You know the scene. Diana Prince, played by the ever-radiant Gal Gadot, glides into a German gala dripping in a cobalt blue silk gown. She looks like a dream, but there’s a massive, lethal weapon shoved down the back of her dress. It’s the "Godkiller" sword, and honestly, it’s one of the most polarizing moments in superhero fashion history.
Some people think it's the coolest thing ever. Others think it’s physically impossible.
Basically, the wonder woman dress sword moment became a viral sensation (remember #WWGotYourBack?), but it also raised some serious questions about how physics works in the DCEU. If you tried to walk into a party with a three-foot piece of sharpened steel against your spine, you’d probably end up in the ER before the first appetizer. But Diana isn't most people.
The Logistics of Hiding a Sword in a Silk Gown
Let’s get real about the physics for a second. The sword Diana carries in Wonder Woman (2017) is about 30 inches long. In the movie, she just slides it down the back of her dress.
Fans immediately started trying this at home. They found out that unless you have the posture of a literal goddess, that hilt is going to poke out, and the tip is going to make walking—let alone dancing—an absolute nightmare.
So, how did they pull it off on screen?
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Behind the scenes, the costume department didn't just use a standard dress. The blue gown was specifically engineered. If you look closely at the "Art and Making of" notes, the gown had a hidden harness or "holster" stitched into the interior. This kept the blade from wobbling or slicing through the silk. Also, for many of the shots where you see the sword's hilt peeking out, the "blade" was actually a shortened, 4-inch stub. Movie magic, right?
But even with a real blade, some sword experts argue it’s "sorta" plausible. If the sword is held tight against the small of the back and follows the curve of the spine, you can hide a surprising amount of steel. You just can’t sit down. Like, at all.
The "Godkiller" vs. The Sword of Athena
Here is where the lore gets a little messy. Most casual viewers call the wonder woman dress sword the "Godkiller." And in the context of the 2017 movie, Diana thinks that’s what it is. She stole it from the Themysciran armory, believing it was the only weapon capable of slaying Ares.
Spoiler alert: Ares shatters that sword like glass.
He explains to her that a sword can't kill a god; only a god can kill a god. Diana herself is the weapon. So, that beautiful blade she was hauling around in her dress? It was basically a decoy. A really nice, sharp, ancient-looking decoy.
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So, what sword does she use later?
If you've watched Batman v Superman or Justice League, you'll notice she has a different sword. This one is often dubbed the "Sword of Athena."
- The Godkiller: Features a hilt with two dragons (or serpents) biting the blade.
- The Sword of Athena: Has an inscription in Ancient Greek and a more "regal" look.
The inscription on the BvS sword is actually a quote from Joseph Campbell: "Life is killing all the time and so the goddess kills herself in the sacrifice of her own animal." Kind of heavy for a weekend blockbuster, but very fitting for Diana’s character.
Why the Blue Dress Scene Actually Matters
It’s not just about the "cool factor." That scene represents the duality of Wonder Woman. She is a diplomat and a warrior simultaneously.
The dress is high fashion, meant to blend into a world of men and politics. The sword is her Amazonian heritage, something she refuses to leave behind even when she’s "playing the part" of a civilian. It’s a visual metaphor. She’s literally carrying her war-torn reality into a room full of people who are pretending the war isn't their problem.
Interestingly, the sword itself was designed by Aline Bonetto, the film’s production designer. She wanted it to look like something that didn't belong to any specific human era. She took inspiration from Assyrian art and ancient Minoan scripts to create the "Amazonian" runes on the blade.
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Can You Actually Carry a Sword Like That?
If you’re a cosplayer or just a curious fan, you’ve probably wondered if you could recreate the wonder woman dress sword look without a trip to the hospital.
Honestly, it’s tricky. If you use a real steel replica, the weight alone will pull the back of your dress down. Most high-end replicas of the Godkiller weigh about 3 to 4 pounds. That’s a lot of weight for a few thin straps of silk to handle.
If you’re going to try it, here’s the "pro" way to do it:
- Use a lightweight prop: High-density foam or 3D-printed plastic is your friend.
- Build a rig: Don't rely on the dress. Wear a thin, flesh-colored belt or harness underneath the gown.
- The "Safety" Tip: Real swords are sharp. Even if you’re a demigoddess, metal against skin is uncomfortable. In the movie, Diana is likely wearing her armor underneath the dress (which we see later when she shreds the gown), which provides a barrier.
The Legacy of the Dress Hack
The wonder woman dress sword moment didn't just stay in the theater. It sparked the #WWGotYourBack challenge, where women all over the world posted photos of themselves hiding umbrellas, kitchen knives, and even toy lightsabers in their evening wear.
It became a symbol of hidden strength.
It’s one of those rare movie moments that transitions from a "cool shot" to a cultural touchpoint. Even if the physics are a bit wonky, the image of a woman in a ball gown reaching behind her back to draw a sword against a room full of villains is just... iconic.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of Amazonian weaponry, here's what you should do next:
- Identify Your Sword: If you're buying a replica, check the hilt. If it has the "biting dragons," it's the 2017 Godkiller. If it has the Greek inscription, it's the Batman v Superman version.
- Study the Runes: Look up the Minoan-inspired glyphs on the 2017 blade. While they aren't a direct 1:1 translation of a human language, they follow a consistent linguistic logic created for the film.
- Check the Material: For display, stainless steel is great. For carrying at a convention, look for "H1" stainless steel or high-quality resin to avoid the weight issues Diana's costume designers had to "cheat" their way around.
- Watch the Transition: Re-watch the gala scene and pay attention to how Diana moves. You'll notice she stays very upright, a testament to Gal Gadot’s movement training and the clever construction of the gown's internal support.