Even the most ardent detractors of Zack Snyder's BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE were quick to praise the welcome edition of Gal Gadot's Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. The climactic battle between the Holy Trinity and Doomsday saw the mighty Amazonian princess kicking all kinds of mutated Kryptonian butt. When she protects Batman and Superman from Doomsday's power surge and then emerges to the distinct chords of Hans Zimmer Wonder Woman theme – man that's just a powerful moment.
However, if you were planning on seeing Wonder Woman's shield or her sword in the upcoming WONDER WOMAN 1984, prepare to be disappointed. As you may have noticed in the recent trailer for WONDER WOMAN 1984, the native of Themyscira was sans shield and sword. There's a reason for that. Director Patty Jenkins deliberately removed them from the forthcoming sequel, instead choosing to go with the traditional lasso, gauntlets, and tiara. When asked about the decision Jenkins had this to say:
Wonder Woman does not carry a weapon. We had an intention to let go of the sword, because there’s something very aggressive with a sword. If you have a sword, it means you need to use it. So we wanted to give that up. And we didn’t feel that the shield was necessary either. She’s a goddess, she can fight, she’s super strong, and she has the skills. So no, she has the gauntlets. She has the lasso. She has her tiara and that’s about it.
Before you get all upset about Jenkins' choice however, it's important to note that the director is technically sticking with comicbook tradition. Wonder Woman's sword and shield is something that only appeared in the last ten years with the New 52 run. Additionally, I respect what Jenkins' is going for here. The quote implies that Diana only fights when she needs to. It's a distinct choice in a comicbook film landscape where too many heroes punch first and ask questions later. In any case if the trade off is ditching the sword and shield in favor of Diana riding the lightning, I'm all for it.
WONDER WOMAN 1984 starring Gal Gadot, Robin Wright, Pedro Pascal, Kristen Wiig, and Chris Pine lassos its way into theaters June 5, 2020.