The speculation is over—Gal Gadot will not be returning as Wonder Woman in James Gunn's reimagined DC Universe. After months of conflicting reports, insider commentary, and lingering hope from fans, it’s now clear that a new face will soon don the iconic armor of Diana Prince.
During a recent Entertainment Weekly interview, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn confirmed that a Wonder Woman film is officially in development. “Wonder Woman’s a separate thing—slow moving, but it’s moving. We’re working on Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman’s being written right now,” he stated. While this marks the first firm confirmation of progress on the character's cinematic future under the new DCU slate, Gunn stopped short of revealing details about the story or casting.
Still, many fans have continued to hold out hope that Gal Gadot, who played the Amazonian warrior across seven DCEU titles including Wonder Woman, Justice League, and The Flash, might be invited back. After all, Gunn has chosen to retain certain actors from the previous regime—like Xolo Maridueña as Blue Beetle and John Cena as Peacemaker—suggesting the door wasn't fully closed on returning stars.
However, noted industry insider Jeff Sneider has decisively quashed that possibility. When asked on The Hot Mic podcast about Gadot's potential involvement in the new DCU, Sneider replied bluntly: “No, no, no, absolutely not happening.” The clarity of that statement leaves little room for interpretation.
This news might be disappointing, but not entirely surprising. Following the formation of DC Studios in late 2022, Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 3—once seen as a guaranteed trilogy closer—was abruptly canceled. Reports at the time indicated that the story didn’t align with Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran’s long-term vision. While Gadot herself had suggested in interviews that she was in talks to reprise the role and had even met with DC’s new leadership, those conversations clearly didn’t translate into a concrete plan.
Adding a twist to the story, there were earlier suggestions that Gadot had been assured of her return. In 2023, during promotional work for Heart of Stone, the actress stated that she believed she would be coming back as Diana Prince. Whether this belief was based on genuine conversations or miscommunication remains unclear. Regardless, it appears the final decision has been made—and it’s a clean break.
Insiders have hinted that James Gunn himself may be penning the script for the new Wonder Woman film. There’s also growing speculation that the character could be introduced as part of a World’s Finest crossover, potentially appearing alongside Superman and Batman in a high-profile ensemble film. While no casting announcements have been made, fans are already championing their top picks, with Andor actress Adria Arjona currently among the most buzzed-about names online.
Replacing Gadot will be no easy feat. Though her acting received mixed reviews during her DCEU tenure, Gadot brought undeniable charisma and visual presence to the role. Her performance in the 2017 Wonder Woman solo film—directed by Patty Jenkins—was a groundbreaking moment, both for DC and for female-led superhero movies at large. The film was a box office triumph and remains one of the most critically acclaimed entries in the now-defunct DCEU.
But as DC Studios embarks on a new storytelling chapter, spearheaded by a younger Superman (played by David Corenswet) and a new Supergirl (Milly Alcock), it makes strategic sense to reboot Wonder Woman with a fresh face. The upcoming DCU is being crafted from the ground up, with continuity, tone, and creative direction unified under Gunn and Safran’s leadership.
The decision to recast Wonder Woman also sends a clear signal: this is not a continuation, but a full reset. Gadot, like Henry Cavill before her, is now part of the DC legacy, not its future. And while the loss of familiar faces may sting for longtime fans, the clean slate offers new opportunities for storytelling innovation and deeper character development.
As anticipation builds for the casting announcement and more details about the script, one thing is certain: whoever takes up the mantle next will carry the weight of immense expectation. Wonder Woman is more than just a superhero—she’s a cultural icon. And with a new cinematic era ahead, the question isn’t whether the character will rise again—but how powerfully she will return.
Until then, fans can only imagine what lies ahead for Themyscira’s greatest champion.
