal Gadot's portrayal of Wonder Woman have left an indelible mark on the superhero genre, redefining the portrayal of female characters in a male-dominated genre. Despite the divisive ending, Wonder Woman's impact on the DCEU and the superhero genre as a whole cannot be overlooked.

Wonder Woman promo featuring the hero deflecting gunfire with her gauntlet.