Inside the Making of ‘Wonder Woman’: From Concept to Screen
Writing a blockbuster superhero film filled with action and adventure is no small feat. ‘Wonder Woman’ was only the fourth movie in the DC Extended Universe and the first female-led superhero movie in decades, so the pressure was firmly on for director Patty Jenkins and the creative team behind the film to get it right. From crafting the story to visual effects and everything in between, here’s a detailed look at the journey of bringing this iconic superhero to life.
What was the Story Development Process Like?
The story development process for ‘Wonder Woman’ began with developing the character’s origin story. Screenwriter Allan Heinberg drew inspiration from comics writer and artist George Pérez’s run on ‘Wonder Woman’ which was published in the 1980s. Heinberg also took elements from later stories but focused heavily on the origin story. Other consultants such as historians, teachers and debunkers also weighed in on the script to ensure that it was both authentic and true to Wonder Woman’s character.
Once the script was written, director Patty Jenkins worked with the creative team to develop the story further. The team discussed storylines, ways to show the evolution of Diana from the young girl to the indomitable warrior, and how those elements would tie in with her ultimate mission. It was important for the narrative to show Diana find her strength, become independent and be able to stand on her own as Wonder Woman.
What Was the Casting Process?
When it came to casting the perfect heroine, Patty Jenkins and the team knew they had to get it right. Gal Gadot was brought in to audition for the role of Wonder Woman, and she stunned the producers, who believed she embodied the power, strength and grace they were looking for in an actress to play Diana.
The casting process didn’t end there. Chris Pine was chosen to play the role of Steve Trevor, Diana’s love interest. Chris Pine’s physique and acting ability made him the perfect choice to portray Wonder Woman’s companion. And the fact that he generated a great chemistry with Gal Gadot during their audition only made the decision easier.
Other key cast members that made up the ‘Wonder Woman’ team included Connie Nielsen, Lucy Davis and Robin Wright.
What Was the Filming Process Like?
Once the cast was confirmed, ‘Wonder Woman’ began filming in the United Kingdom and Italy. The beautiful and rugged locations proved to be the perfect backdrop for the movie.
The production team traveled to the Italian Villagio degli Duri Carni, Cape Town and Malta for the setting of Diana Prince’s home island, Themyscira. The breathtaking views and spectacular beaches took the movie to the next level.
The Elbasan Castle in Albania also served as an iconic backdrop for the movie. The centuries-old castle was dressed with costumes and props to resemble a German bunker during the first world war. This majestic location provided the perfect backdrop for a world-changing battle.
How Did Visual Effects Enhance ‘Wonder Woman’?
The visual effects team used the latest advances in digital technology to craft a stunning story. The movie was filled with visual effects, from the epic battlefields of the first World War to the mystical island of Themyscira.
The visual effects team used a combination of CGI and practical effects to create the magical island scenes. For the battlefield scenes, they used miniatures and digitally created environments. They used a combination of green screen and 3D environment to bring the virtual world to life.
The team also used motion capture to bring the character of Ares to life. Motion capture allowed for realistic detail and facial expressions that were enhanced by the motion control camera.
What Lessons Made ‘Wonder Woman’ So Successful?
The success of ‘Wonder Woman’ was due to a combination of factors. The creative team stayed true to the origin story, delivered an inspirational story of female empowerment and told it with exciting visuals that made it stand out from other superhero stories.
The movie also taught us valuable lessons, such as the power of vulnerability and strength found in embracing our humanity. ‘Wonder Woman’ inspired us to embrace freedom and to embrace our own power.
The movie was also a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we have the courage to stand up for justice.
‘Wonder Woman’ was a highly successful movie that merchandised, made a mark in pop culture, and earned a tremendous amount of awards and nominations. Before the project even came to fruition, there was an enormous undertaking of development, casting and production. The team stayed true to the vision, creating a beloved and iconic superhero character that captured the world’s imagination. As a result, ‘Wonder Woman’ was an incredibly successful film that inspired and excited audiences all over the world.
