'Wonder Woman 1984' to Tackle The Gay Rights Movement and AIDS Crisis | Wonder Woman 2 Update

Steve Trevor is also set to return, giving something for Gal to Pine over...

According to recent rumours (that have now been backed up by on-set photos), Wonder Woman 2 - or Wonder Woman 1984 as it was officially announced to be called last week - is set to tackle the AIDS Crisis and Gay Rights Movement for the first time in a Hollywood blockbuster. This seems to be a bold move in the progression of LGBTQ representation within Hollywood and it feels fitting for a character like Wonder Woman to lead the charge considering her place as a feminist and queer icon.

For those unaware, 1984 was the year in which the US government first decided to acknowledge the AIDS crisis that led to the deaths of millions of queer men. The deaths were all preventable but the government decided to, rather than inform the public about the outbreak of HIV, put money into creating a stigma around the gay community that led to the HIV stigma and social hatred that can still be felt today around the world. 

Wonder Woman, a character that is canonically queer herself and would have viewed same-sex relationships as completely normal (her entire island was populated with women, think about it) will obviously oppose the homophobia within the American government, similar to the way in which she challenged British leaders within the first Wonder Woman movie.

This isn't the only reason the film will take place in 1984, though. The movie is set to explore the rise in technology and the way in which it can influence thoughts and actions among the consuming public. The 80's setting will also draw on the current nostalgia craze sweeping popular culture; Stranger Things, Thor: Ragnarok and Spider-Man: Homecoming  were all hugely influenced by 80's music and tropes. The officially released photo below depicts Gadot's Diana viewing a series of ominous screens displaying some iconic 80's imagery including an episode of the hit series Dallas and a contemporary Coca-Cola advert.

Steve Trevor, Diana's beau from the first movie, is also set to return after his shock death. Director Patti Jenkins posted the following photo to her personal Twitter account before principle photography began this week. It is currently unknown how Chris Pine's Trevor came to re-appear within the film, but fan theories place Diana's uncle Hades as the puppet-master behind his ressurection - he is the God of Death after all.

For more Wonder Woman 1984 news, stick to JG Review.

Source: Grace Randolph's Beyond the Trailer

Written by James Green