In a candid interview, Chris Pine, the actor who portrayed Steve Trevor in the Wonder Woman films, has shared his thoughts on the recent cancellation of Wonder Woman 3 and the future of his involvement with the DC Universe. Pine admitted to being “stunned” by Warner Bros.’ decision to abandon the billion-dollar Wonder Woman franchise, pivoting away from Gal Gadot’s Diana Prince and director Patty Jenkins’ vision.
“I’m stunned that they said no to a billion-dollar franchise and decided to pivot elsewhere,” Pine expressed to Business Insider. “I don’t know what the reasoning was behind that; it’s above my pay grade, but Wonder Woman is an incredible character; Patty is such a thoughtful director.”
While the first Wonder Woman movie in 2017 was a critical and commercial success, grossing nearly a billion dollars at the box office, its sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, failed to replicate that level of success, earning only a fraction of its predecessor’s haul. The changing landscape of the DC Universe, coupled with the new leadership under James Gunn and Peter Safran, likely played a role in the decision to shelve the third installment and embark on a fresh path.
Despite his surprise, Pine acknowledged the impracticality of his character, Steve Trevor, returning for a potential Wonder Woman 3. “Me. No. Homie is dead. Steve is gonzo. It would be ridiculous to try to bring me back,” he stated firmly. Pine’s character had already defied death once in Wonder Woman 1984, and a subsequent resurrection would have stretched credulity even further.
Reflecting on his initial reluctance to take on the role of Steve Trevor, Pine revealed that he had initially rejected the offer, assuming he would merely play the “boyfriend” character, a secondary role to Gadot’s Wonder Woman. However, after discussing the project with Jenkins, he realized the depth of the character and the film’s focus on a romantic narrative, likening it to the classic “Casablanca.”
As the DC Universe undergoes a seismic shift under its new leadership, Pine’s tenure as Steve Trevor appears to have come to a definitive end. However, the actor expressed his support for the franchise’s fresh start, acknowledging the need to move forward in a new direction.
While fans may lament the loss of the Wonder Woman trilogy as originally envisioned, Pine’s honest reflections offer a glimpse into the complex decision-making processes behind such major franchise shifts. As the DCU embarks on its new path, the door remains open for potential new roles and interpretations, leaving fans to speculate on what lies ahead for the beloved characters and storytellers of this iconic universe.
