The first female-fronted DC film, Wonder Woman, recently wrapped principle photography. The adventures of Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) will keep the DCEU moving full-steam-ahead, all while striking a blow for under-represented (and underutilized) female superheroes. Gadot has already been praised for her performance in Batman V Superman, and Wonder Woman will delve further into her backstory.
Although it is primarily a story of the titular character, the upcoming film will also focus on the Amazons, including Antiope (Robin Wright) and Hippolyte (Connie Nielsen). After principle photography wound down, new photos revealed a new Amazonian whose presence hints at possible plot details.
DC Comics Movie posted pics of Swedish MMA Fighter and stunt woman Madeleine Vall, along with a report that she will play Amazon fighter Egeria in the upcoming movie. As confirmation, Vall posted a pair of Instagram photos with captions (one in Swedish and one in English). The first pic is a shot of Wonder Woman from the comics, which names Vall's character, while the second showcases her in an exotic Italian shooting locale. Take a look at her posts below:
English translation: “Madde Vall has just come home after [filming] Wonder Woman in which she plays a small role as an Amazon warrior “Egeria”. DC Comics superhero Wonder Woman, produced by Warner Bros. to a budget of 150 million dollars, goes up on the big screen in June 2017. In the lead roles are Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Robin Wright (Antiope), Connie Nielsen (Hippolyta), Chris Pine (Steve Trevor) and Norwegian Lisa Loven Kongsli, known from the “Tourist” (2014).”
As is standard operating procedure on most major cinematic undertakings these days, the details of Wonder Woman’s plot are a carefully guarded secret. DC’s aloofness is understandable, too. With a rumored budget of $150 million, one major spoiler could damage the film's potential numbers at the box office. All fans know thus far is that the story takes place during the World War I era (with possible flashbacks to Themyscira). The film will reveal more of Wonder Woman’s naïve, early years and will explore her full range of powers, as well as her likely romance with Steve Trevor.
Initial speculation also revolved around Greek war god Ares as the primary villain. However, Vall’s turn as Egeria hints at another potential antagonist. In the comics, Egeria served as a Captain of the Amazonian guards. The valiant captain sacrificed herself to seal a gateway to the underworld, the realm of Hades. It could also match up with Gadot’s hints about fighting “things from other worlds,” if taken loosely. Of course, different rumors have pointed towards a battle with the Atlanteans as well.
Whomever the Amazons battle, Wonder Woman is poised to make a major statement at the cinema. As one of the most popular superheroes in the world, Diana’s standalone shoulders a considerable weight. The DCEU’s path to Justice League rests on her superhuman shoulders, as well as the hopes of millions who look up to the comic book heroine. Her powers will be roundly tested when Diana Prince lights up theaters next June.
NEXT: Wonder Woman Director Shares Cast & Crew Photo
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is now playing in U.S. theaters. Suicide Squad will arrive on August 5, 2016, followed by Wonder Woman on June 2, 2017; Justice League Part One on November 17, 2017; The Flash on March 16, 2018; Aquaman on July 27, 2018; an untitled DC Film on October 5, 2018; Shazam on April 5, 2019; Justice League Part Two on June 14, 2019; an untitled DC film on November 1, 2019; Cyborgon April 3, 2020; and Green Lantern Corps on June 19, 2020.
Source: DC Comics Movie, Instagram