Sticking within the DC Universe Virginia Madsen would lend her voice to Hippolyta in the 2009 animated version of Wonder Woman.

The film is loosely based upon the 1987 reinvention of the character in the comics universe by George Perez in the arc known as Gods and Mortals.

As I’ve stated before, I’m a fan of DC Comics, but Wonder Woman isn’t a character I’ve particularly read up on. Not for any particular reason and I’ve always enjoyed her as a character when she’s made guest appearances in other comics I do read.

The film serves as an Origin Story for Wonder Woman really, and in this version it’s not a million miles away from what we’ve seen on the big screen with Zack Snyder’s attempt at a DC Universe and the films starring Gal Gadot.

In short the film deals with Hippolyta and the eternal battles of the Gods. The film begins in times long gone with a battle between Hippolyta fighting alongside the rest of the Amazons against Ares and his army.
Hippolyta is about to deal a devastating final blow to Ares when Zeus stops her. Zeus promises Hippolyta and the Amazons an island they can call their own where they can live in peace and serenity if Ares life is spared.
They agree and begin to their lives on an island paradise away from all the troubles in the world. As part of the deal Hippolyta is granted a daughter from which she crafts from the sands of the island and names Diana (Keri Russell).

Diana eventually grows bored with the island and seeks out new adventures, when Steve Trevor (Nathan Fillion) is shot down in a plane over their island she takes the chance to return with him to the world of Man.

In the background Ares has been plotting his own return and it just happens to be all kicking off for him at the same time Diana makes her way to the same place.

Ares attacks Washington…. And, yeah. You know the rest. Fisticuffs, ancient battles reignited, yadda yadda.
I’ve got to say, I was impressed with Virginia Madsen again here. Each voice she does in her voice over work is significantly different from the other which shows some real talent. The voice she gives Hippolyta is perfect, it’s commanding when it needs to be and gentle as a Mother.

Speaking of her role with comicbookmovie.com she commented on this herself;

“Hippolyta has a really wide range – I use a lot of notes when I play her. She has a larger, more regal voice. I liked the range we use to create her vocally, and the way that she was written. It’s not that she’s over the top, but she’s just a very, very big character. And I don’t usually get to do that on onscreen. ”

If you’re a fan of Wonder Woman, or even just the whole DC Universe thing then you’re not going to want to miss this one. I persoanlly think it’s one of the better and more grown up versions of the story.

Availability:

Good. Not hard to get hold of on DVD or Blu Ray. Or, both at the same time if you pick up the combo pack..

Trailer: