Year: 2017
Runtime: 141 min
Language: English
Director: Patty Jenkins
During World War I, Diana, an Amazonian princess, leaves her isolated island home after encountering a fallen American pilot. Believing he holds clues to stopping a global conflict, she ventures into the war-torn world, determined to end it. Discovering her remarkable abilities and unwavering resolve, Diana embraces her role as Wonder Woman, challenging the forces of evil and proving herself a powerful symbol of hope and heroism.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Wonder Woman yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Wonder Woman (2017), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Diana Prince, portrayed by Gal Gadot, steps into the Louvre in Paris, where a van from Wayne Enterprises delivers a briefcase from Bruce Wayne. Inside, she discovers an old photograph featuring herself alongside four men during World War I, accompanied by a note from Bruce expressing his desire to learn the story behind this image.
The narrative unfolds back in Diana’s childhood on the mystical island of Themyscira, a sanctuary for the Amazons, a fierce all-female warrior race. As young Diana, played by Lilly Aspell, observes the intense training routines led by General Antiope, portrayed by Robin Wright, she yearns to join the ranks of the Amazons. However, her mother, Queen Hippolyta (played by Connie Nielsen), disapproves of her training. Hippolyta recounts the myth of Zeus, who crafted humans with noble intentions, only to be thwarted by Ares, the god of war, whose corrupt influence ignited endless conflict among mankind.
The Amazons, aware of Ares’s lingering threat, ultimately agree to permit Diana’s training under Antiope, who subjects her to rigorous preparation. As she excels and matures, an accident occurs during a training session where Diana accidentally injures Antiope, leaving her feeling guilty. Things take a dramatic turn when Diana spots a plane crashing through the barrier surrounding Themyscira, plunging into the ocean. She bravely rescues its pilot, Steve Trevor, played by Chris Pine, marking her first encounter with a man. Unfortunately, the crash has inadvertently allowed German soldiers to invade their hidden home.
A fierce battle ensues between the Amazons and the German forces, resulting in heart-wrenching losses for the Amazons, including the heroic Antiope, who sacrifices herself to protect Diana. In the aftermath, Steve reveals his identity as a spy for the Allied forces and shares alarming news of World War I’s ferocity, detailing a treacherous plot by General Erich Ludendorff, portrayed by Danny Huston, and his dangerous chemist, Dr. Isabel Maru, also known as Dr. Poison.
As the Amazons learn about the impending threat of a new bio-weapon, Diana decides to join Steve on his mission, believing it connects to Ares’s influence. With her shield, lasso, and the formidable God Killer sword, she sets off with Steve, ready to confront the evils of war. The two arrive in London, where they meet Steve’s secretary, Etta Candy (Lucy Davis). Diana quickly adapts to the new world, even learning the nuances of clothing and dance, while also proving her incredible strength during a confrontation in an alley.
As the stakes escalate, the duo infiltrates a gala where Ludendorff is set to finalize his plans. Upon realizing that Ludendorff intends to unleash devastation upon innocent townsfolk, Diana’s fury ignites. She faces off against Ludendorff, only to discover that defeating one enemy does not end the war, revealing deeper, humanity-rooted darkness at play.
The combat escalates into a cinematic battle, leading to personal sacrifices with Steve ultimately commandeering a plane laden with explosives. His courageous act to thwart destruction leads to heart-wrenching consequences for Diana, pushing her to confront Ares himself. The climactic showdown becomes a test of her resolve, showcasing her true power when she ultimately embraces love over rage.
In a triumphant yet somber conclusion, Diana acknowledges the loss of her beloved Steve and the moral complexities of humanity, vowing to continue her fight for justice. As she embraces her destiny as Wonder Woman, she embodies hope, resilience, and the enduring belief in a brighter future.
Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:44
Still wondering what the ending of Wonder Woman (2017) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
The ending of the original Wonder Woman movie was often seen as somewhat anticlimactic, particularly concerning the death of Ares, the God of War. After the final battle, Diana defeats Ares, and he is ultimately killed, which some felt closed off the story too quickly and diminished the rich mythical lore behind the gods. This resolution left the role of the gods somewhat uncertain, as they appeared to be defeated or irrelevant by the end, which didn’t quite sit well with fans who wanted more exploration of Wonder Woman’s mythological origins.
In the upcoming reboot of the DC Universe, there is potential to revisit and expand upon this ending. By bringing Ares back from the dead, the filmmakers can create a more compelling and mythologically consistent narrative. The idea is that death might not be permanent for the gods, especially Ares, given the fluidity of mythological resurrection. This approach allows the franchise to stay true to Wonder Woman’s lore, where gods often return, and it opens up possibilities for future stories that delve deeper into the divine world.
Furthermore, the reboot can also reset the roster of Greek gods, moving away from the idea that they are all dead and irrelevant after the first film. This would enable the filmmakers to explore more intricate aspects of Wonder Woman’s mythos, especially with projects like the Paradise Lost prequel, which could delve into the history and origins of the gods and Themyscira. Such world-building would make future Wonder Woman films richer and more connected to her divine roots, rather than having to reintroduce the mythos from scratch.
Ultimately, by reintroducing Ares and reshaping the divine pantheon, the new DC Universe can address the criticisms of the original ending, making the gods feel more vital and meaningful within the story. This change would also facilitate a more natural and expansive exploration of Wonder Woman’s mythological world in later films, ensuring her story remains epic, mythic, and true to the comic book roots. The decision to bring Ares back or keep the reboot consistent with the old mythos depends on the direction the new DC Universe intends to take, but it’s clear that this reboot offers a fresh opportunity to give Wonder Woman’s divine story the weight and depth it deserves.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57
Don't stop at just watching — explore Wonder Woman in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Wonder Woman is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Wonder Woman with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Wonder Woman. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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