WONDER WOMAN:
How the latest superhero blockbuster became DC's most unexpected triumph.
(From 2016)
23 FEB
Gal Gadot’s casting as Wonder Woman faces fan backlash
Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress best known for playing Gisele in three of the Fast and Furious films, was cast as Wonder Woman in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film.
However, the decision faced a backlash. Many fans (both men and women) took issue with the 28-year-old Israeli model playing the Amazon princess.
While the actor has action film experience for the role, the online reaction questioned her eye colour, thin frame, and cleavage.
Ben Affleck faced similar backlash when it was announced he'd play Batman in the sequel, alongside Henry Cavill as Superman.
05 JUN
Patty Jenkins' film smashes box office record
Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman took $100.5 million at the US/Canada box office on its opening weekend, the biggest domestic debut for a female director.
Jenkins confidently beat Sam Taylor-Johnson's 50 Shades of Grey's record, which opened with $85.1 million in 2015.
The blockbuster superhero movie, starring Israeli actress Gal Gadot, received largely positive reviews from film critics.
The film about Diana, Princess of the Amazons, is the first female-led superhero film to be directed by a woman.
Hollywood is known for its reluctance to hire female directors, especially for blockbusters, making this record extra special.
The film's budget was $149 million.
28 MAR
Batman V Superman sets box office record despite poor reviews
Despite a negative reception from critics, the superhero blockbuster Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice still broke box office records, taking in $424 million.
The film, which sees Henry Cavill reprise his role as Superman and Ben Affleck take on the role of the Caped Crusader, was panned by some reviewers and a clip of Affleck being asked about the hostile reception went viral.
The film also features the third superhero from DC’s so-called Superhero Trinity, Wonder Woman. It was intended to serve as the starting point for a swathe of new DC adaptations, based on lesser known characters.
09 JUN
Gal Gadot was pregnant while filming Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot, who played the leading role in Wonder Woman, was five-months pregnant when filming the Hollywood blockbuster.
Gadot’s daughter Maya, her second child with husband Yaron Varsano, was born in March, but Gadot was visibly pregnant with her when she had to return to London for reshoots in November of last year.
A green cloth was used to cover up her baby bump, and then special effects removed it. “On wide shots I looked very funny, like Wonder Woman pregnant with Kermit the Frog," Gadot said.
26 MAY
Wonder Woman women-only screenings spark row
A cinema chain in Austin, Texas, sparked a row after scheduling women-only screenings of Wonder Woman.
The Alamo Drafthouse reserved two showings for those who identify as female. Men lambasted the idea, claiming they are being discriminated against.
A post on the Alamo's website read: "Apologies, gentlemen, but we're embracing our girl power and saying 'No Guys Allowed' for one special night at the Alamo Ritz.
"And when we say 'People Who Identify As Women Only', we mean it. Everyone working at this screening - venue staff, projectionist, and culinary team - will be female."
12 JUN
Extraordinary second-week sales for DC's latest title
Patty Jenkins’s Wonder Woman took in an estimated $57 million in its second week, according to Box Office Mojo, around a 45 percent drop from its opening weekend.
When it comes to superhero movies the drop between an opening weekend and its second weekend is often steep.
Batman v Superman saw its box office haul drop 69 percent from its first to second weekend, and Suicide Squad had a decrease of about 67 percent.
Overall, Wonder Woman had the best second weekend of any modern superhero movie, in terms of first-to-second-week domestic box office decrease.