10 Important Details James Gunn Has Revealed About The DCU’s Wonder Woman

There is still no set project for the DC Universe to debut its version of Wonder Woman, but the franchise's creative mastermind, James Gunn, has revealed a few details about this iteration of the character and her mythos. Wonder Woman led two solo films in the DCEU. After her second solo entry failed, Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman 3 was canceled, with director Patty Jenkins' story treatment getting turned down.

Wonder Woman did not get a project to lead when the DC Universe's Chapter One slate was unveiled. However, it is important to note that the announced projects make up less than half of Chapter One's slate, as per Gunn. While Diana Prince might take a couple of years to return to the big screen, the Wonder Woman prequel series Paradise Lost has been revealed. In the time since the first few DCU projects were announced, Gunn has shared more details about the DCU's Wonder Woman.

10Gal Gadot Will Not Play Wonder Woman

The DCU Is Moving On From The Star

 

Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman Injured in Wonder Woman 1984

Diana using her lasso in the hallway fight in the White House in Wonder Woman 1984

Wonder Woman in her Golden Suit in Wonder Woman 1984

Gal Gadot running as Wonder Woman in Wonder Woman 1984.

Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman flying through the clouds in Wonder Woman 1984

Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman Injured in Wonder Woman 1984

Diana using her lasso in the hallway fight in the White House in Wonder Woman 1984

Wonder Woman in her Golden Suit in Wonder Woman 1984

Gal Gadot running as Wonder Woman in Wonder Woman 1984.

Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman flying through the clouds in Wonder Woman 1984

Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman Movie

Year

Wonder Woman

2017

Wonder Woman 1984

2020

Wonder Woman 3

Canceled

The first and biggest Wonder Woman update is that Gadot will not return as Diana Prince in the DCU. That situation was murky for some time, with the DCEU actress having said that she would develop Wonder Woman 3 with DC Studios bosses Gunn and Peter Safran, only for reports to debunk it shortly after. The entire cast of the DCEU's Justice League is reportedly out for the DCU reboot.

Gunn has not directly said that Gadot is not coming back. While the director did have talks with her after he joined DC Studios, Gunn's comments related to Wonder Woman's role in the franchise have made it clear that a new actress will be cast in the role. In July, a fan asked Gunn whether it was safe to say that Wonder Woman had not yet been cast, to which he said, "Correct." If Gadot were to continue, there would not be a need for a new casting process.

9The Wonder Woman Actress Will Not Be Taller Than David Corenswet’s Superman

A Comic Book Height Difference Does Not Work For The DCU

 

Wonder Woman and Superman from New Frontier

Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman, DC's

Action Comics #1068 variant cover, featuring Wonder Woman, Batman, & Superman all parasailing together.

Wonder Woman 7 Cover with Superman DC

Justice LEague #28 Wonder Woman Batman Superman

Wonder Woman and Superman from New Frontier

Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman, DC's

Action Comics #1068 variant cover, featuring Wonder Woman, Batman, & Superman all parasailing together.

Wonder Woman 7 Cover with Superman DC

Justice LEague #28 Wonder Woman Batman Superman

More recently, Gunn got into the debate about superhero heights. Fans have long been commenting on whether an actor is fit for a superhero role based on their height matching the character's. Deadpool & Wolverine even made fun of that debate by showing a comic book-accurate short Wolverine variant, making it clear how different that would be from Hugh Jackman's take on the Marvel mutant.

In DC Comics, Wonder Woman has been depicted as being taller than Superman many times. However, that will not hold true for the DCU versions of the characters. On Threads, a fan asked Gunn what he thought about Superman always having to be taller than Batman and Wonder Woman taller than the Man of Steel. Gunn said it would not work for the DCU, as Superman star David Corenswet is 6'4", and Gunn does not see "where [he'd] find an accomplished and talented actress 6'5" or over."

8An Open Casting Call For Wonder Woman Is Unlikely

Accomplished Actresses Have A Bigger Shot At The Role

 

Wonder Woman wielding her Lasso of Truth, DC Comics

Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman in the Hall of Justice in DC Comics

Comic book art: Wonder Woman and Amazons, arrayed for battle (DC Comics)

Wonder Woman using her Lasso in DC Comics

Wonder Woman holding the lasso of truth in DC comics

Wonder Woman wielding her Lasso of Truth, DC Comics

Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman in the Hall of Justice in DC Comics

Comic book art: Wonder Woman and Amazons, arrayed for battle (DC Comics)

Wonder Woman using her Lasso in DC Comics

Wonder Woman holding the lasso of truth in DC comics

With Gal Gadot out, the DCU's Wonder Woman role is up for the taking. It might be interesting to have a lesser-known name as the character, ensuring that the new Diana Prince grows with the franchise. However, there will have to be a key factor to this, as it is highly unlikely that an open casting call will be put out for Wonder Woman.

On Threads, Gunn has commented about his experiences with open casting calls in the past. The director finds them difficult because the number of auditions is in the thousands, and "less than 0.1% of them are as good as the average actor" with an agent that comes in for the role. While talking about Wonder Woman's height in the DCU, Gunn mentioned "an accomplished and talented actress," which hits the point home that an established star will likely get the part.

7Wonder Woman Villain Circe Is In Creature Commandos

The DCU Found The Perfect Actress For The Role

 

Circe taunting Wonder Woman in DC comics

Anya Cholatra as Yennefer of Vengerberg looks shocked in a scene from The Witcher

Anya Cholotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg looking over her shoulder in The Witcher.

Anya Cholatra as Yennefer of Vengerberg Looks Intently at Someone Off-screen in The Witcher

Anya Cholotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg stands stoically while holding a dagger in The Witcher

Circe taunting Wonder Woman in DC comics

Anya Cholatra as Yennefer of Vengerberg looks shocked in a scene from The Witcher

Anya Cholotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg looking over her shoulder in The Witcher.

Anya Cholatra as Yennefer of Vengerberg Looks Intently at Someone Off-screen in The Witcher

Anya Cholotra as Yennefer of Vengerberg stands stoically while holding a dagger in The Witcher

At the moment, Gunn has yet to announce when Wonder Woman will be making her DCU debut. While the hero does not appear, the shared universe will be slowly setting the stage for Diana Prince's future role in the franchise. One of the key ways DC has planned to establish Wonder Woman's corner of the DCU is through characters from her comic book stories playing a role in multiple projects.

Surprisingly, the Wonder Woman villain Circe will appear in Creature Commandos. The project is the DCU's first, as the animated series is set to be released on December 5. A report revealed that The Witcher's Yennefer of Vengerberg actress Anya Chalotra was set to play Circe in the series. In January, Gunn confirmed the casting news. Recently, Gunn revealed that Chalotra auditioned for the role instead of being directly offered the part.

6James Gunn Debunked A Rumor That Wonder Woman Had Been Secretly Cast

The DCU Has A Firm Rule In Place When It Comes To Casting

 

Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman smiling to the camera in front of a red background.

Gal Gadot in a mall in Wonder Woman 1984.

Gal Gadotcrosses her gauntlets in front of her face in Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) crosses no man's land in Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman surrounded by dust and debris.

Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman smiling to the camera in front of a red background.

Gal Gadot in a mall in Wonder Woman 1984.

Gal Gadotcrosses her gauntlets in front of her face in Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) crosses no man's land in Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman surrounded by dust and debris.

With Circe set to play a role in Creature Commandos, rumors started to mount about Wonder Woman possibly appearing on the show. Names even started to fly around about who could be playing Wonder Woman in the animated series, though none were correct. The DCU's creative chief confirmed at the time that no actress had been cast as Diana, meaning she would not be playing a role in Creature Commandos.

As for Wonder Woman casting in general, it should take some time for the process to start. Diana still has no project announced for her debut. However, both Batman and Superman, the other members of DC's iconic Trinity, will join the DCU in their own movies. The same should be expected from Wonder Woman, and since Gunn has said that casting only starts after a script is ready, with no Wonder Woman film even announced at this point, getting a new actress for Diana is still some time away.

5Wonder Woman Will Debut Before The DCU’s First 3 Years Are Over

Fans Will Not Have To Wait Too Long For Wonder Woman's Return

 

Wonder Woman Face Close Up in Comic Cover Art by Daniel Sampere

David Corenswet suiting up as Superman in an official image

Bruce and Damian Wayne in The Brave and the Bold promo comic book art with Damian aiming a sword at Batman

Green Lanterns teaming up in DC Comics

John Cena as Peacemaker standing in a forest and looking surprised

Wonder Woman Face Close Up in Comic Cover Art by Daniel Sampere

David Corenswet suiting up as Superman in an official image

Bruce and Damian Wayne in The Brave and the Bold promo comic book art with Damian aiming a sword at Batman

Green Lanterns teaming up in DC Comics

John Cena as Peacemaker standing in a forest and looking surprised

The last time Wonder Woman appeared onscreen was in 2023. Last year, Gal Gadot made her final two appearances as Wonder Woman. Diana had a cameo role in The Flash and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Initially, Wonder Woman's role in The Flash would have been bigger, as a scene with Gadot's Wonder Woman, Henry Cavill's Superman, Michael Keaton's Batman, and Sasha Calle's Supergirl was cut from The Flash's ending due to the DCU reboot.

While Wonder Woman does not have an announced DCU project yet, Gunn confirmed on Twitter that Diana Prince will show up before the first three years of the new franchise are over, debunking a report from Variety that said the opposite. Creature Commandos starts the DCU this year, but with a December release, Gunn might be counting from 2025 onward. As such, Wonder Woman should come to the DCU by 2027 at the latest.

4Paradise Lost Will Not Feature Wonder Woman & Is Similar To Game Of Thrones

The Wonder Woman Prequel Series Is Ambitious

 

Amazonians, including Wonder Woman, charge forward in battle in a DC comic

Absolute Wonder Woman #1 varaint cover feature image

Themyscira seen from the air in Wonder Woman

Comic book art: Wonder Woman stands tall with her lasso, smiling as she's surrounded by doves.

A scenery shot of Themyscira at the beginning of Wonder Woman (2017)

Amazonians, including Wonder Woman, charge forward in battle in a DC comic

Absolute Wonder Woman #1 varaint cover feature image

Themyscira seen from the air in Wonder Woman

Comic book art: Wonder Woman stands tall with her lasso, smiling as she's surrounded by doves.

A scenery shot of Themyscira at the beginning of Wonder Woman (2017)

While Wonder Woman does not come around, the DCU team is hard at work crafting her mythos in the franchise. The Wonder Woman corner of the DCU will not only be set up by Circe's role in the animated Creature Commandos. The first wave of DCU projects includes a Wonder Woman prequel series. The live-action show is called Paradise Lost and will take place many years before Diana was born.

When announcing the show, Gunn described Paradise Lost as Game of Thrones-like project that shows "all of the darkness, drama, and political intrigue behind this society of only women." The Wonder Woman prequel will be focused on the Amazons of Themyscira. Through the show, the DCU can set up what Themyscira looks like with stunning visuals, as well as establish its power dynamics and set up possible Greek mythology connections for the new Wonder Woman.

3The Wonder Woman Prequel Series Paradise Lost Has Not Yet Been Greenlit

There Are Different Stages To Production

 

Wonder Woman kneels on a hill in front of Themyscira in DC Comics

The Amazons interrogate Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman Historia

The Amazons interrogate Steve Trevor in Themyscira in Wonder Woman (2017)

Yanick Paquette's cover for Wonder Woman Historia #3

Wonder Woman kneels on a hill in front of Themyscira in DC Comics

The Amazons interrogate Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman Historia

The Amazons interrogate Steve Trevor in Themyscira in Wonder Woman (2017)

Yanick Paquette's cover for Wonder Woman Historia #3

Of all the announced projects for the DCU's Chapter One, only a few have either entered production, like Peacemaker, or finished it already, like David Corenswet's Superman movie and the animated Creature Commandos. Gunn recently took to Threads to explain the difference between a project being greenlit and in development. When scripts are looking for writers, being written, or rewritten, that means the project is in development.

When the scripts are in their final form and approved, that is when the project is greenlit by DC Studios and enters production. Gunn also confirmed that of the upcoming live-action projects, only Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and HBO's Lanterns series are already in pre-productionParadise Lost, like the other announced DCU projects, remains in development. According to Gunn, projects in development might not all be made if they do not have great scripts in place.

2James Gunn Debunked A Wonder Woman Casting Rumor Involving An MCU Star

Gunn Has Plans For Marvel Stars In The DCU

 

Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha in Guardians 3

Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) with Prince William (Rufus Kampa) smiling at Kate (Ella Bright) in The Crown season 6 episode 7

Anna Macy (Elizabeth Debicki) leaning against a conostruction container in The Kettering Incident.

Maxine (Mia Goth) and Elizabeth (Elizabeth Debicki) looking at something with puzzled expressions in MaXXXine (2024)

Hugh Laurie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Tom Hiddleston in in The Night Manager Episode 1

Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha in Guardians 3

Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) with Prince William (Rufus Kampa) smiling at Kate (Ella Bright) in The Crown season 6 episode 7

Anna Macy (Elizabeth Debicki) leaning against a conostruction container in The Kettering Incident.

Maxine (Mia Goth) and Elizabeth (Elizabeth Debicki) looking at something with puzzled expressions in MaXXXine (2024)

Hugh Laurie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Tom Hiddleston in in The Night Manager Episode 1

Gunn has been very active on social media when it comes to debunking or confirming casting rumors. One of those is related to a Guardians of the Galaxy franchise star following Gunn from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the new DC Universe. Gunn debunked a rumor that he wanted Elizabeth Debicki to play Wonder Woman in the DCU.

Debicki played Ayesha, the mother/creator of Adam Warlock, in the MCU's Guardians of the Galaxy movies. While Gunn noted that he enjoys working with Debicki, he said he never even thought about her for Wonder Woman. Although the Debicki rumor is false, the director does have plans to bring in actors from his Guardians of the Galaxy franchise to the DCU, with Gunn commenting multiple times about having roles in mind for stars like Chris Pratt and Pom Klementieff.

1James Gunn Recently Confirmed Progress On Wonder Woman & Her Prequel

The Latest Update On Wonder Woman's DCU Status

 

Comic book art: Wonder Woman deflects bullets so fast, multiple arms appear.

Comic book art: Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor gaze into each other's eyes.

Comic book art: Wonder Woman strides to the right in front of a blue background with white stars.

Comic book panel: Wonder Woman and Damian Wayne Robin side by side in the secret origin of Trinity.

Justice League Hawkgirl Wonder Woman Vixen Black Canary

Comic book art: Wonder Woman deflects bullets so fast, multiple arms appear.

Comic book art: Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor gaze into each other's eyes.

Comic book art: Wonder Woman strides to the right in front of a blue background with white stars.

Comic book panel: Wonder Woman and Damian Wayne Robin side by side in the secret origin of Trinity.

Justice League Hawkgirl Wonder Woman Vixen Black Canary

Finally, after three months with no updates, Gunn has shared a positive update regarding Wonder Woman's DCU debut and the Paradise Lost prequel series focused on the Amazons. The director was asked whether there has been any progress on Paradise Lost or the Wonder Woman character. While Gunn did not provide any specific comments about either, he confirmed they are moving along, saying, "Yes."

As it is a TV series, Paradise Lost's release slot is flexible, so as soon as DC Studios approves scripts for the show, it can enter production and be ready for release not too long after. Wonder Woman's DCU debut is a different beast. If it comes in a solo movie as is expected, Wonder Woman should only arrive in 2027, as there is no way a Wonder Woman film could be ready by 2025, and 2026 already has two DC movies, with other announced projects waiting in the wings.

Related Posts

Gal Gadot to star in action thriller The Runner, directed by Kevin Macdonald – feature

Gal Gadot has been cast in the starring role in The Runner, a new action thriller set in London to be directed by Kevin Macdonald. According to Deadline.com,…

Gal Gadot To Star In Kevin Macdonald-Directed Thriller ‘The Runner’ From Amazon MGM Studios & David Kosse’s Rockwood Pictures

EXCLUSIVE: Gal Gadot has been set to star in The Runner, a London-set action thriller that will be directed by Kevin Macdonald. Amazon MGM Studios has acquired…

Gal Gadot celebrates daughter Alma’s Bat Mitzvah with family in Instagram post

Alma Varsano, the eldest of Gal Gadot’s four daughters, marked her bat mitzvah on Saturday with her family, in a moment captured in a photo that Gadot posted…

Who Is Gal Gadot’s Husband? Everything We Know About Jaron Varsano

While it may seem like Gal Gadot just popped up out of nowhere, the Wonder Woman actress has been a Hollywood regular for more than a decade. Prior to…

Wonder Woman Auditions – 3 Actresses Gal Gadot Competed With Revealed (1 Knew They’d ‘Never’ Get Cast)

Gal Gadot being cast as Wonder Woman remains one of the most popular decisions that was made in the age of the DCEU, but she faced stiff…

Who is Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley’s husband Tom Bateman? He has a theatre background, starred in Death on the Nile alongside Gal Gadot, and collaborated with his wife on new thriller Magpie

The couple met as co-stars in Kenneth Branagh’s 2017 mystery Murder on the Orient Express – fast-forward to 2024 and they have co-produced the neo-noir thriller Magpie…