Zack Snyder used overt religious imagery to draw parallels between Superman and Jesus Christ in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but Patty Jenkins officially introduced the concept of gods into the DC Extended Universe in Wonder Woman. While we were aware that the movie was based around the Greek Gods of Olympus, the fact that it also featured a Native American demigod slipped under the radar.
In his review of the June 2, 2017 release, Vincent Schilling of Indian Country Today pointed out that Eugene Brave Rock's character, who is referred to as Chief throughout the movie, is actually the Blackfoot demigod Napi:
What I didn't expect was to be overcome with emotion when Eugene Brave Rock's character, Chief, met Wonder Woman, who was spectacularly portrayed by Gal Gadot. Why? His first words to her were in Blackfoot. Even better, he introduced himself as Napi, the Blackfoot demigod, who is known as a trickster and a storyteller.
The revelation inspired io9's Beth Elderkin to tweet Brave Rock about its authenticity. The actor didn’t hesitate in confirming that his character is definitely the Native American demigod. Check out the tweets below!
We wrote it in the script. And yes Napi is a Demigod.
"” Eugene Brave Rock (@genebraverock) June 24, 2017
Blackfoot culture hero and Demigod
"” Eugene Brave Rock (@genebraverock) June 24, 2017
His first words in WW are his name in his own Blackoot language “Oki niisto niitanigo Napi” Hello my name is Napi https://t.co/8O7y8nwcyr
"” Eugene Brave Rock (@genebraverock) June 27, 2017
Of course, the fact that Chief is a demigod may have no impact on future DCEU movies, but we wouldn't be surprised if he appeared in one that’s set in the present day. The disclosure serves to add yet another layer to Diana's first solo movie.
In other news, Box Office Guru's Gitesh Pandya reported that Wonder Woman has brought in $668.7 million worldwide, which means that it sailed past Jennifer Yuh Nelson's Kung Fu Panda 2 ($665.7 million) to become the highest-earning female-directed movie ever. At the domestic box office, the movie surpassed Suicide Squad ($325.1 million), and is expected to beat Batman v Superman ($300.3 million) to become the highest-grossing DCEU movie to date. Check out Pandya's tweets below!
Intl total for #WonderWoman climbs to $343.6M thru TUE putting global at $668.7M. Shd cross $700M by SUN. Japan still to come in AUG.
"” Gitesh Pandya (@GiteshPandya) June 28, 2017
Last night #WonderWoman surpassed #SuicideSquad at dom #boxoffice reaching $325.1M after $3.9M TUE. Will beat #BvS tomm & become #1 in #DCEU
"” Gitesh Pandya (@GiteshPandya) June 28, 2017
