When Patty Jenkins directed the 2017 DC blockbuster, finding the right Wonder Woman cast meant balancing the gravity of ancient Amazonian mythology with the gritty realism of World War I. The film relies heavily on its ensemble to ground a story about immortal warriors and human frailties. If you're looking to understand who played who, how the actors prepared, and what went on behind the scenes, here's a complete breakdown of the primary lineup.
The primary search intent centers on identifying the actors, their specific character roles, and the production choices that shaped the film's success. Below, we examine the main heroes, villains, and supporting players who brought this comic book adaptation to life.
The Main Heroes and Amazon Royalty
Every great superhero film needs a compelling anchor. The core heroic lineup bridges the hidden island of Themyscira with the battlefields of Europe.
Gal Gadot as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot stars as Diana, an immortal Amazon warrior princess who leaves her isolated homeland to end World War I. Gadot brought a mix of physical dedication and wide-eyed optimism to the role. Director Patty Jenkins cast Gadot because she projected both immense strength and deep compassion. Younger versions of Diana are played by Lilly Aspell (at age 8) and Emily Carey (at age 12).
Chris Pine as Steve Trevor
Chris Pine plays Steve Trevor, an American pilot and intelligence spy who accidentally crash-lands on Themyscira, sparking the plot. Pine initially hesitated to take the role because he worried about playing "second fiddle" to a superhero. However, once Jenkins pitched the dynamic as a classic romantic-comedy pairing set against a war backdrop, Pine signed on.
Connie Nielsen as Queen Hippolyta
Connie Nielsen portrays Hippolyta, the Amazon queen and Diana's protective mother. Nielsen underwent a grueling physical preparation routine, working out six hours a day—combining weight training, horseback riding, and sword work—while reading historical texts about ancient women warriors to inform her regal stance.
Robin Wright as General Antiope
Robin Wright plays Antiope, Hippolyta's sister and the fierce general of the Amazonian army. Antiope serves as Diana's primary combat mentor. Wright's physical regimen included martial arts, heavy weightlifting, and a high-calorie diet to build the athletic frame required for the film's intense battle sequences.
Villains and Antagonists
The conflict of the movie drives Diana out of her isolation, pushed by a cabal of military strategists and mythical threats.
David Thewlis as Sir Patrick / Ares
David Thewlis plays Sir Patrick Morgan, a British diplomat advocating for an armistice. In the film's third act, Sir Patrick is revealed to be Ares, the Greek god of war. Thewlis balances a mild-mannered political facade with a terrifying divine presence during the final showdown.
Danny Huston as General Erich Ludendorff
Danny Huston plays General Erich Ludendorff, a ruthless German commander desperate to turn the tide of the war using experimental chemicals. Huston's performance captures the unyielding, mechanized cruelty of early 20th-century militarism.
Elena Anaya as Doctor Maru (Poison)
Elena Anaya plays Doctor Maru, nicknamed "Doctor Poison," a chemist who engineers lethal gas for Ludendorff's forces. Anaya researched historical figures like Fritz Haber to understand the mindset of scientists who weaponized chemistry. She noted that her character's facial scars stemmed from self-experimentation.
Steve Trevor's Team of Allies
When Steve Trevor returns to London, he assembles a specialized covert team to infiltrate German lines.
- Lucy Davis as Etta Candy: Etta serves as Steve's witty, capable secretary who helps Diana navigate London's restrictive fashion and societal rules.
- Saïd Taghmaoui as Sameer: A Moroccan undercover spy and master of disguise who fights alongside Steve's crew.
- Ewen Bremner as Charlie: A Scottish sharpshooter suffering from severe shell shock and post-traumatic stress.
- Eugene Brave Rock as Chief Napi: A Blackfoot smuggler who trades across enemy lines. Brave Rock collaborated closely with Patty Jenkins to ensure his character avoided flat Hollywood stereotypes, even introducing himself in his native Blackfoot language.
For more details on production and background history, you can explore the DC Extended Universe Wiki or view official summaries on Rotten Tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who trained the actresses who played the Amazons?
The Amazon cast underwent months of rigorous physical training led by stunt coordinators and athletes. Several professional athletes, including CrossFit competitor Brooke Ence and boxer Ann Wolfe, were cast as Amazon warriors to lend authentic muscle and fighting credibility to the scenes.
Was Tom Cruise considered for the role of Steve Trevor?
No. Chris Pine was Patty Jenkins' first and primary choice for Steve Trevor, though several other actors were auditioned before Pine committed to the project.
How old was Gal Gadot during filming?
Gal Gadot was born in 1985 and was around 31 years old during the primary filming of the 2017 release.
Does Zack Snyder appear in the movie?
Yes, director Zack Snyder made a brief, uncredited cameo appearance as a U.S. soldier standing in a trench scene.
