Wonder Woman 1984 appears to be swapping over the original film's traditional Diana Prince and Steve Trevor roles in a smart reversal of convention. Chris Pine's Steve became a tragic figure in the 2017 Wonder Woman movie, when he sacrificed his own life in order to prevent the release of a deadly new gas concocted by the villainous enemy scientist, Doctor Poison. The loss of Steve has been a defining part of Diana's character throughout her DCEU tenure, both inspiring her and warning her of humanity's potential for violence. Chris Pine's return was announced well in advance of Wonder Woman 1984, but the recent trailer release confirms that, somehow, Steve has been returned to Diana.
In Patty Jenkins' first Wonder Woman offering, Diana's origin story more or less follows the path forged by the early DC comic books. Steve washes ashore onto the island of Themyscira and is saved by Diana who befriends him and returns to the outside world in order to fulfill what she perceives to be the Amazonian purpose - protecting humanity from evil. Having shunned the world of men for so long and remaining within the isolated confines of Paradise Island, Diana's arrival in 1918 London is not a smooth transition. Her attitudes, dress sense and propensity for combat all draw attention, not to mention the way in which Diana refers to ancient Gods as if they were real. While this 'fish out of water' scenario provides plenty of opportunity for comedy, such as Diana's outfit modelling scene with Etta Candy, it also allows her to rise above mankind's hatred and bitterness and show them a better way.
In Wonder Woman 1984, the boot is very much on the other foot. Steve might have been the stylish, inconspicuous spy about town in the early 20th century, but almost 70 years have passed since then and, in the bright neon glow of the 1980s, Steve doesn't know his tape decks from his turtlenecks. Diana, meanwhile, has spent decades adjusting to mankind's culture and is now fully assimilated into the outside world. This is demonstrated in the recent Wonder Woman 1984 trailer when Diana is describing the "art" of the city and Steve begins to appreciate the visual qualities of a nearby trash can until Diana hilariously corrects him. This moment is almost a complete mirror of Steve attempting to hide Diana's sword from public view in 1918, because she believes it's acceptable to brandish one on the streets of London.
Both moments provide a breath of levity, and it's evident that where Diana was the one finding herself in alien territory before, it's now Steve's turn. Expect plenty more timeline-based confusion in the full film, as Chris Pine's character is confronted with giant mobile phones, arcade games and glam rock. Aside from the comedic aspect of the switch, however, Steve taking on Diana's usual role in Wonder Woman 1984 will help demonstrate how far the Amazonian has come as a character since the original movie. Perhaps more importantly, the reversed dynamic will also allow exploration into how Diana and Steve's romance has survived after being on hold for so long. Steve aided Diana's transition into a new world in Wonder Woman; seeing Diana return the favor will help reveal how her feelings have changed or strengthened over the years she spent Steve-less.
Ultimately, Diana's inexperience and naivety to the world allowed her cut through prejudice, hatred and government nonsense to unite people towards a common goal and help bring about a semblance of peace. If Steve is the one finding himself in a strange new world in Wonder Woman 1984, will he achieve something similar? The DCEU has already highlighted how Diana becomes more jaded and cautious after Steve's death, but the return of her lover and his old-fashioned attitudes could break through Diana's skepticism and the cynical commercialism of the 1980s and provide the same inspiration Diana did in the original Wonder Woman story.
