Word on the street is that NBC has ordered a pilot for a new TV series based on DC Comic’s awesomely super superhero, Wonder Woman.
Apparently, writer and producer David E. Kelley of Ally McBeal fame had shopped it around to various networks last month and was turned down by each one of them. Then NBC changed its mind.
The pilot is described as:
a reinvention of the iconic D.C. comic in which Wonder Woman — aka Diana Prince — is a vigilante crime fighter in L.A. but also a successful corporate executive and a modern woman trying to balance all of the elements of her extraordinary life.
The thing is…The Daily Beast got a hold of a copy of the script and it seems Kelley’s version of Wonder Woman makes her out to be a bit of a wimp, crying at the drop of hat and forlorn without a man in her life. It’s not really how I picture Wonder Woman – how about you?
The Daily Beast recaps scenes from Kelley’s script so go check them out and decide for yourself.
Of course I’m going to watch the pilot – assuming it ever gets aired – so I’ll reserve final judgement until then.
But I can’t help feeling bitter that Joss Whedon’s Wonder Woman movie never went any where.
You know his Wonder Woman would have remained a strong icon for female empowerment. Yes I’m generalizing a wee bit since obviously I haven’t read his Wonder Woman movie script, but this is Joss Whedon we’re talking about. He doesn’t create wimpy female characters. He just doesn’t.
No, you can bet he would have demonstrated Wonder Woman’s struggle to balance the vulnerable and the invulnerable sides of her identity (as all superheros must), and he would have done it in a way that would make you say, damn I’ve so been there. Because he makes his characters relatable.
And it would have been a smart, bitingly funny script you would constantly want to quote from.
I’m sure that’s what Kelley is trying to do too. Make his reinvention of Wonder Woman a person we can relate too.
It’s just I keep picturing an Ally McBeal version of this superhero saying thing like – “I like being a mess. It’s who I am” – instead of a strong Amazonian Warrior.
There is, however a redemption of sorts. While Joss isn’t doing his Wonder Woman movie, he is directing the Marvel Studios superhero movie, The Avengers. So at least that’s something.
What do you think? Will you tune in to watch this reinvention of Wonder Woman when the time comes?
5 Responses to “[not so] Wonder Woman pilot underway”
Tweets that mention [not so] Wonder Woman pilot underway « Mel Gallant -- Topsy.com
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Melany Gallant, Sherrie Guthrie. Sherrie Guthrie said: RT @melgallant: [not so] Wonder Woman pilot underway: http://t.co/UOL978n […]
Kathleen
I really do not know much about Joss Whedon and his work, never watch Ally Mcbeall either,however I did see a version of WW, and did not like it. Giving WW three identities is wrong. Only two should be enough. There is wonder woman and Diana prince nothing else. We all know where she came from, why make it more difficult. I would lose track of the whole show and would give up watching it. The way I see it, the show will flop big time. Keep the original origin of her, but modernize her. Just give her two identities, not three.
melgallant
Hi Kathleen,
I agree – the three identities angle is a bit weird. Not sure how well it will flow. I’m with you…keep to the Wonder Woman origin but modernize her. It’ll be interesting to see whether this pilot goes anywhere.
As for Joss Whedon’s work – you need to go rent the first season of Buffy right now!
ayala
It would be nice if Wonder Woman could be a modern strong character… hmmm, we will wait and see 🙂
Mel Gallant
Hi Ayala,
Yes wait and see. I was so excited when I heard a pilot was underway. And then I read the premise and it underwhelmed me.