Ranking all the reasons to get hyped for ‘Wonder Woman 1984’

If you’ve got Marvel mania or you’re a dedicated member of the DC fandom, you’ll be stoked to know there’s one superhero from the DC Extended Universe preparing for an almighty comeback: Wonder Woman.

It’s no surprise we’re getting a sequel, since the standalone Wonder Woman revival saw such success in 2017. Although Wonder Woman 1984 won’t be dropping until 2020, Warner Bros. Pictures has already roused our inner warriors with the release of some first-look production photos. Let’s jump aboard the hype train with a ranking all of the reasons to get excited for the movie’s release.

Gadot returns

Yes, Gal Gadot will be reprising her role as Wonder Woman. You could argue this is the most exciting news. But since we already knew this, we think it deserves to be at the top of this list to make way for more exciting updates.

Jenkins returns too

Patty Jenkins (who was at the helm for the first Wonder Woman) will also direct the sequel after having crafted the story & screenplay with Geoff Johns & Dave Callaham. In a tantalizing tease of the sequel, Jenkins described it as an enjoyable, fun movie which turns to some very big issues in the third act that aim to add profundity “because that’s a formula that I really like, and I like the idea of taking somebody on a very solid, great journey but that arrives at a bigger question being answered.”

Wonder Woman’s got stiff competition

We’re excited to see how Wonder Woman 1984 will fare next to the release of the female-fronted Captain Marvel released earlier this year. The buzz surrounding the latter movie was louder than a thousand tribe calls, meaning the Amazon princess has got some stiff competition. It’s the ultimate female-led Marvel vs. DC showdown!

Wonder Woman, meet Javier

You’ll be pleased to know Narcos’s Pedro Pascal – who plays the DEA agent Javier Peña in Netflix’s crime drama and played fan favorite Oberyn Martell on Game of Thrones – landed a role in the Wonder Woman sequel. His character details are being kept under wraps, but either way we have no doubt he will slay next to Gadot’s character.

A Cheetah never changes its Wiig

In Wonder Woman 1984, the titular character will be up against her comic book enemy Cheetah. You should also know the role of Cheetah will be filled by none other than comedy star Kristen Wiig (Downsizing). No doubt she’ll bring some lighthearted humor to the role.

First-look photos reveal Pine’s return

The first-look photos released by Warner Bros. reveal the movie will indeed feature the return of Chris Pine (Star Trek) as Diana’s love interest from the first film, Steve Trevor. The news we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived via some photos of Pine looking rather sheepish in some 80s getup. Speaking of which . . .

The sequel’s set in 80s America

Jenkins did a fantastic job portraying the WWI setting next to the lush hidden paradise of Themyscira in the first installment, so we can only imagine what she’s got in store this time round at a time when the turmoil between the United States and the Soviet Union is brewing.

As Refinery29 pointed out, the logo clearly echoes George Orwell’s dystopian classic 1984, suggesting the film could well cover themes of authoritarianism and government control. Either way, this new setting and time frame will give the movie the chance to explore new ground and serve up a fresh batch of challenges for Wonder Woman to overcome. 

Wonder Woman’s an important role model for women worldwide

The main reason we’re so excited about Wonder Woman’s return is that she’s an important role model for women worldwide. For years, female superheroes have taken a backseat to the male leaders, with 2017’s Wonder Woman being the first ever female-led superhero movie of the modern era.

The character is a fresh, new cinematic protagonist who inspires audiences by breaking social norms and showing women can have just as much strength, determination, and confidence as their male counterparts. The 80s setting will make for the perfect time period, as Gadot’s character will be given the chance to excel as a woman in a male-centric world. Once again boys and girls will be shown the true value of her character. The future of justice begins with Wonder Woman!