The Modern History of Wonder Woman
Following The Amazon Princess from the Golden Age to Today
Nov 16, 2008
William Moulton Marston wanted to create a superhero that would fight with wits and wisdom rather than fists and muscle. His wife, Elizabeth, suggested that was a wonderful idea, so long as he made her a woman. Credited as Charles Moulton, Marston went about creating one of the most iconic women in the history of fiction.
Modern Animation
In 2001 The Justice League, an animated show that had grown out of the success of Batman The Animated Series and Superman The Animated Series, made it's debut. Featuring a line up of seven heroes, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Hawkgirl and The Martian Manhunter, the show ran for two seasons and then was replaced with Justice League Unlimited. Justice League Unlimited ran for three seasons and featured the original seven heroes in tandem with dozens of other characters from the DC Universe.
Wonder Woman was voiced by Susan Eisenberg for all five seasons. The modern version of Wonder Woman was more of a warrior than her previous incarnations on television, occasionally wielding a sword and often expressing her frustration with "man's world" with her fists. She had an ability not seen in previous television appearances, in that she could fly under her own power. She did still use her invisible jet, however.
There was an inferred but never seen relationship with Batman that was an element unique to the Justice League animated series. It would likely never have worked out, since as Batman puts it, "You're a princess from a society of immortal warriors, I'm a rich kid with issues. Lots of issues."
Direct to DVD
Wonder Woman appeared in Justice League: The New Frontier which was released in 2008. Voiced by Lucy Lawless of Xena - Warrior Princess fame, she was portrayed as a warrior with a taste for justice, not the laws of men. The movie was set in the late 1950's, just after the Korean War and her costume was somewhat more modest than the one worn in other film versions of the character, reflecting the time period.
Due to be released in June, 2009, the newest Wonder Woman incarnation will be another animated one. Starring Keri Russell and Nathan Fillion as Diana/Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor, respectively, it looks to be a retelling of the Wonder Woman origin story, with a focus on her warrior side as opposed to the softer, more friendly tone seen in the Lynda Carter/Super Friends era.
Live Action
Much has been written on the Internet about the possibility of a Justice League movie, which would have included Wonder Woman on the roster. Before the project was shelved, actress Megan Gale was signed to play the Amazon, but the WGA Strike and other issues derailed the project.
In August 2008, Warner Brothers announced that it's next four DC Comics related projects would involve individual heroes, including a reboot of the Superman franchise. No firm word has been given about a Wonder Woman project, but over the last few years several writers and directors have been attached, including Joss Whedon. Wonder Woman fans may have to wait another few years before seeing her on the big screen.
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