Whedon's WONDER WOMAN: Story? Cast? Villains? Comics?

[GenXMaverick]

Okay, so it is *FINALLY* official. Astonishing X-Men's Joss Whedon is writing and directing WONDER WOMAN. Now... what elements of Wonder Woman's comic book legacy is Joss going to use?

Consider me solidly in the longstanding pro-George Perez group. Give me the "Gods & Mortals" TPB with Ares and nuclear weapons run amok. Give me Decay, Phobos and our Amazing Amazon beheading Deimos the serpentine son of war god Ares. I want Themyscira and Mount Olympus. Joss Whedon directing gods, goddesses, monsters and demons? HELL YES.

For the sequel? Gotta be The Cheetah! Barbara Minerva in all her savage, bloodthirsty glory. (Sidebar: Thank you, Greg Rucka and Geoff Johns for giving us back the *real* Cheetah! )

I majorly wanna second the poster in the News section who suggested Joss would use the Perez version of Etta Candy for comedic relief. A saucy, witty, take-no-crap Etta cast and directed by Joss Whedon? Oh, the dialogue just writes itself!

Love interest? There'll be one, no question. And I'll be surprised if it's not Steve Trevor.

And last but definitely not least... if DC doesn't get Joss to write at least ONE arc of All-Star Wonder Woman next year in tandem with the film's release, then there is simply no justice in this world.

Lastly, here's the link to the *OFFICIAL* WONDER WOMAN teaser poster released by Warner Bros (by Adam Hughes)! Oh, God... this movie is going to be sooooooooooo good!

Um, if anyone happens to score any free copies of the teaser poster this wknd, heh, would you mind sharing???

[melperfect]

Man, I may not be a fan of Batman Superman or Wonder Woman in comics anymore, but their respective film franchises are on fire.

I'll be 1st in line for Batman Begins, Superman by Bryan Singer, and Wonder Woman by Whedon.

I personally am hoping to see the Amazons go to war in grand cinematic fashion. Villains? I'd like to see both Ares and a scary ass cinematic Cheetah.

Way to go Whedon! Score!

[Jack Burton]

Well I know Perez's WW came first but a kick butt amazon vs Ares is waaaay to Xenaish for me. I think it would be cool to set it in WW 2 myself.

[Strike]

A conflict with Ares should be the core of the story.

With the subplot being Diana's reaction to a world where women are seen as second-class - a concept she simply cannot comprehend.


And the theme of the film should be to portray her as the ultimate Amazonian ass-kicker, a woman who can kick ass with the best of them, and not stand in the shadow of any man, yet still retain her femininity.

And NO CAMP!

[YDLM]

God, Jericho, we really are disagreeing way too much.

I dont want Gods and Monsters, it leads to comparison to Xena, where there will already be too much of that with them both being Amazon.

I dont want Cheetah, at all. Too similar to Catwoman, in the public's eye, I would say the same for the Black Cat in a Spidey movie.

I want Wonder Woman versus Man, or at least the evil of Man. I want WW not to be just a hero of sciety, I want her to be a leader of society. Opinionated,Compassionate, and willing to do whatever it take to do the right thing.

A love interest is nice, but I dont want a love story, we have that already with the Spidey movies.

I wish Whedon luck, because he really has a chance to do a meaningful movie that is visually appealing as well.

One last thing.

CHARISMA CHARISMA CHARISMA CHARISMA CHARISMA PLEASE

[President Kang]

they seriously have to revamp the outfit. From that poster, they'll probably keep the breastplate / wrists thingie. The bikini bottoms & tiara has got to go.

[GenXMaverick]

Originally posted by Strike
A conflict with Ares should be the core of the story.

With the subplot being Diana's reaction to a world where women are seen as second-class - a concept she simply cannot comprehend.


And the theme of the film should be to portray her as the ultimate Amazonian ass-kicker, a woman who can kick ass with the best of them, and not stand in the shadow of any man, yet still retain her femininity.

And NO CAMP!

Perfect. You've set the tone that I suspect Joss will follow. Ares should indeed be the core of the story. Apologies to both YDLM and Jack Burton, but the Xena analogy is laughable in the extreme. Comparing a multimillion dollar film franchise like Whedon's WONDER WOMAN to a syndicated anachronistic barbarian tale like Xena is ridiculous for many, many reasons.

You might as well compare Xena to THE LORD OF THE RINGS or THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA. If we follow your logic, guys, Marvel shouldn't even bother trying to do a FANTASTIC FOUR film since THE INCREDIBLES is too much like it. And that's just a really dumb rationale for what movies should be made.

Whedon's WW is going to be an epic tale. The teaser poster tells us right off the bat what the scope and tone of this movie will be: "Experience The Wonder"

That's something one would say about fantasy films like LOTR or NARNIA. WONDER WOMAN is going to be an epic filled with wonder and grandeur--it is not going to be a weekly syndicated barbarian's tale filled with cheesy TV special effects.

As for The Cheetah being compared to Catwoman? What, should Marvel not include The Black Cat in SPIDER-MAN 3 because Catwoman came out first? Geez, c'mon, guys--very weak arguments there, really.

[YDLM]

Originally posted by GenXMaverick
Perfect. You've set the tone that I suspect Joss will follow. Ares should indeed be the core of the story. Apologies to both YDLM and Jack Burton, but the Xena analogy is laughable in the extreme. Comparing a multimillion dollar film franchise like Whedon's WONDER WOMAN to a syndicated anachronistic barbarian tale like Xena is ridiculous for many, many reasons.

You might as well compare Xena to THE LORD OF THE RINGS or THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA. If we follow your logic, guys, Marvel shouldn't even bother trying to do a FANTASTIC FOUR film since THE INCREDIBLES is too much like it. And that's just a really dumb rationale for what movies should be made.

Whedon's WW is going to be an epic tale. The teaser poster tells us right off the bat what the scope and tone of this movie will be: "Experience The Wonder"

That's something one would say about fantasy films like LOTR or NARNIA. WONDER WOMAN is going to be an epic filled with wonder and grandeur--it is not going to be a weekly syndicated barbarian's tale filled with cheesy TV special effects.

As for The Cheetah being compared to Catwoman? What, should Marvel not include The Black Cat in SPIDER-MAN 3 because Catwoman came out first? Geez, c'mon, guys--very weak arguments there, really.

Jericho, how is it dumb when two completely different people said the same thing at practically the same time without consulting each other.

Xena was/is huge, many people want Lucy Lawless to play WonderWoman because of her work on Xena. Their our rumors that FF movie is actively trying to make its self different from The Incredibles.

Many critics think all comicbook movies are the same, so why give them more reason to, when you can be different and still true to the character.

[Strike]

Originally posted by YDLM
Jericho, how is it dumb when two completely different people said the same thing at practically the same time without consulting each other.

Xena was/is huge, many people want Lucy Lawless to play WonderWoman because of her work on Xena. Their our rumors that FF movie is actively trying to make its self different from The Incredibles.

Many critics think all comicbook movies are the same, so why give them more reason to, when you can be different and still true to the character.

A creator can't afford to think like that.

If you're always worrying about perceived similarities between your work and an earlier story, you'll cripple your own creativity.

All Joss can do is make the best Wonder Woman film he can. If critics make (unfounded) comparisons between this and Xena, he'll just have to deal with it as it comes, and hope that the end result dispels any such notions.

[GenXMaverick]

Originally posted by YDLM
Jericho, how is it dumb when two completely different people said the same thing at practically the same time without consulting each other.

Xena was/is huge, many people want Lucy Lawless to play WonderWoman because of her work on Xena. Their our rumors that FF movie is actively trying to make its self different from The Incredibles.

Many critics think all comicbook movies are the same, so why give them more reason to, when you can be different and still true to the character.

I don't believe what I'm hearing. XENA? Dude, your credibility in this debate just takes a nosedive everytime you bring up that 2nd rate sword-and-sorcery show. Xena is much more in the vein of Conan or Red Sonja; she is *not* a superhero.

As for Lucy Lawless... she's a very one-dimensional performer and is frankly an ugly woman who looks like she's done more than her fair share of steroids. You think she's the greatest thing since sliced bread? Fine, she's all yours. The fact is, you don't cast ugly people to be lead roles in superhero movies--and Lawless is in no way a sexy, glamorous (or young) actress. Brandon Routh and Christian Bale are sexy, goodlooking men and the same good looks will be required in casting Wonder Woman.

Honestly, I don't understand the Xena Zombies. That show was dull and uninvolving starring a B-actress who always looked like she was on some sort of anabolic steroid. You want her, you can have her. But if we were betting money? I can safely say she'll never even screen test for the role.

Xena. Pfhah! What a joke. Can we talk about serious actors, please?

And no Ares? No Cheetah? That's like making a Superman film without Luthor or a Batman film without The Joker. Those are Wonder Woman's 2 biggest arch-enemies and this *is* a superhero movie.

Sorry, but I've had all the "rah-rah-rah" from the Xena Zombies I can stomach. Keep that ugly, 2nd rate syndication star as far away from our Amazon Princess as possible.

[chap22]

<------ just sitting back as the dickbaggery (both positive and negative) threatens to run rampant

Here's the thing fellas, based on script, casting choices, studio interference (or lack thereof), etc., this movie has the potential to be incredibly cool (see the Spidey movies, Superman I and II, the X-Men movies, etc) or incredibly, INCREDIBLY bad (see Catwoman, Batman & Robin), or really somewhere in-between (see Hulk, Daredevil--being lenient here b/c I personally liked it).

We won't really know until more is announced, but I have faith in Whedon and WB to treat the Amazon princess with respect, if nothing else. The costume will be familiar, and I'm sure the actress (whoever she ends up being) will be strong, and if Whedon is writing there'll be good character dynamics and just the right amount of appropriate-to-the-movie humor.

As for the story ideas thrown out here, truthfully I think both sides have a point, and you need to respect each other's views, not get into a pissing match (and Jericho, for once I'm calling you out, b/c you kinda started this one).

Personally, I think the Perez stuff with Ares is the best story to tell. You can make it relevant, you can make it a spectacle, you can make it deadly and cool and bring in all the stuff we love about Wondy---her strength, her mythology, her struggle with "Man's world", etc. But to say that people will compare that to Xena is laughable is well, wrong. Because some people will. Will it be on the same production level, or cheesiness level as Xena? God let's hope not....but people who watched Xena, who have never picked up a WW comic, WILL compare it to that, because it is a comparable idea. We just know the story we've read, that Gentleman George crafted, is waaaay cooler (and actually came first) .

As for the Cheetah, while I love Dr. Minerva, and would hope they could make her cool, I fear greatly that her character just may not transfer to the big screen without bringing an air of cheesy with her (same reason I PRAY that Venom never gets anywhere near a Spider-Man movie script)--so please save her for the sequel.

[chap22]

Originally posted by GenXMaverick
I don't believe what I'm hearing. XENA? Dude, your credibility in this debate just takes a nosedive everytime you bring up that 2nd rate sword-and-sorcery show. Xena is much more in the vein of Conan or Red Sonja; she is *not* a superhero.

As for Lucy Lawless... she's a very one-dimensional performer and is frankly an ugly woman who looks like she's done more than her fair share of steroids. You think she's the greatest thing since sliced bread? Fine, she's all yours. The fact is, you don't cast ugly people to be lead roles in superhero movies--and Lawless is in no way a sexy, glamorous (or young) actress. Brandon Routh and Christian Bale are sexy, goodlooking men and the same good looks will be required in casting Wonder Woman.

Honestly, I don't understand the Xena Zombies. That show was dull and uninvolving starring a B-actress who always looked like she was on some sort of anabolic steroid. You want her, you can have her. But if we were betting money? I can safely say she'll never even screen test for the role.

Xena. Pfhah! What a joke. Can we talk about serious actors, please?

And no Ares? No Cheetah? That's like making a Superman film without Luthor or a Batman film without The Joker. Those are Wonder Woman's 2 biggest arch-enemies and this *is* a superhero movie.

Sorry, but I've had all the "rah-rah-rah" from the Xena Zombies I can stomach. Keep that ugly, 2nd rate syndication star as far away from our Amazon Princess as possible.

and again Jericho---calm down and re-read the posts. nobody has said a word here about wanting this to be compared to Xena; quite the opposite in fact. they're merely against the Ares idea because they're afraid that the Xena-zombies as you call them will try to compare our (far-superior) heroine to that camp trash. so just relax, my friend....

[GenXMaverick]

Originally posted by chap22
and again Jericho---calm down and re-read the posts. nobody has said a word here about wanting this to be compared to Xena; quite the opposite in fact. they're merely against the Ares idea because they're afraid that the Xena-zombies as you call them will try to compare our (far-superior) heroine to that camp trash. so just relax, my friend....

First off--I'm sorry.. I just am so, so sick of Xena. Ugh. Never liked that show and am 100% convinced anyone who seriously, legitimately wants to see Lawless as Wonder Woman is beyond understanding. I just cannot see the appeal of that woman and *never* will.

Additionally, I stayed up all night to finish Chapter 5 of Posters: Disassembled--and then the Whedon story broke 1st thing this morning. Which I wasn't expecting until late this afternoon or early tonight. So, dude... yeah, I'm crankly as all hell and desperately need to sleep.

Thank you for what you said about Ares. I totally agree with about saving The Cheetah for the sequel. Logically, it makes sense plotwise and in terms of Diana's purpose in Man's World: she's here to bring peace and the only reason she comes to our world is to stop war (and Ares is The God Of War).

Anyway, I need sleep BADLY. So, not running or hiding. Just resting. Enjoy P/DA. Hope you have some fun on this thread. I won't be back until way late. Sorry if I ruffled feathers.

But God, please... no more of that woman, I beg of you.

[Strike]

I liked Xena.

[Habitual]

I want Wonder Woman versus Man, or at least the evil of Man. I want WW not to be just a hero of sciety, I want her to be a leader of society. Opinionated,Compassionate, and willing to do whatever it take to do the right thing.

I think they have to be very careful about this. I think it should definitely be an element of the storyline, but, I'd also like to point out that one of the things I've never liked about Wonder Woman is that she is essentially a seperatist. The Themiscyran society seems to me to be one that embraces separtism and segragation. It has always bothered me that the Amazons for all intensive purposes have given up on society and for that matter life. That in their view males aren't even worth the effort. Other than that I hope this is a good movie.

Oh and Catherine Bell >>>>>>>> Charisma Carpenter

Hab

[robbdaman]

Catherine Bell is so much better than anyone else people keep talking about. If Whedon casts Carpenter or Gellar I'd be so damn pissed but the people that keep saying cast pornstars or some 5'2" actress need to get a clue. An unknown would be possible but that'll depend on the director.

R~

[dogofwar]

I just hope that Linda Carter plays Dianna's mom,Queen Hippolyta,that would be cool and a homage to the tv series.But that's maybe wishful thinking.

[dogofwar]

Originally posted by Strike
I liked Xena.

You would like anything involving girl on girl action.

[Strike]

Originally posted by dogofwar
You would like anything involving girl on girl action.

What makes you say that?

[A-San]

Said it before, say it again: Until Warner can show me that they can treat movies based off their comic properties right, I will not get my hopes up. I want a good DC movie, I really do, because they have so many good properties that could be made into equally good movies. Unfortunately, the parent company has butchered them again and again.

[dogofwar]

Originally posted by Strike
What makes you say that?

I rest my case.

[Xgirl1251]

I wouldn't be too excited to see Wonder Woman battling Ares in the movie. I agree with YDLM in the fact that Diana's main foe should be man, and not god. How 'bout someone like Dr. Psycho?

[Stephanie]

Originally posted by GenXMaverick
Lastly, here's the link to the *OFFICIAL* WONDER WOMAN teaser poster released by Warner Bros (by Adam Hughes)! Oh, God... this movie is going to be sooooooooooo good!

Um, if anyone happens to score any free copies of the teaser poster this wknd, heh, would you mind sharing???

Very beautiful! It's about time someone other than Alex Ross work on these types of projects!

[drdash]

i am really psyched about this and have been a fane ever since the tv series. i just picked up the 2nd season dvd. and i've heard a rumor in a couple of places that lauren graham of gilmore girls and bad santa may be who whedon is eying. and as for villians i would like to see i'll throw in dr psycho, the white magician and silver swan.

I for one am also a big fan of xena but she is not wonder woman.

ciao
drdash

[walter]

Wonder Woman has man hands!