Chris Pine, distinguished for his memorable role as Steve Trevor in the critically acclaimed Wonder Woman franchise, has recently disclosed his reaction to the unexpected cancellation of the much-anticipated third installment. Pine, who has been an integral part of the Wonder Woman narrative alongside Gal Gadot, shared his thoughts in a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Pine’s character, Steve Trevor, has been depicted as both an ally and romantic interest to Gadot’s Diana Prince, better known as Wonder Woman, in the first two chapters of the series. Upon hearing about the scrapped plans for Wonder Woman 3, Pine expressed his disbelief at the direction taken by the studio. “I’m stunned that they said no to a billion-dollar franchise and decided to pivot elsewhere,” he stated, underlining the magnitude of the franchise’s success and the bold decision to steer away from a third movie.
The star went on to speak admiringly of Wonder Woman’s legacy and the innovative storytelling brought to the screen by director Patty Jenkins. Pine also emphasized the character’s significance and his own respect for the director’s vision. Despite his pivotal role in the previous films, Pine clarified his character would not have returned in the third movie due to the conclusion of Steve Trevor’s arc, saying, “Me. No. Homie is dead. Steve is gonzo. It would be ridiculous to try to bring me back.”
The actor took a trip down memory lane to the beginning of his journey with the franchise. He reminisced about his initial hesitation regarding the role of Steve Trevor. It was a conversation with Jenkins, who presented the story as a sweeping romance akin to the timeless classic, Casablanca, that ultimately drew him in. Pine found the focus on the love story within the superhero genre to be unique and compelling, rather than relying solely on high-octane action.
The decision to discontinue Wonder Woman 3 arrived amid a significant shake-up at DC Studios—James Gunn and Peter Safran were appointed at the helm of the studio, leading to a comprehensive reevaluation and reorganization of the DC Comics Extended Universe.
This shift in management signaled a new creative direction for DC’s cinematic universe, possibly looking to correct previously criticized inconsistencies and plotting a future for their characters that might exclude the plans set by former regimes.
The news of the third film’s cancellation resonated through the fanbase, leaving many disheartened. Fans of the Wonder Woman films have been expressing their collective surprise and sadness over the loss of what could have been a concluding chapter to a beloved modern mythos. Despite the disappointment, the cinematic future for Diana Prince remains a beacon of hope for many, as they hold onto the possibility of seeing their iconic superheroine take flight once more on the silver screen.
Pine’s remarks have laid bare the unpredictability of Hollywood and franchise filmmaking. The termination of the project is particularly poignant as it follows the box-office success and critical acclaim of its predecessors, which not only revitalized interest in the character but also made significant strides for female representation in the genre.
Indeed, the Wonder Woman series has been seen as a trailblazer, with many advocating for its continuation not just as a means of entertainment but also as an empowering symbol for viewers worldwide. While Chris Pine’s involvement in the Wonder Woman universe might have come to an end, the story’s profound impact and the discussions surrounding its unexpected cancellation echo in the halls of Hollywood and beyond.
