The Amazons in 'Wonder Woman' Are Real-Life Wrestlers and Olympians, and They're *Awesome*
How can we join this squad? (Other than getting up off the couch and working out.)

Okay, first thing's first: If you haven't already seen Wonder Woman please get yourself to a movie theater immediately and rectify the situation. Because once there, you'll meet the most kick-ass group of women cinema has ever encountered, otherwise known as the Amazons of Themyscira.
look at these amazing pics of the amazons on set of #WonderWoman OMG pic.twitter.com/02csVQslHLJune 4, 2017
The Amazons' fight scenes are arguably some of the best moments in Wonder Woman in terms of choreography, directing, and sheer awesomeness—and it's thrilling to know that director Patty Jenkins cast them from a pool of pro-athletes. In other words, she picked real-life superheroes—including American Crossfit champion Brooke Ence and Swedish professional fighter Madeleine Vall Beijner.
pic.twitter.com/3JwJLUzVBdJune 4, 2017
The group trained for weeks in London, and actually had to learn to be *less* badass. "I've been training for 12 years not to show anything, even how hard I get hit," Beijner tells Entertainment Weekly. "They called me RoboCop because when we were training, they were like, 'You're supposed to show that it hurts!' And I was like, 'No, I don't get hurt! I'm a fighter!'"
pic.twitter.com/mkIHpBEAI9June 5, 2017
"It really is cool to see this whole training area, and there's not one male figure in sight," Ence says. "It's just women wrestling other women, kickboxing, doing pull-ups and practicing with spears—just a lot of stuff that in the real world is very male-dominated."
These women are strong, beautiful, and better than your faves. Much like Wonder Woman itself.
RELATED STORY
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Hailey Bieber Dives Into a Rare-for-Her Color Trend
The Rhode founder ditched her trusty neutrals while accepting a major award.
By Lauren Tappan
-
Why Would I Splurge on Beauty Products When These Under-$50 Sephora Finds Exist?
How an editor really shops.
By Siena Gagliano
-
How Serena Williams Subverts Old Hollywood Style
The dress is modern, but the accessories are vintage glam.
By Halie LeSavage
-
In 'Sinners,' Music From the Past Liberates Us From the Present
In its musical moments, Ryan Coogler's vampire blockbuster makes a powerful statement about Black culture, ancestry, and art.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
The Best Fairy Tale Movies of All Time
Princesses, mermaids, and true love's kiss, oh my!
By Katherine J. Igoe
-
After 25 Years, 'The Virgin Suicides' Is Still Influencing Artists Like Me
To coincide with the film's anniversary, Mia Berrin from Pom Pom Squad reflects on what it's meant to her artistic journey.
By Sadie Bell
-
Youn Yuh-jung Poured Her Heart Into 'The Wedding Banquet'
The Oscar winner shares why the LGBTQ+ rom-com hit close to home and the message she hopes it sends to ''conservative'' Koreans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
In 'Opus,' Cult Leaders and Pop Stars Are One in the Same
The A24 film's costume and production designers open up about crafting fictional pop icon Moretti’s style and mysterious estate.
By Sadie Bell
-
'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl' Is a Revolutionary Call to Speak Up Against Female Abuse
After showing how a culture of silence around abuse can devastate entire generations, the arresting A24 film holds a mirror up to the audience and asks, \201cWhat happens if we scream?\201d
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Anora' Star Mikey Madison Takes Home the Best Actress Award at the 2025 Oscars in a Surprise Win
"I will continue to support and be an ally."
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Zoe Saldaña Becomes the First American of Dominican Origin to Win an Oscar
"I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award and I know I will not be the last."
By Quinci LeGardye