Wonder Woman 1984: Cheetah Is A Villain Fueled By Low Self-Esteem
Director Patty Jenkins has revealed what motivates Wonder Woman 1984 villain Cheetah, and it stems from self-esteem issues. Wonder Woman 1984 is the long awaited sequel to 2017's Wonder Woman, which gave the DCEU's Diana Prince her origin story. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Warner Bros. announced a sequel only one month after the first movie's release. As production on Wonder Woman 1984 began, details, such as Kristen Wiig's casting as Barbara Ann Minerva/Cheetah, began to emerge. Many saw Wiig as an exciting choice, since she hasn't been involved in an action movie quite like this before.
Though fans already know some about Cheetah's role in the film, her final transformation has largely remained a mystery. Trailers and other footage have only shown Cheetah in her human form. However, toys and other merchandise have suggested a comic-accurate look. Jenkins has also revealed Cheetah's costume is mostly practical effects vs. the CGI that many comic book movies have become reliant on. Cheetah's villainous turn will be influenced by the businessman Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal), with images suggesting a close relationship.
In an interview with Empire Magazine (via Syfy Wire), Jenkins lent some understanding as to why Wiig's character becomes a villain. The director explained, "What makes Barbara turn into Cheetah is feeling like she's never been as good as someone like Diana." Jenkins elaborated, "She reminds me of certain people I've known who have such low self-confidence, that they're always holding themselves back. Then once they start to embrace change, out comes this ugly resentment built up over all those years." The director also revealed how Cheetah's villainous turn affects her friendship with Diana, saying it leads to "this real misunderstanding at its core."
Though much has been made of Wiig and Pascal's new characters, Wonder Woman 1984 will also feature some exciting returns from the first movie. Chris Pine will be back as fan favorite Steve Trevor, while the Amazons of Themyscira will also appear again, this time in flashback. Pine's return is especially surprising, as his character died in the first film. Many assume Maxwell Lord will be involved in bringing Steve back, possibly through a deal with Diana. The flashback to Themyscira means Diana's mother, Queen Hippolyta, will make an appearance, as will her aunt, Antiope. Antiope is another character who died in Wonder Woman, however the flashback device means she won't be resurrected like Steve.
Jenkins' comments about Cheetah lend some clarity to how Barbara Ann Minerva becomes a villain. It also explains how she goes from friends with Diana to fighting her in the White House, as recent photos revealed. Cheetah will be a villain not unlike the first movie's Ares, who disguised himself as a friend to Diana and Steve before revealing his truth nature. However, based on Jenkins' new information about Cheetah, it seems her friendship with Diana will be an even more important part of this movie. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until Wonder Woman 1984's release in August to find out what happens between the two.
Source: Empire Magazine (via Syfy Wire)