“In Joss We Trust.”
This was once the unofficial mantra for superhero and science fiction fans who looked up to writer-director Joss Whedon. With a résumé glittering of ensemble casts and large spaceships for both TV and film, one that is never overlooked is his creation of feminist icon, Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Given Joss’ success with the female protagonist, it’s no surprise that he wrote a script for a 2006 attempt to get Wonder Woman on the big screen. It obviously didn’t push through, but the script was made and it was posted to the public. So, how much would a leak of an 11-year-old script—on the 20th anniversary of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and in light of his forthcoming projects with DC—affect his Internet persona? A lot.
There were just so many things wrong about the script. The male “feminist” author that we loved and adored penned a non-empowering story of Diana of Themyscira—scratch that, it didn’t even seem to be about the Amazonian. It was more about Steve and how he saved her. It’s the damsel in distress story that Diana was so not about. There were also innuendos of sorts that make it a generally uncomfortable read.
The Twitterverse was not shy in expressing their disappointment in Joss Whedon.
My condolences to everyone who spent last night reading and/or finding out about Joss Whedon’s Wonder Woman screenplay. IT? IS? HELL??
— Gavia Baker-Whitelaw (@Hello_Tailor) June 16, 2017
Joss Whedon’s Wonder Woman. Script online for interested parties. Y’all been calling this guy a feminist for two damn decades? pic.twitter.com/Pq2wa9ShIV
— The Natalie Show (@ghostinmarble) June 18, 2017
Some users are already raising doubts on the upcoming, Whedon-captained Batgirl.
Since we’ve all seen Joss Whedon’s Wonder Woman script pic.twitter.com/dCLyYpji8O
— ✨libby ✨ (@ladylibberty) June 16, 2017
dc better take notes from this joss whedon controversy and rethink all their life choices… either cancel batgirl or hire a female director pic.twitter.com/e2SVxGEOV8
— gabi (@harleivy) June 17, 2017
Joss has not spoken about the issue, which is odd if you notice how vocal he is during interviews. Don’t get me wrong—I highly doubt he’s crying in the corner. He could simply be taking solace in his own side of the story, working really hard on Justice League and Batgirl to answer back, or waiting for the hype to die down. One thing’s for sure, fans are going to be watching his entry to the DC Extended Universe very carefully.
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.
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