The hype surrounding Wonder Woman 1984 is clearly at an all-time high, especially after the dominant performance of its predecessor. Unfortunately, the year 2020 derailed the sequel's momentum, ultimately delaying the film's release date numerous times.
Despite that, details about Wonder Woman 1984 have consistently surfaced online, teasing fans of what to expect about the highly-talked-about sequel. On top of that, it was previously announced that the Gal Gadot-led sequel will be released on HBO Max and in theaters on Christmas Day in the United States, putting an end to the almost-year long wait for the DCEU film.
In the weeks leading up to the film's release, the marketing for Wonder Woman 1984 has ramped up. Several posters have already emerged online, providing fans with a fascinating look at Diana Prince and her new Golden Eagle Armor.
NEWS
Ahead of the film's Christmas day release, the first reactions to Wonder Woman 1984 have arrived.
Terri Schwartz of IGN shared that Wonder Woman 1984 “makes all the smart next steps” by telling a “very human and beautiful story” for Diana Prince.
I was lucky enough to be among the first to (finally!) get to screen Wonder Woman 1984. I adored it. The first Wonder Woman is my favorite of the modern DC films, and #WW84 makes all the smart next steps, telling a very human and very beautiful story for Diana Prince. pic.twitter.com/vzr2mZXIKg
— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) December 5, 2020
Germain Lussier of Gizmodo revealed that Wonder Woman 1984 is “hugely ambitious, incredibly exciting, and full of much-needed hope.”
Yesterday I saw Wonder Woman 1984 at home & it was everything I needed & more. The movie is hugely ambitious, incredibly exciting, and full of much needed hope. It's also very long, to a fault at times, but mostly it reminded me how wonderful a big blockbuster can make you feel. pic.twitter.com/6rYbHEzI7E
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) December 5, 2020
Erik Davis of Fandango pointed out that the sequel is “an absolute blast from start to finish” while also admitting that it is “one of DC's best sequels.”
I’m so happy to report that #WW84 is an absolute blast from start to finish. An exceptional compliment to the first film, it’s stuffed w/ heart, hope, love, action, romance & humor. @PattyJenks, @GalGadot & team delivered one of DC's best sequels. I was in tears when it ended. pic.twitter.com/ivPkBFmehd
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 5, 2020
Davis also took note of Pascal and Wiig's performances as Maxwell Lord and Cheetah respectively, describing the duo as “complex and unexpected foes.”
Add to that a terrific ensemble cast; Pedro Pascal & Kristen Wiig were complex & unexpected foes. I was also lucky enough to watch #WW84 safely on the big screen, and it was just everything. I didn't expect the experience to make me so emotional, but it did. I miss it so much. pic.twitter.com/mVq5zRadhX
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) December 5, 2020
Brandon Davis of Comicbook.com praised the fact that Patty Jenkins “literally made an 80s movie in every way,” while also sharing that there is “lots of Diana Prince and [there are] some epic Wonder Woman moments."
I've seen #WonderWoman1984!@PattyJenks literally made an 80s movie in every way, making it so unique for today. It feels both bigger than the first WW while simultaneously more contained.
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) December 5, 2020
Lots of Diana Prince and some epic Wonder Woman moments as @GalGadot literally soars! pic.twitter.com/QluelKwYly
Luke Bugg revealed that Wonder Woman 1984 is “the film the world needs right now.”
I was invited by @WarnerBrosUK to see an early screening of the new @WonderWomanFilm yesterday and I’m still smiling.#WonderWoman1984 is the film the world needs right now, no matter what sized screen you get to see it on.
— Luke Bugg "The Geek Of Steel" (@thegeekofsteel) December 5, 2020
I’ll be sharing some non-spoiler thoughts very soon. pic.twitter.com/FJv2FSObsm
Eric Eisenberg of CinemaBlend praised the movie's villains, Maxwell Lord and Cheetah, by sharing that “amazing work is done” for both characters.
Huge news: Wonder Woman 1984 is fantastic! The story is excellent & has a great, timely message; it packs in a ton of surprises; and amazing work is done with both Cheetah & Max Lord (Wiig & Pascal are both stellar). Get hyped, because it's the real deal. #WonderWoman1984 #WW1984 pic.twitter.com/9UQLyxn3gx
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) December 5, 2020
Meagan Damore of Comic Book Resources mentioned the perfect timing of the release of Wonder Woman 1984, citing the film's message of hope and optimism that will surely uplift fans.
Honored to have been among the first press to see #WonderWoman1984! I enjoyed the first film, but I loved #WW1984 even more. Although I wish we'd gotten the change to see it earlier, the movie came out at possibly the perfect time for its hope, optimism and message. pic.twitter.com/k2yY32UHrT
— Meagan Damore (@metathor) December 5, 2020
In a separate tweet, Damore also broke down the “wonderfully layered” villains of the sequel, pointing out Kristin Wiig's excellent performance as Cheetah as well as Pascal's amusing portrayal of Maxwell Lord.
All of the villains are so wonderfully layered. Kristin Wiig excels in the role of Barbara Minerva/Cheetah. The chemistry between her and Gal Gadot's Diana is unreal. Pedro Pascal adds a lot of fun as Maxwell Lord, but even he is more than he appears. #WonderWoman1984 #WW1984
— Meagan Damore (@metathor) December 5, 2020
Dorian Parks of Geeks of Color praised the performances of Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal as the film's chief villains.
I had the chance watch #WonderWoman1984 early!
— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) December 5, 2020
I loved the first film and I can confidently say the sequel take everything to another level! Pedro Pascal and Kristen Wiig absolutely kill it as Maxwell Lord and Cheetah.
Let Patty Jenkins take charge of the entire DCEU! pic.twitter.com/UpPbCNOsxH
JoBlo.com applauded the “breathtaking opening sequence” of the DCEU sequel while also hinting that the final act is “refreshingly original.”
Our own @JimmytotheO rode the lightning for a WONDER of a movie! @PattyJenks and @GalGadot have done it again! @WonderWomanFilm #WW84 is a glorious success! From it’s breathtaking opening sequence to the refreshingly original final act, there is much to rejoice in. pic.twitter.com/JXwRf9n3yV
— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) December 5, 2020
WHAT THIS MEANS
As it is, it appears that Wonder Woman 1984 knocked it out of the park, and this bodes well for those fans who patiently waited for the sequel's inevitable release. In addition, the positive reactions from various critics should add more hype for the upcoming Christmas release of the sequel.
From the sound of things, Wonder Woman 1984 is following the success of the first Wonder Woman film from 2017. In a way, the consistent vision and passion of Patty Jenkins for the Wonder Woman character combined with Gal Gadot's impressive portrayal clearly helped steer the franchise in the right direction, and the praise that the sequel is getting right now is a testament to that.
There were concerns in the past that the growing number of TV spots, trailers, and promotional materials combined with the numerous release date delays may end up having a negative effect on Wonder Woman 1984, since plenty of information has already been revealed. However, it's clear that this was not the case, since Jenkins and the rest of the cast and crew still managed to deliver a sequel that will definitely surprise everyone.
All in all, the overwhelmingly positive reactions for Wonder Woman 1984 should excite fans.
