Barbara Minerva received two distinct wishes in Wonder Woman 1984 because her wishes were granted by different sources: first by the Dreamstone itself, and then by Max Lord after he became the embodiment of its power.
Understanding Barbara's Dual Wishes
Barbara's transformation into Cheetah involved two separate wishes, each with a unique origin:
- First Wish (from the Dreamstone): Initially, Barbara came into contact with the ancient artifact known as the Dreamstone, or Lapis Lazuli. She wished to be "like Diana," implicitly desiring attributes such as strength, confidence, and charisma. The stone granted this wish, immediately improving her physical prowess and self-assurance, but unknowingly at the cost of her empathy and humanity.
- Second Wish (from Max Lord): After Max Lord absorbed the full power of the Dreamstone, essentially becoming a living version of the artifact, Barbara made a second wish directly to him. This wish was to become an "apex predator," which transformed her into the powerful, feline-like villain known as Cheetah. This wish was granted by Max Lord, who, as the new source of the stone's power, could fulfill desires. It is also possible that Max Lord was exploiting a loophole that let him forward what he took in exchange for a wish to Barbara, effectively granting her a second unique boon.
The Role of Max Lord
Max Lord's unique ability to absorb and redistribute the Dreamstone's power was central to Barbara receiving a second wish. While Diana also made an initial wish on the stone, she was merely offered a second wish by Max Lord, which she ultimately refused. Barbara, however, accepted Max's offer for a second, more specific wish, which further enhanced her powers and completed her transformation into Cheetah. This demonstrates Max's capacity to not only grant wishes as the stone's living conduit but also to manipulate the artifact's mechanics to his advantage.
Summary of Barbara's Wishes
To clarify the distinct sources of Barbara's powers:
| Wish Number | Source of Wish Granting | Wish Content | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | The Dreamstone | "To be like Diana" | Gained Diana's strength, beauty, and confidence. |
| Second | Max Lord (post-absorption) | "To be an apex predator" (leading to Cheetah) | Transformed into the formidable Cheetah, gaining enhanced speed, strength, and senses. |
This dual interaction with the stone and its living embodiment allowed Barbara to accumulate two distinct powers, each contributing to her villainous evolution.
