Why the Wonder Woman character matters so much to director Patty Jenkins

With 75 years of history under her belt and myriad representations in comics, television, fan art, and now her first starring feature film, it’s no surprise Wonder Woman means different things to different people. But, what does she mean to Patty Jenkins, the director behind the action-adventure film starring Gal Gadot and Chris Pine?

Jenkins has held Wonder Woman close to her heart since childhood.

"As a kid it was because she stood for being a hero and hit every button of that fantasy," she wrote to HelloGiggles in an email. "From who she was, what she stood for, what she looked like, and on."

At a recent Wonder Woman Master Class at YouTube Space LA, Jenkins recalled how she saw herself as the character as a kid, and joked that she thought she looked like Lynda Carter. (Hey, we see some similarities…)

Though Jenkins has a new relationship with the character, having realized her for the silver screen at long last, her reasons for loving Diana Prince have largely remained the same.

"Now, it is greatly the same, but I also see how that image has stood the test of time and what it stands for. Her message of believing in love and the betterment of mankind is needed now more than ever."

We’re with you Patty, and love Diana for those reasons too!