Released in December 2020, Wonder Woman 1984 (often stylized as WW84) is the sequel to Patty Jenkins’ critically acclaimed Wonder Woman (2017). Returning to direct and co-write, Jenkins teamed up again with Gal Gadot in the title role and Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, joined by new cast members Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal.
Unlike its predecessor, which was set against the backdrop of World War I, Wonder Woman 1984 transports audiences to the vibrant, consumer-driven decade of the 1980s — a world defined by excess, glamour, and ambition. The film weaves together themes of truth, sacrifice, and moral responsibility, wrapped in the aesthetic of a colorful, nostalgic superhero adventure.
Though reception to WW84 was mixed, it remains a bold and heartfelt entry in the DCEU — one that prioritizes character development and idealism over traditional superhero spectacle.
Production and Background
After the success of Wonder Woman (2017), Warner Bros. immediately greenlit a sequel, with Patty Jenkins returning to write and direct. The goal was to create a standalone story that would further explore Diana Prince’s emotional journey, rather than merely expand the DCEU mythology.
Set decades after the events of the first film, WW84 is not a direct continuation but an exploration of how Diana has adapted to the modern world. The 1980s setting was chosen both for its vibrant aesthetic and for its thematic relevance — representing an era of consumerism and moral compromise that contrasts with Diana’s unwavering integrity.
Principal photography began in June 2018, filming across locations in Washington, D.C., Spain, England, and the Canary Islands. The film was originally scheduled for release in 2019 but faced multiple delays due to production adjustments and later, the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, Wonder Woman 1984 became one of the first major blockbusters to debut simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max, symbolizing the film industry’s transition during the pandemic era.
Plot Summary
The film opens with a flashback to Themyscira, Diana’s homeland, where a young Diana participates in a grueling athletic competition against older Amazons. Despite her impressive skill, she takes a shortcut to win, only to be stopped by her aunt, Antiope (Robin Wright). Antiope reminds her that “no true hero is born from lies,” setting the moral foundation for the story to come.
Fast-forward to 1984: Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) is living quietly in Washington, D.C., working as a senior anthropologist at the Smithsonian Institution. Though she occasionally appears as Wonder Woman to thwart crimes, she lives in emotional isolation, still mourning the loss of Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), who died decades earlier.
Diana’s colleague, Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig), is a shy and insecure gemologist who admires Diana’s grace and confidence. When a mysterious artifact known as the Dreamstone arrives at the museum, it becomes the catalyst for the film’s events. The Dreamstone grants wishes but exacts a heavy price in return.
Barbara wishes to be like Diana—strong, confident, and admired—and gradually gains superhuman abilities, eventually transforming into the villainous Cheetah. Meanwhile, Diana impulsively wishes for Steve’s return—and he is miraculously resurrected, his soul inhabiting another man’s body.
Enter Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal), a charismatic but desperate businessman and television personality. Obsessed with success and power, he obtains the Dreamstone and wishes to become it himself, allowing him to grant others’ wishes in exchange for their obedience. As global chaos ensues, Lord manipulates world leaders, amassing power while the world teeters on the brink of collapse.
As Diana and Steve pursue Lord and Barbara, they realize the true cost of the Dreamstone’s magic: every wish comes with a sacrifice. Diana’s power weakens as long as Steve lives, and Barbara loses her humanity as she becomes more feral and cruel.
In the film’s emotional climax, Diana makes the ultimate sacrifice by renouncing her wish and saying goodbye to Steve once more. Empowered by the truth, she confronts Maxwell Lord, not through violence, but through compassion. Broadcasting through his global network, she appeals to humanity’s conscience, urging people to renounce their selfish wishes.
In the end, the world is saved—not through destruction, but through truth and moral awakening. Barbara, stripped of her powers, is left reflecting on her choices, while Diana reclaims her sense of purpose and hope in humanity.
Themes and Symbolism
1. Truth vs. Illusion
The central moral of WW84 is truth. The Dreamstone represents the seductive illusion of instant gratification — the idea that one can have anything without consequence. In a decade marked by greed and superficiality, this theme feels especially resonant.
Diana’s journey mirrors humanity’s: the struggle to confront painful truths rather than escape into comforting lies. Her renunciation of Steve is both personal and philosophical — a testament to the idea that love and loss coexist, and that real heroism requires sacrifice.
2. The Corruption of Desire
Both Maxwell Lord and Barbara Minerva embody the dangers of unchecked desire. Lord’s thirst for power destroys his health and relationships, while Barbara’s wish for strength erodes her compassion. These arcs serve as allegories for the excesses of the 1980s — a time when ambition often overshadowed morality.
3. Compassion and Empathy
Unlike many superhero films that rely on violence, WW84 emphasizes empathy as a weapon. Diana doesn’t kill her enemies; she redeems them. Her confrontation with Lord is resolved through emotional persuasion, not combat. This message of compassion over conquest reinforces her identity as a warrior for peace, not destruction.
4. Feminine Strength and Identity
Both Diana and Barbara represent different forms of femininity. Diana embodies grace, integrity, and restraint, while Barbara’s transformation reflects societal pressure to equate worth with appearance and dominance. Their dynamic highlights the struggle women face between empowerment and authenticity.
Performances
Gal Gadot once again proves herself as the definitive Wonder Woman. Her performance balances strength and vulnerability, conveying both the majesty of an immortal hero and the heartbreak of a woman burdened by loss. Gadot’s warmth and sincerity remain the emotional backbone of the film.
Pedro Pascal delivers one of the film’s most memorable performances as Maxwell Lord. Charismatic yet desperate, his portrayal avoids caricature, presenting a man consumed by insecurity and greed but capable of redemption. His breakdown in the final act, when he realizes his actions have endangered his son, adds emotional weight to the story.
Kristen Wiig’s Barbara Minerva provides a compelling counterpoint to Diana. Initially awkward and sympathetic, her gradual transformation into Cheetah is both tragic and powerful. Wiig captures the loneliness and envy that drive Barbara’s descent, making her one of DC’s more relatable villains.
Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor returns in a limited but poignant capacity. His wide-eyed wonder at the modern world mirrors Diana’s awe in the first film, creating a touching role reversal. His farewell scene with Diana is one of the film’s most heartfelt moments.
Visual Style and Cinematography
Visually, Wonder Woman 1984 embraces the bright, saturated palette of the 1980s. Cinematographer Matthew Jensen infuses the film with golden hues and vibrant contrasts, symbolizing optimism and excess. From neon-lit shopping malls to Middle Eastern deserts, every setting reflects the grandeur and chaos of the era.
The action sequences are fluid and elegant rather than hyperviolent, showcasing Diana’s agility and compassion. The opening Themyscira sequence is a standout, featuring breathtaking stunts and sweeping camera work reminiscent of epic adventure cinema.
Costume designer Lindy Hemming draws inspiration from the era’s bold fashion — shoulder pads, bright colors, and sleek armor — while designing Diana’s Golden Eagle Armor, a nod to the comics and the Kingdom Come storyline.
Music and Tone
Hans Zimmer’s score elevates the film with emotional and heroic themes. His composition for WW84 blends soaring orchestral motifs with subtle electronic elements to reflect both myth and modernity. The reprise of the iconic “Wonder Woman Theme” during key moments evokes both nostalgia and triumph.
Tonally, WW84 is lighter and more idealistic than many DCEU films. It’s less concerned with interconnectivity and more focused on delivering a standalone story about moral growth and empathy. This focus gives the film an almost timeless quality, despite its specific 1980s setting.
Reception and Legacy
Upon release, Wonder Woman 1984 received mixed reviews. Critics praised its performances, emotional depth, and hopeful message but criticized its pacing, plot inconsistencies, and reliance on sentimentality. Some audiences expected a darker, action-driven sequel and were surprised by its philosophical tone.
Nevertheless, the film’s ambition and sincerity earned it respect as a unique entry in superhero cinema — one that dared to prioritize humanity over spectacle. In a genre dominated by cynicism and destruction, WW84 stands out for its message of compassion and truth.
Commercially, the film faced challenges due to the pandemic and its hybrid streaming release but still became one of HBO Max’s most-watched titles of 2020. It reaffirmed Gal Gadot’s star power and Patty Jenkins’ place as one of the most influential directors in the genre.
Conclusion
Wonder Woman 1984 is not a flawless film, but it is a deeply earnest one. It trades bombast for introspection, action for empathy, and cynicism for hope. By exploring the moral cost of desire and the courage required to face the truth, it delivers a story that feels profoundly human beneath its superhero veneer.
Through its colorful nostalgia, emotional storytelling, and emphasis on moral truth, WW84 reaffirms the essence of Diana Prince: a symbol of compassion, integrity, and love. Even in a world obsessed with power and illusion, Wonder Woman reminds us that the greatest strength lies not in what we wish for—but in what we are willing to sacrifice for the truth.
