The Arrival of Wonder Woman in Fuerteventura: A Summer of Controversy and Community

In the summer of 2020, Fuerteventura was abuzz with excitement and controversy as the filming of “Wonder Woman 1984” took place on its picturesque shores. This marked a significant moment for the island, leading to lively protests from local residents and stirring political debate due to the closure of the Dunes Road, which was ostensibly shut down to facilitate the shooting. The film’s star, Gal Gadot, engaged warmly with the local population, creating memorable encounters that would be talked about for years.

A Perfect Backdrop for a Legendary Heroine

Wonder Woman, also known as Diana Prince—a daughter of both a god and a human—is rooted in Greek mythology and hails from Themiscyra, an idyllic island reminiscent of the stunning beaches of Fuerteventura. The island’s breathtaking dunes and vibrant landscapes provided an ideal backdrop for representing the hero’s fictional hometown. It’s no wonder that the locals felt a sense of pride and anticipation as Hollywood arrived on their doorstep.

Filming Locations and Local Engagement

The filming of “Wonder Woman 1984” took place primarily in the dunes of Corralejo and Jandía from September 13 to September 29, 2018, after which the crew moved to Tenerife to continue their work. Interestingly, the movie was shot in a variety of locations, beginning in June at studios in Leavesden, UK, moving to Virginia, and then Almería, before finally landing in the beautiful Canary Islands. The economic impact was significant, as the production hired around 600 individuals ranging from technicians to local assistants, along with 2,000 extras, many of whom had military training and were styled to reflect an Egyptian aesthetic.

Interactions with Local Residents

Gal Gadot’s presence on the island created a wave of enthusiasm and goodwill among residents. Over the weeks of filming, locals had the chance to interact with not just Gadot but also with Chris Pine, who reprised his role as Steve Trevor, and Kristen Wiig, who played the antagonist Ann Minerva. The surprise addition of actor Pedro Pascal, whose role remained shrouded in mystery, sparked widespread speculation and excitement on social media. Fans theorized that he might play a political figure, a businessman, or even the formidable god of war, Ares.

Secrecy and Anticipation

Under the strict confidentiality of Warner Bros and DC Films, details about the production were kept tightly under wraps. Every person involved in the filming signed a non-disclosure agreement, so specific insights into the production process were scarce. However, local news outlet Diario de Fuerteventura managed to capture an endearing moment: a video of Gadot, still in her Wonder Woman attire but wearing sneakers, bowing to her fellow extras amidst warm applause after a scene wrapped.

A Glimpse of Humanity

The actress’s charm and approachable demeanor shone through during the filming. Notably, she shared a meal at the local restaurant La Marquesina in Corralejo with Chris Pine, where the two took time to pose for photos with the restaurant staff, painting a picture of Hollywood stars connecting with everyday island life.

Political Controversy Over Road Closures

Yet, the celebrations were not without their challenges. The closure of the FV1 road—a vital route that cuts through the beautiful Corralejo natural park—was met with fierce resistance from local residents. Authorized by the Cabildo, the closure was designated as “temporary” from August 10 to October 6, coinciding with the film’s shoot, which raised eyebrows among community members in Parque Holandés and La Caleta. They were frustrated by losing access to a crucial 14-kilometer stretch of road and expressed concerns about its potential long-term implications.

The Cabildo justified the closure as an “experimental” measure, aiming to study its socio-economic impacts. Local governance even moved forward with a request to reopen the road while reassessing the conservation plan for the park. Critics, including activist Domingo Rodríguez, argued for minimal vehicle access to protect the region’s environmental integrity, calling for repairs to the area instead of further development.

The Lasting Impact of a Superheroine

As the filming progressed and the road closure endured, the island’s natural beauty remained largely untouched—except for Wonder Woman herself, who roamed the dunes freely, saving the world on screen while stirring the local economy. The intertwining of Hollywood glamour with the intricate dynamics of local community concerns highlighted the complex relationship between a global blockbuster’s impact and the everyday lives of residing communities.

Fuerteventura’s summer of Wonder Woman will be remembered not just for its cinematic touch but also for the conversations it sparked—about community, identity, and the balance between progress and preservation.