Diana's powers progressively weaken in Wonder Woman 1984 due to the nature of the Dreamstone and a wish she made.
The Dreamstone's Cost
When Diana first encountered the mysterious Dreamstone, she used it to express her deepest desire: to have Steve Trevor back. This wish was promptly granted, leading to Steve's miraculous, albeit temporary, resurrection. However, the Dreamstone operates on a principle of balance; it "doesn't give without also taking away."
How the Wish Affected Diana's Powers
The direct consequence of her wish was a gradual drain on her Amazonian abilities. The more she clung to her wish and Steve's presence, the more her superhuman strength, speed, and other powers diminished.
- Initial Contact: Diana makes the wish for Steve Trevor's return.
- Wish Granted: Steve is brought back to life, inhabiting another person's body.
- Power Drain: As the wish remains active, Diana's inherent powers begin to fade, acting as the "cost" exacted by the Dreamstone.
This unique form of magical exchange meant that her personal happiness came at the expense of her abilities, forcing her to confront the difficult choice between her personal desire and her identity as Wonder Woman.
