Today, I was at work and stumbled upon an article at Rope of Silicon, called Why The Comic Book Movie Industry needs a Female Superhero. The article stood out in my head and triggered feminist thoughts in my head about representation.
As a black African woman, it does not represent me as such but I do find strength in the idea that the image of WW exudes female strength.
Lynda Carter* is synonymous with the live-action concept of WW. She is a stunning woman, who had unbelievable body proportions when shooting the TV series. Honestly:
If WW ever gets made in the near future, I think it will be one of those films that needs that actress, to ensure its’ success. I think the actress would need charisma, style, skill and charm to make it come alive…
…and she would have to have a heavy** figure LOL.
My list of potentials is as follows:
- Scarlett Johansson: The Girl with the bee stung lips and Queen Bee attitude is equipped in the acting and looks department. What do you think?
- Sharon Leal: She’s a Dreamgirl, and a gorgeous one at that.
- January Jones: Mad Men’s Golden Globe-nominated girl. This girl is a fierce bitch***. I love Betty Draper.
- Anne Hathaway: Devil Wears Prada girl is going to be the White Queen in the Alice in Wonderland film, but I could still see her doing a funny, slapstick version of WW. She’s become one of my fave actresses.
- Eva Mendes: I really liked Mendes in that AWFUL film that had sexy Denzel in it. She was cool in it. She has a glossy enough look to carry off the aesthetic of WW but also has a sultry air to her.
- Beyoncé: Mrs Carter (not Lynda) has expressed interest in playing the role. I think regular readers of Charcoal Ink can guess that I would love to see her play this role. Lynda Carter was even quoted saying: “Beyonce’s phenomenal; I think the whole idea of her playing Wonder Woman would be great”. I don’t think it will happen b/c I know many people don’t like Beyonce, but I still love her!
As Eartha Kitt proved as being Catwoman, it’s not really about what skincolour you are or your background, it’s all in the attitude and charisma. That’s what makes the role purrfect.
Notes
* = Am I the only one who didn’t know that Lynda Carter is half Hispanic?
**= for my non UK heads, heavy means good!
***=And I love the word ‘bitch’ to describe a powerful woman. Let’s take the meaning back!
Let me know your thoughts and opinions on this!
Wonder Woman has the iconic recognition to make a salable movie, and I have a good, if slightly offbeat, candidate to play her, assuming she’ll agree to dye her hair brunette — Laura Prepon (who has already switched from redhaired to blonde). She’s tall (nearly 5′11″) and imposing enough to be a believable WW, will turn 29 in March (so she could appear in multiple films), and has developed as a dramatic actress (”October Road”) after doing comedy (”That ’70s Show).
I’m not familiar with her. Can you post a link of her picture please?
@Dean: That’s an interesting choice.
I think that Gina Torres could play Wonder Woman.
@Rama: Oh wow, really, Rosario is doing the voice? Cool!
I think your choice of Liv Tyler is a good idea. She definitely has the look.
Rosario Dawson is actually voicing (Amazon Artemis) in the upcoming WB Wonder Woman DVD. She’s the only cast member who sounds enthusiastic about it.
As for actresses in a live action: Megan Gale was officially cast in the Justice League film (with Common as Green Lantern), but that’s on indefinite hold and cast options have lapsed, so anything’s possible. In terms of resemblance to the comic character – Liv Tyler would be good, but her voice never really changed. Not really Amazon sounding. Milla Jovovich might’ve nailed the the Mike Deodato version, back before she got pregnant in her Ultraviolet days. Now who knows.
@Monie: LOL @ Bey stan comment – its’ definitely the truth about me. I love that b!tch, she’s fierce.
Jada Pinkett Smith is a good choice, but she is slightly skinny?
One reason why I am not wild about Rosario is the Sin City link; I see her more androgynous than Amazonian feminist but who knows.
@sdg: Mendes is deffo gorgeous.
I like the idea of Eva Mendes. She’s marvelous.
Aulelia,
I’m not a big Angelina Jolie fan but I think she could pull it off.
I like Sharon Leal, I have since Boston Public, but she’s too diminutive. Don’t you think?
Scarlett Johansson would be a good choice but I’m not sure if she has that tough edge.
I’m not going to comment on Bey since I know you’re a Bey stan. lol
Jada Pinkett-Smith?
I love Eva Mendes, she’d make a very elegant Wonder Woman.
My number one choice would be…drumroll… Rosario Dawson. What do you think?