Wonder Woman – Complete Guide to Movies, Cast and Streaming
Wonder Woman, also known as Diana Prince, is one of the most enduring superheroes in popular culture. Created by William Moulton Marston and H. G. Peter, she first appeared in All Star Comics #8 in 1941, bringing a powerful female perspective to the Golden Age of comics. The character has been a mainstay in DC Comics for decades. In the modern era, she was brought to new global prominence by Israeli actress Gal Gadot in the DC Extended Universe, first appearing in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) before leading her own critically acclaimed solo film.
The franchise now includes two major theatrical releases directed by Patty Jenkins: the 2017 origin story and its 2020 sequel. Whether you are looking for streaming information, cast details, or a deeper understanding of the character, this guide brings together the key facts about the Amazonian hero.
Where Can I Watch Wonder Woman?
Key Insights
- Wonder Woman is one of the first female superheroes in comics, debuting in 1941.
- The 2017 film was a critical and commercial success, earning over $822 million worldwide.
- Gal Gadot’s portrayal is widely praised; she is the first actress to bring the character to live-action film.
- The character’s origin has been revised multiple times (daughter of Zeus vs. clay statue).
- Wonder Woman 1984 received mixed reviews due to its tonal shift and plot choices.
Wonder Woman Facts (Quick Reference)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Diana Prince (born Diana of Themyscira) |
| First Appearance | All Star Comics #8 (1941) |
| Creators | William Moulton Marston, H. G. Peter |
| DCEU Film Debut | Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) |
| Solo Film Director | Patty Jenkins |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score (2017) | 93% (Critics) / 83% (Audience) |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score (1984) | 58% (Critics) / 73% (Audience) |
The 2017 film and its sequel are widely available for viewing. In the United States, the primary streaming home for both is Max (formerly HBO Max). Wonder Woman 1984 was released simultaneously in theaters and on the platform on December 25, 2020. Viewers can also rent or buy the films on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. In the UK, the films are available on Sky Cinema and NOW. In New Zealand, Wonder Woman 1984 can be streamed on Netflix. The best way to check current availability is to use a service like JustWatch, as no free streaming options are currently available. For a broader look at the DC catalog on streaming, check out our Guide to Streaming DC Movies.
Who Plays Wonder Woman and Who Is in the Cast?
Gal Gadot as Diana Prince
Gal Gadot was cast as the titular hero in 2013 and made her first appearance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Her performance was widely praised, and she reprised her role in the solo film Wonder Woman (2017) and its sequel. Gadot’s portrayal balances the character’s warrior strength with a deep sense of compassion, making the role iconic for a new generation.
Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress and former Miss Israel, beat out several other actresses for the role. Her performance has been consistently praised as embodying the character’s strength, wisdom, and grace.
The Supporting Cast
The film features a mix of returning and new actors. Chris Pine stars as Steve Trevor, Diana’s love interest who returns in the sequel through a mysterious mechanism. Kristen Wiig takes on the role of the villainous Barbara Minerva / Cheetah, while Pedro Pascal plays the deceptive businessman Maxwell Lord. Robin Wright and Connie Nielsen reprise their roles as the Amazonian warriors Antiope and Hippolyta, respectively.
What Are the Wonder Woman Movies?
Wonder Woman (2017)
The 2017 film, directed by Patty Jenkins, is set during World War I and explores Diana’s origin story. It follows her journey from the hidden island of Themyscira into a world ravaged by war. The film was a massive critical and commercial success, grossing over $821.8 million worldwide against a budget of $149 million. It holds a 93% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely considered one of the best films in the DC Extended Universe.
Wonder Woman (2017) holds a 93% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, while its sequel Wonder Woman 1984 holds a 58% critics score. Many critics considered the sequel inferior due to its complex plot and pacing issues, though Gadot’s and Pine’s performances were widely praised in both.
Wonder Woman 1984
The sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, moves the action to the 1980s and sees Diana facing a new villain, Maxwell Lord, while reuniting with her lost love, Steve Trevor. Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, it underperformed at the box office, grossing $169.6 million against a $200 million budget. The film received mixed reviews, with critics noting its tonal shift from the seriousness of the first film to a lighter, neon-soaked aesthetic.
Despite having a $200 million production budget, Wonder Woman 1984 grossed only $169.6 million worldwide. The film’s financial struggles are largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed its release and limited global cinema attendance. The simultaneous release on HBO Max also affected traditional box office revenue.
Key Differences
The 2017 film is a war-themed origin story grounded in mythology, while the 1984 sequel opts for a lighter, more comedic tone. The sequel’s box office failure is largely blamed on the pandemic, which forced a simultaneous streaming release. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the 2017 film holds a 93% critics score compared to the sequel’s 58%. Detailed audience and critic reception can also be found on the IMDb page for the 2017 film.
In the DCEU, Diana is the daughter of Zeus and Hippolyta, making her a demigod. This contrasts with her original comic book origin, where she was crafted from clay by her mother and given life by the Greek gods. This difference is a common point of discussion among fans of the character.
What Are the Key Milestones in Wonder Woman’s Screen History?
- : Character first appears in All Star Comics #8.
- : The Wonder Woman television series starring Lynda Carter airs.
- : First DCEU appearance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
- : Release of Wonder Woman (2017).
- : Release of Wonder Woman 1984.
- : Upcoming projects reportedly in development but status remains uncertain.
What Do We Know and What Is Still Uncertain About Wonder Woman?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Diana is the biological daughter of Zeus in the DCEU. She is a founding member of the Justice League in the comics. | Whether future cinematic versions will revert to the clay origin story. |
| Warner Bros. has not officially announced a third film. The character’s future is tied to the broader DC Universe reboot under James Gunn. | Casting, director, and release date for a potential Wonder Woman 3 are unconfirmed. |
| The films are available on Max with a subscription. | Free streaming availability changes frequently and is not currently available. |
The character’s origin and place in the DCEU canon are detailed extensively on the Wikipedia Wonder Woman character page and the DC Database.
Why Does Wonder Woman Matter?
Wonder Woman broke the superhero mold by being a female-led, critically acclaimed blockbuster. The 2017 film proved that gender does not limit box office success, paving the way for other female-led superhero films. The character’s themes of peace, love, and justice contrast with typical vigilante narratives seen in other comic book adaptations. The sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, attempted a lighter tone but faced criticism for its plot and visual effects. The franchise’s future is tied to the broader DC Universe reboot under James Gunn and Peter Safran.
How Was Wonder Woman Received by Critics and Audiences?
Wonder Woman is one of the best movies in the DCEU and a fantastic introduction to Diana Prince.
— Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus (2017)
She is the biological daughter of Zeus and Hippolyta. She is one of the first DC superheroes and is one of the most influential superheroes of all time.
— Wikipedia – Wonder Woman character page
Diana, an Amazonian warrior in training, leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny.
— IMDb – Wonder Woman (2017) summary
What’s Next for Wonder Woman?
As of 2025, the future of Wonder Woman on the big screen is uncertain. James Gunn’s new DC Universe will reboot the franchise, but specific casting and plot details have not yet been made public. Fans can currently enjoy the existing films by Gal Gadot on streaming platforms like Max. The legacy of the character continues to resonate through animated series, comics, and video games. For a look at how the franchise ranks against others, see our Best DC Superhero Movies Ranked list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wonder Woman’s real name?
Her birth name is Diana of Themyscira; she uses the alias Diana Prince in the human world.
Who directed Wonder Woman (2017)?
Patty Jenkins directed both the 2017 film and its sequel.
Is Wonder Woman stronger than Superman?
In the comics, their physical strength is comparable. In the DCEU, it is implied she can match Superman in combat.
What are Wonder Woman’s powers?
Superhuman strength, speed, durability, flight, and combat skills. She also wields the Lasso of Truth, indestructible bracelets, and a tiara used as a projectile.
Why is Wonder Woman set in World War I?
The 2017 film chose WWI to differentiate from other superhero movies and to explore the goddess of war narrative.
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