James Gunn gave a definitive - albeit short - answer to the question many DC have fans have been asking - will Wonder Woman play a part in the DCU? Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman has been a central part of DC's films for several years now. Not only has she starred in two of her own movies - Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman: 1984 - but she's also appeared in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and both the 2016 Justice League and the 2021 Zack Snyder's Justice League.Gadot's Wonder Woman has been as consistent a presence in DC's most recent string of films as Henry Cavill's Superman and Ben Affleck's Batman. However, both Cavill and Affleck are not slated to reprise their roles in future DC movies. In fact, a new Batman is already in talks, and fans are abuzz with speculation about who will wear the cape and cowl.This has left Gadot's place in the DCU in question. While the DCU seems to be jumping on the multiverse trend and embracing the idea of exploring different variations of the same character, the absence of Cavill and Affleck could imply that Gadot - and, therefore, Wonder Woman - will not be part of the new DCU. However, when asked if Wonder Woman would have a place in the DCU or if she would be abandoned, Gunn answered, "Yes; no." The response is on-brand for Gunn, who is known for his straightforward and witty presence on Twitter almost as much as he's known for his successful superhero films. The answer seems to be answering both questions at once - yes, Wonder Woman will have a place in the DCU, and no, she will not be abandoned. When another poster asked for clarification - whether this Wonder Woman would be played by Gal Gadot - Gunn stayed silent. While Wonder Woman's role in the future of the DCU seems certain, Gadot's does not.
Although Gadot is certainly not the first to portray the lasso-toting Amazonian princess, she has been the only actress to portray her in a live-action adaptation since Lynda Carter starred in the show Wonder Woman in the 1970s. In contrast, at least six different actors have played Batman in live-action adaptations since the release of Batman in 1989, and at least five different actors have played Superman since the release of Superman 1978. Gadot has been this generation's Wonder Woman, so if someone is set to replace her, they will have big shoes to fill.
With the future of DC films in such a mysterious place, it's difficult to guess which directions audiences' favorite characters will go in. While Robert Pattinson's Batman and Joaquin Phoenix's Joker will both be making appearances in sequels to their films, characters like Aquaman have less certain futures. Aquaman 2 is set to hit theaters in December 2023, but rumors have been flying that Jason Momoa will be abandoning Aquaman for a different role in the DCU. Whether Gadot will reprise her role as Wonder Woman, take on a new mantle as Momoa is rumored to, or depart from the DCU entirely, her portrayal of Wonder Woman has definitely left an impact.
Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman: 1984 are available to stream now on HBO Max.
Source: James Gunn/Twitter