Warner Bros. and DC Studios have long relied on their flagship characters, Superman and Batman, to anchor the DC Universe (DCU). However, Gal Gadot’s co-star in the DCU has sparked heated conversations by claiming that sidelining Wonder Woman is a major misstep. Fans are now questioning whether the studio’s obsession with the two iconic male heroes is overshadowing one of its most successful and beloved characters.
The Iconic Amazonian Warrior
Gal Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman, starting with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), catapulted her to international stardom. Her standalone film Wonder Woman (2017), directed by Patty Jenkins, became a critical and commercial success, grossing over $822 million worldwide. It not only broke records but also reshaped the perception of female-led superhero movies, proving they could be both financially and culturally impactful.
However, despite this success, Wonder Woman’s presence in the DCU seems to be diminishing. With the recent reboot plans by DC Studios’ co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran, Wonder Woman’s future remains uncertain. Gal Gadot’s third solo film is no longer part of the current DCU slate, leaving fans to wonder why such a powerful symbol of heroism and equality is being pushed aside.
Co-Star’s Bold Statement
One of Gadot’s DCU co-stars recently voiced frustration over this shift, calling it a “huge mistake” for Warner Bros. to prioritize Superman and Batman while neglecting Wonder Woman. The co-star argued that Gadot’s character is “not just a superhero” but a cultural icon representing resilience, compassion, and strength in a male-dominated genre.
The statement highlights a broader issue within superhero storytelling: the lack of sustained focus on female characters despite their proven appeal. While Batman and Superman have been rebooted and revisited countless times, Wonder Woman has had limited opportunities to expand her story within the DCU.
A Missed Opportunity
Fans and critics alike argue that sidelining Wonder Woman comes at a critical juncture for the DCU. As the studio works to establish its revamped cinematic universe, ignoring a character with widespread recognition and an established fanbase could alienate audiences.
Moreover, Wonder Woman’s thematic depth and historical significance offer a refreshing counterbalance to the darker tones of Batman and the traditional ideals of Superman. Her stories explore themes of love, peace, and justice, which resonate with audiences across generations.
What’s Next for Wonder Woman?
James Gunn has teased a focus on fresh narratives and lesser-known characters in his DCU reboot, but fans are still hoping Wonder Woman will play a central role in future projects. Rumors about a potential Paradise Lost series, exploring the origin of the Amazons on Themyscira, have generated excitement, though it remains unclear if Gadot’s Wonder Woman will be involved.
As DC Studios charts its course forward, the backlash surrounding Wonder Woman’s apparent sidelining serves as a stark reminder of the importance of diverse storytelling. Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman has become a symbol of empowerment for countless fans worldwide, and many believe her story deserves more attention in the evolving DCU.
Final Thoughts
By focusing primarily on Superman and Batman, Warner Bros. risks repeating past mistakes of sidelining characters that offer unique perspectives and emotional depth. Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman isn’t just a superhero—she’s an icon with the potential to redefine what the DCU can be. Fans are now waiting to see if the studio will course-correct and give Diana Prince the spotlight she deserves.
