Wonder Woman: Going From Bad to Worse
Right. So with each passing day the news about the new Wonder Woman pilot is getting more and more awful. Perhaps I only think so because I’m biased, I don’t really know. There have been casting choices made that I don’t like. A picture of the logo has been released. And finally….we get to take a look at the new costume. All of it breaks my Wonder Woman lovin’ heart.
First we had the script review. What I’ve read about so far leaves me unimpressed and worried about how it’s all going to shake out. Then came the character descriptions that listed several of the characters to be “blindly devoted” or “deeply devoted” to Diana. I wish I could get my hands on an actual copy of the script because at this point I can only go by what’s been written in the script reviews. It seems like they’re taking a once powerful, strong, passionate and independent woman and turning her into a day-dreaming soap-opera-y character. Not ok.
Then we have to look at the casting. Adrianne Palicki is playing the coveted role but I can’t say much about her. I don’t really have an opinion of the actual actress because I’m not super familiar with her. Elizabeth Hurley has been cast as Wonder Woman’s nemesis which, ok….I guess. But then word came down about Cary Elwes being cast as well. Here’s his character description:
[CEO HENRY DEMETER (now being called Henry Johns)] Male, open ethnicity, 40s. Acting CEO of Themyscira Industries. Grounded, intelligent and deeply devoted to Diana. He runs the day to day operations of the company and acts like an Uncle to Diana although he could be a possible love interest down the line…SERIES REGULAR. ASP.
Hang on….let’s focus on this part: “….like an Uncle to Diana although he could be a possible love interest down the line“ Ummmm……is it just me or is that wrong on several levels? I don’t begrudge Cary Elwes. He’s the Dread Pirate Roberts for crying out loud. But aside from The Princess Bride, he tends to cheese up his other films. ESPECIALLY if he has to do any sort of American accent (I’m looking at you Twister and Days of Thunder). He was great on the couple of episodes of Psych he was on, but I have to draw the line.
Last week we got a look at the new logo. I don’t much care for it either. I know it sounds like I’m harping on everything about this show before it’s even done filming because well, to be frank, I am. I will reserve final judgment for when the pilot airs. But for now I can only go with what I’m given. Observe the logo:
Ok, maybe it’s the font I don’t like. I can’t really put my finger on it. But if that wasn’t enough, on Friday Entertainment Weekly released the first image of Adrianne Palicki in the actual re-imagined Wonder Woman costume and oh my God if Twitter didn’t light up like wildfire about it. I’m obviously behind the mark here, but I like to take my time and let things marinate before I post about it. So here’s the image:
The costume comes complete with headband, gauntlets and lasso which are all vital pieces. The corset piece is fine. I mean, it looks like her boobs could fall out at any moment, but the corset itself I’m ok with. I’m even semi-ok with the painted on silicone looking pants. Actually no I’m not ok with the pants. Every time I look at them I cringe a little bit more. And I’m definitely not ok with the blue boots. They need to be red. End of story. I realize that in the comics her costume was updated (again) but going forward it looks like they may head back to the standard costume. I don’t see why they couldn’t do that here.
I guess what it really boils down to is the difference in the character. That’s what really steams my clams. Wonder Woman should be portrayed as a strong female character. She really needs to look more like this:
Now, THAT image shows a woman who could probably kick your ass. I don’t get the same feeling from the previous image. Like I said, I’ll reserve final judgment until the pilot airs. And to be honest nothing would make me more happy than for me to have to come back and eat crow because that would mean it was good. Of course I’ll be posting my thoughts whatever they may be.
How do you feel about the new costume. Did they get it right or miss the mark completely?
***Update***
One of the other film writers that I follow on Twitter posted this picture to his feed on Friday. Just thought I’d share because A) I dig this costume, and B) this chick looks the part.
