Wonder Woman Director Says Doctor Poison Is 'Damaged' And 'Dark'

Mankind isn't the only threat to the world in Wonder Woman.

The latest trailer finally offered a little screen time to the villainous Doctor Poison, played by Elena Anaya (The Skin I Live In), and if Chris Pine is scared of her, we probably should be, too.

Director Patty Jenkins provided some hints about the character (via CBR), and while Doctor Poison (also known as Dr. Maru) will retain a certain sense of mystery, Jenkins said the villain has a serious thing for hurting people.

"[Doctor Poison] is an interesting character because, you know, we don't get super into her backstory, but we know her backstory, which is that she's a woman who has had all kinds of damage in her life, and now she delights in bringing–and I've known people like this–delights in bringing that to other people's lives," Jenkins said. "There is that way of being a damaged and dark person where you're waiting for other people to face that wrath, too."

Doctor Poison is one of the oldest Wonder Woman villains, first appearing in 1942's Sensation Comics #2 just a few months after Wonder Woman debuted. Originally presented as Princess Maru, she's been changed to a doctor for the movie, but her underlying traits remain the same: she's an expert in deadly toxins and isn't afraid to use them. Considering that the film is set during World War I, when chemical weapons started to become more widely used, it's a good fit.

Doctor Poison will be the chief scientist to General Ludendorff (Danny Huston), working for the Germans to create a serum that gives Ludendorff super-strength. "I liked that they have two separate goals," Jenkins said. "But together they have a very bad intention, which is how I think real villains work."

We'll learn more (and probably find out what's behind that mask) when Wonder Woman hits theaters June 2. Until then, check out Wonder Woman's dark history.