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Although some fans may be starting to question it, Warner Bros. still plans to release Wonder Woman 1984 in 2020. But whenever the movie does arrive, it sounds like it will be another step forward for the DC Extended Universe.

In fact, director Patty Jenkins’ sequel is already taking a big swing in its trailer, which reveals the return of Steve Trevor (Chris Pine). Fans still don’t know how Steve will be resurrected. Yet, Pine recently teased how his return serves the movie.

Patty Jenkins, Chris Pine, and Gal Gadot at San Diego Comic-Con
Patty Jenkins, Chris Pine, and Gal Gadot at San Diego Comic-Con | Getty Images

The 2017 movie introduced Steve Trevor to audiences

In lesser hands, Wonder Woman could have been the final nail in the coffin for the DCEU. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad were commercial hits but creative disappointments, according to critics and some fans. And until Jenkins stepped up, the series hadn’t really delivered an undeniable phenomenon.

Yet, the movie lovingly told a sort of coming-of-age story for Diana Prince (Gal Gadot), who ventures away from her paradise homeworld during World War I. Gadot’s performance and Jenkins’ careful direction helped the Amazon warrior’s origin story resonate with audiences. And a big part of that also ties into Diana’s love story with Steve.

Oftentimes, superhero movies feature a prominent romance. But Wonder Woman’s inverted gender dynamic puts the more altruistic Diana alongside a jaded Steve. Their two philosophies clash and ultimately shape each other, changing the course of both their lives. Wonder Woman 1984 aims to not only build on that relationship but, in some ways, subvert it yet again.

Somehow, Chris Pine reprises the role in ‘Wonder Woman 1984’

Fans were shocked to discover Steve is back in Wonder Woman 1984. After all, he sacrificed his life in battle toward the end of the first movie. Not only is he alive, Steve apparently — like Diana — hasn’t aged. Pine, of course, isn’t giving away the reason for his character’s return. But in an interview with Total Film magazine (via Games Radar), he explains the reasoning behind it.

What I will say about him is that he’s deeply, supremely excited. He’s excited to be back with Diana. He’s excited about this world. Tonally, what’s different is, he’s not world-weary. He’s not jaded. It’s a complete 180 from the tone of the character of the first one. … It’s a brilliant move on [director] Patty [Jenkins’] part. That’s just one clear indication of a big tonal shift this time out.

Furthermore, Pine admits Jenkins considered how Steve could return in the sequel long before Wonder Woman 1984 entered production. His comments don’t reveal any plot details. But it seems the sequel has something more interesting in store for audiences who enjoyed Pine’s original performance.

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Will Chris Pine be back for the inevitable ‘Wonder Woman 3’?

While Wonder Woman 1984 has yet to arrive in theaters, some fans are already wondering about the third film. Jenkins has a four-movie plan for the character and is reportedly already mulling over the story for part 3. But there’s no telling whether it will be another period piece or take Diana’s solo franchise into the modern-day heart of the DCEU.

And when Gadot does eventually suit up for a third film, will Steve Trevor once again join Diana? Likely, that depends on where Wonder Woman 1984 leaves him. Fans do know he is still dead — or has been died again — when Justice League takes place. But then again, these are comic book movies we’re talking about. So anything is possible.

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