Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman (2017) marked a pivotal moment for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), as it introduced a compelling, fierce, and empowering portrayal of Diana Prince, played by Gal Gadot. The film was met with critical acclaim, earning high praise for its fresh take on the superhero genre, its strong female lead, and its depiction of Wonder Woman as both a warrior and a compassionate hero. Yet, despite its success, some fans remain frustrated with a specific creative decision that has persisted through the years: Jenkins' portrayal of Wonder Woman’s power and motivation.
One of the most frequently cited complaints revolves around the way the character's vulnerability and emotional arc were emphasized, particularly in the first film. While many appreciated Gadot’s performance and her representation of the character’s strength and compassion, some felt that Jenkins’ handling of Diana’s personal journey detracted from her innate power and independence. Diana’s emotional struggles in Wonder Woman were seen as essential to her development, but for some fans, it felt like the film undermined the character’s strength by focusing too heavily on her doubts and emotional turmoil.
In contrast to the comic books, where Wonder Woman is often depicted as an unshakable and resolute force, Jenkins’ version of the character struggled with the weight of her decisions and the complexities of her identity. Many fans felt that this emotional vulnerability, especially in the film's romantic subplot with Steve Trevor (played by Chris Pine), was at odds with what they had hoped to see from the iconic superhero. For some, the romantic relationship was overemphasized at the expense of showcasing Wonder Woman’s prowess as a solo hero.
The second film, Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), further fueled this discussion, with many fans pointing to Diana's reluctance to move forward and the notion of sacrifice as key components of the film’s plot. In this movie, Diana's personal longing for Steve Trevor—a central plot point—was criticized for diminishing her strength as an independent figure. Some fans were disappointed that Jenkins continued to portray Wonder Woman as someone who was defined by loss and emotional attachment, rather than as the fierce, self-reliant hero that the character was originally meant to be.
It’s important to acknowledge, however, that Jenkins’ films also brought many positive elements to the DCEU. Wonder Woman’s powerful origin story, her iconic battle sequences, and Gadot’s portrayal of the character all left a lasting impact on audiences. Jenkins successfully portrayed Diana as a hero who fought for justice, love, and equality, which resonated with many viewers and became a beacon for superhero films featuring women in the lead.
Despite the frustrations some fans still have regarding the emotional depth Jenkins gave Diana, the Wonder Woman films are undeniably influential in the superhero genre. The ongoing discussions about the character’s portrayal highlight the passion and dedication of DC fans who hold the iconic superhero to a high standard. As the DCEU continues to evolve and new interpretations of Wonder Woman are explored, it will be interesting to see how future films choose to balance Diana’s emotional complexity with her strength as a warrior and symbol of hope.
