The Mighty Wonder Woman: An Unseen Evolution

The Untapped Potential of Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman, the iconic Amazonian warrior, has been a symbol of strength and empowerment for decades. From her mythical origins to her impressive range of superpowers, she embodies a warrior spirit that is unparalleled. However, her portrayal in various mediums often falls short of showcasing her true physical prowess, especially when compared to her male counterparts in the Justice League.

A character design of Wonder Woman for DC's League of Super Pets

In a recent DC animated movie, the potential for a groundbreaking evolution of Wonder Woman's character was almost realized. The movie, although met with mixed reviews, almost gave us a Wonder Woman with an intimidating physique never seen before. This portrayal aimed to embrace her brute strength and imposing presence, a depiction that has been long overdue.

Wonder Woman fighting an enemy and Wonder Woman staring at something in white armor

Wonder Woman's physicality has often been overlooked, with live-action and animated adaptations often depicting her as smaller in stature compared to other male Justice League members. This is despite her canonical lineage as the daughter of Zeus and her life as a formidable warrior on Themyscira. It's high time that her true strength and physicality are fully embraced in future adaptations, regardless of the medium.

A split image of Wonder Woman from different decades of DC history

Twitter article posted by Marion Bordeyne

The Almost Buff Wonder Woman

The animated comedy 'DC League of Super-Pets' provided a platform for Wonder Woman to shine in a new light. While the movie primarily focused on the furry companions of the Justice League, it also showcased the superheroes as supporting characters. Wonder Woman, voiced by Jameela Jamil, was depicted as a formidable force, matching her fellow League members in terms of strength and physique.

Split images of Wonder Woman in different costumes

What's intriguing is the original character design for Wonder Woman in the movie, which almost took a bold and exciting direction. The initial design featured massive shoulders and a bulkier upper torso, signaling a departure from the conventional portrayal of Wonder Woman. However, the final design opted for a more traditional approach, reducing the physical size of the character from the original visualization.

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The character designer, Marion Bordeyne, revealed that the rejected design was one of many iterations she proposed, fearing that such a bold depiction of Wonder Woman would be dismissed. Surprisingly, both DC and the directors loved the bold design, leaving fans to wonder why it was ultimately rejected. The absence of a 'super buff Wonder Woman' left many fans and creators alike lamenting the missed opportunity for a groundbreaking portrayal.

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A Unique Visual Design for Wonder Woman

In the ever-evolving DC Universe, Wonder Woman's visual design holds significant importance, especially as she ventures into new realms such as James Gunn's DC Universe. With the announcement of 'Paradise Lost,' a series tracing the history of Themyscira, it becomes crucial for Wonder Woman to have a distinct and unique visual identity that sets her apart from previous iterations.

When Gal Gadot brought Diana Prince to life in the DCEU movies, it marked a significant return of Wonder Woman to the live-action realm after decades. However, as the DC Universe continues to expand, the new Wonder Woman must not rely on derivative designs from previous adaptations. Instead, she needs a fresh and innovative look that captures her essence as a powerful and timeless warrior.

Exploring Wonder Woman's costume history reveals the diverse possibilities for her visual makeover. From ancient Greek looks to darker leather costumes with a biker jacket, there's a rich tapestry of designs to draw inspiration from. The potential for a visually stronger and more compelling Wonder Woman in the DC Universe is boundless, and it's time for the character to undergo a transformative visual evolution that befits her status as an iconic superheroine.