Friday, December 26, 2025

James Gunn Faces Fan Frenzy Over Controversial Wonder Woman Casting Choices Amid DCU Reboot

James Gunn considered new Wonder Woman casting choices has ignited a wave of passionate debate as plans for the upcoming Wonder Woman movie in the DCU emerge, with fans voicing their opinions about who could take on the iconic role. The speculation has especially heated up after some controversial names surfaced in fan discussions, raising questions about how Warner Bros. and DC Studios will navigate sensitive public backlash surrounding potential candidates.

Fans Send Their Casting Suggestions Into Overdrive for a New Wonder Woman

With the confirmation that a new Wonder Woman film is moving ahead in tandem with the previously revealed Paradise Lost TV series, anticipation has surged regarding who might don the Amazonian’s costume next. Since James Gunn and Peter Safran assumed control of DC Studios, audiences have speculated widely about replacements for former stars such as Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, and especially Gal Gadot, who once hinted at her possible return. However, as news circulated about a fresh creative start for the DCU, it became clear that most legacy actors, including Gadot, would likely be replaced, setting the stage for a new face to step into Diana Prince’s shoes.

On social platforms, fans wasted no time presenting a variety of choices, repeatedly mentioning actresses like Adria Arjona, known for Star Wars: Andor, and May Calamawy from Moon Knight. Still, one contender has emerged as a frequent favorite—Melissa Barrera, once a leading star in the rebooted Scream movie series. Many online believe she embodies the perfect traits required for Wonder Woman, though her inclusion is proving to be a complex topic for some followers.

James Gunn
Image of: James Gunn

Melissa Barrera’s Polarizing Status Among Wonder Woman Fan Casts

The selection of a new Wonder Woman is still in its early stages, and with casting likely years away, supporters have plenty of time to advocate for their preferred candidates. Melissa Barrera’s name continues to gain momentum among fans on social media, but her path to the role is riddled with additional hurdles. Barrera took center stage in the Scream franchise’s revival and its sequel before being dismissed from the upcoming Scream VII due to her personal commentary surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict on social media. While Barrera’s firing resulted in a substantial overhaul of Scream VII and drew solidarity from parts of the audience, the pushback she received suggests the potential for significant controversy if she were selected as Wonder Woman.

Should Warner Bros. choose Barrera, the casting would likely attract both passionate support and intense objections, forcing the studio and James Gunn’s team to brace for strong reactions from all sides. On the other hand, given the slow development of upcoming DCU projects, several years may pass before the casting is finalized, potentially decreasing the relevance of recent controversies by the time decisions are made.

Other Actresses Emerge as Possible Candidates for the Role

Beyond Melissa Barrera, many DCU fans have proposed alternative names for the next Amazonian hero. Actresses such as Jessica Green, Frida Gustavsson, Katie O’Brian, and Eiza Gonzalez have all been floated as strong contenders to play Diana Prince. This expanding list illustrates the challenge faced by Gunn and his creative team, as they weigh a diverse group of hopefuls, each with unique appeal and varying public reception.

Although the search for the new Wonder Woman is ongoing and selection remains uncertain, the persistent interest from fans guarantees that the debate will intensify as the official casting announcement approaches.

What the Unfolding Debate Means for the Future of the DCU

The heated discussion around James Gunn considered new Wonder Woman casting choices underscores how casting decisions for superhero films can quickly become flashpoints in popular culture. With each proposed actress, especially figures like Melissa Barrera, generating strong reactions based on recent events or prior roles, Warner Bros. faces a complex challenge in both shaping the next incarnation of an iconic character and managing audience trust. As development on DCU movies progresses slowly, the eventual choice will not only define the new Wonder Woman but may also set the tone for how future casting controversies are handled in a changing entertainment landscape.