Wonder WomanandCaptain America: The First Avengerhave one outstanding scene that defined their movies, and they actually have a lot in common. While the DCEU is now deceased as theDCUtook its place, and theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)is entering the final stages of The Multiverse Saga, it’s worthwhile to look back at where it all began. Among the earliest moments of both franchises, there were some standout heroes, such as Diana Prince in the DCEU, and Steve Rogers in the MCU.
Prince and Rogers may have some obvious commonalities, such as their stories stretching back decades, or their strong sense of morals that define them, but both characters also had feature films that cemented their status as leaders and heroes in their respective universes. But more than that, both movies approached making this happen in surprisingly similar ways. And theresulting scenes ended up being some of the best moments in superhero film history.
Wonder Woman
Cast
Released in 2017, Wonder Woman stars Gal Gadot as the titular Amazonian princess. Set during World War I, the film follows her journey from her sheltered island home to the world of Man as she seeks to combat malevolent forces and end human conflict alongside Steve Trevor, played by Chris Pine.
Wonder Womanwas one of the best films to come out of the DCEU as a whole.Gal Gadot’s performance as Diana Princewas enlightening, with her chemistry next to Chris Pine also adding emotional depth and tension to the role. However, beyond simply suiting up and striking a superhero pose, there is one moment in this movie thatcemented her reputation as a heroto the people, and that happens in No Man’s Land.
While Diana and her friends are under attack, with no clear path to victory, Diana is the one leading the charge to embolden the men, and guide them through impossible odds. Diana steps out of the trenches, shield in hand, deflecting bullet after bullet as she marches toward enemy lines. And in the midst of a flurry of bullets, the others begin to see a path through.This is the moment she becomes Wonder Woman, for both the audience, and everyone inside the film.
For Steve Rogers, his journey begins as a feeble young man with an abundance of heart and determination. On the road to becoming a hero, Steve takes a lot of hits, and he finds himself on the receiving end of some cruel humor and plenty of people who have no faith that he can be a true hero. Even after being injected with the super soldier serum,Steve is put on a propaganda tourwith a colorful costume, instead of actually being used to fighting and winning the war.
But that all changes when Steve is dropped into a military camp, only to learn thathis friend, Bucky Barnes, and the rest of the 107th Infantry Regiment have been captured. Against orders,Steve decides to go behind enemy linesand fight his way to rescuing his friends. While this event extends far beyond a single scene, the moment he returns with his rescued allies walking behind him, Steve has finally become Captain America not only in name, but also in action.
Both Wonder Woman & Captain America Put Their Lives On The Line To Become Heroes
Steve Rogers & Diana Prince Have A Lot In Common
Of course, there are differences between both of these scenes. ForWonder Woman, there is almost no fighting that happens, and Diana simply steps forward into an oncoming storm of bullets, meanwhile Steve gets into the thick of it fighting German Nazis. However, the scenes both act as the moment these individuals put their lives and needs on the backburner to protect others.They both became heroes, and it changed their characters forevermore.
While the rest of their stories diverged significantly, and their respective universes followed different paths, the shared foundation of these characters remains remarkably the same. It’s a powerful exploration of superheroes, willing to risk it all for the greater good. And without these pivotal scenes, both movies would have been far less meaningful. Thankfully,Wonder WomanandCaptain America: The First Avengerkept these defining moments intact.
