With Wonder Woman now on cinema screens across the globe, FANDOM takes a look at how the star-studded cast fared in the comic book adaptation.
Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman)
Gal Gadot had already proved herself as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman via an extended cameo in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. But the question remained – could an actress who was one of the weakest links in the Fast and Furious films carry a standalone superhero flick? Well, fans needn’t have worried, as Gadot owns it. Not early in proceedings, when she struggles with some of the more serious scenes on Themyscira. But by the time Gadot hits London, she’s all Wonder Woman, radiating warmth, strength and dignity. The Israeli actress excels in the action sequences, and also brings great humanity to the role, a quality that sets her apart from most of the other superheroes currently onscreen. Special mention should also go to Lilly Aspell, who is quite simply adorable as young Diana.
Hit or Miss? Hit.
Chris Pine (Steve Trevor)
Steve Trevor is a square-jawed, all-American hero. Making him a little like the characters Chris Pine played in the Star Trek films and Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. So it’s no surprise that Pine landed the role. And no surprise that he nails it. He’s the kind of actor who makes action look effortless, but where he really excels is in the film’s lighter scenes, when Trevor is being embarrassed, confused or impressed by Wonder Woman.
Hit or Miss? Hit.
Connie Nielson (Hippolyta)
Hippolyta is Queen of the Amazons, and Connie Nielson is suitably imperious in the role. Trouble is, she isn’t given a huge amount to do other than worry about her daughter and argue with her sister. And while Nielson is fine doing the former, she’s outclassed by Robin Wright during the latter…
Hit or Miss? Miss.
Robin Wright (Antiope)
Channeling her inner Claire Underwood, Robin Wright is hard as nails as Antiope, sister of Hippolyta. Her character is an Amazonian general, and Wright plays her as the kind of warrior you’d want leading you into battle. She talks a lot of sense, kicks ass and takes names in training, and when war arrives on Themyscira, Antiope is a force of nature. So much so that we would happily watch a film that revolves around her.
Hit or Miss? Hit.
Danny Huston (Ludendorff)
Danny Huston is a brilliant actor. Ludendorff is not a brilliant character, however. He’s less a three-dimensional villain, and more a cackling, moustache-twirling bad guy. Though without the moustache. Ludendorff’s nasty drug habit is all set-up and no pay-off, and Huston isn’t given the space or time to lend him any depth. All of which makes the character instantly forgettable.
Hit or Miss? Miss.
Elena Anaya (Dr. Maru)
Elena Anaya fares a little better as Dr. Maru, aka Dr. Poison, but that’s as much down to her appearance as Anaya’s performance. Maru has been facially disfigured, meaning she wears a wood cast over her cheek and mouth that’s pretty striking. As well as being physically damaged, it’s clear she has some mental issues, the character crafting plagues and poisons to win the war for the Nazis. But as we never learn her back story, the audience gets very little sense of who she is. Which is frustrating, but Anaya nevertheless does a valiant job with what she’s given.
Hit or Miss? Hit. But only just.
David Thewlis (Sir Patrick Morgan)
David Thewlis is one of the best actors working today, but Patrick Morgan is not one of his more successful performances. As a toff endeavouring to broker a peace deal with Germany, he’s fine. But as events progress and we learn more about Morgan, Thewlis becomes less convincing. And ends up looking a little foolish.
Hit or Miss? Miss.
Lucy Davis (Etta Candy)
Best-known as Dawn in the UK version of The Office, Lucy Davis provides comic relief in Wonder Woman. Her character is Etta Candy – secretary to Steve Trevor and friend to Diana Prince when she first arrives in London. Unfortunately, most of her funny lines don’t land, but that’s less to do with Davis’s performance, and more down to the jokes being pretty bad. Davis delivers a likeable turn, however, and it would be nice to see her given more to do if Etta makes it into a sequel.
Hit or Miss? Hit.
Ewen Bremner, Said Tagmaoui, Eugene Brave Rock (Charlie, Sameer, The Chief)
As the rag-tag band of brothers that Steve Trevor recruits to go into battle, Ewen Bremner, Said Tagmaoui, Eugene Brave Rock are on scene-stealing form. Though as with the villains in Wonder Woman, we spend so little time getting to know the characters that it feels like a missed opportunity. Ewen Bremner is perhaps the best of the bunch, his Charlie both hilarious and haunted, while Said Tagmaoui also does good work as Sameer, the pair bringing fun to the film when proceedings get a little serious.
Hit or Miss? Hit.