James Gunn has confirmed that a Wonder Woman movie is officially in the works at DC, and speculation is building around which comic stories might influence his approach to Diana’s next cinematic outing. With fans eagerly dissecting Gunn’s online activity for clues, the focus keyword, James Gunn Wonder Woman movie comic inspirations, has become central to the conversation about the Amazon Princess’s next adventure.
Comic Book Titles That Could Guide the Next Wonder Woman Film
James Gunn has developed a reputation for being transparent regarding the comic influences behind his DC projects, such as referencing Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman for Superman and Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow for Supergirl. With the Wonder Woman movie now heading into development, fans are combing through Gunn’s social media posts to find hints about which storylines might shape this major character’s future on screen.
Through various online posts, Gunn has confirmed his interest in several notable Wonder Woman comics. These include Tom King’s ongoing Wonder Woman run, which is making waves in the current comic landscape, and Kelly Thompson’s Absolute Wonder Woman, known for reimagining Diana in a bold context. Kelly Sue DeConnick’s Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons (2021) also appears on Gunn’s reading list, as does Brian Azzarello’s Wonder Woman series from the New 52 era, and Daniel Warren Johnson’s Wonder Woman: Dead Earth (2020).
The evidence of Gunn’s engagement with these comics often comes from his own direct commentary. Notably, in 2024, Gunn posted a picture of the cover of Wonder Woman: Dead Earth by Daniel Warren Johnson on Threads, writing,
“Read this wonderful, dark and wild Wonder Woman Elseworlds tale last night.”
—James Gunn, Filmmaker
Such posts underscore which stories have caught Gunn’s attention, leaving the door open for fans to speculate about their potential influence on the new movie, though the final script remains in development.
Unlikely Inspirations and Speculation on Source Material
Even with a visible reading list, not every comic mentioned by James Gunn or flagged by fans will serve as direct inspiration for Diana’s cinematic journey. Although Gunn praised Wonder Woman: Dead Earth as a compelling and dark Elseworlds adventure, its post-apocalyptic narrative likely makes it an unlikely candidate for direct adaptation. Instead, tonal cues from this “dark and wild” take on the Amazon Princess might subtly inform the overall mood of the film.
Absolute Wonder Woman also appears improbable as a core inspiration, given that it places Diana in a reimagined, gritty universe controlled by Darkseid, further removed from mainstream continuity. Brian Azzarello’s New 52 Wonder Woman run, despite its modern influence, introduced significant changes to Diana’s background—such as her being Zeus’s daughter and a romantic subplot with Superman. These shifts proved controversial and received considerable backlash from the DC fandom, which may discourage Gunn from using them as major plot elements.
Additionally, Kelly Sue DeConnick’s Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons is considered an unlikely inspiration for Gunn’s film if rumors prove true regarding its connection to HBO’s upcoming Paradise Lost series, which is expected to focus on Amazon lore. These potential overlaps may prompt filmmakers to look elsewhere for storylines to avoid redundancy across DC properties.
Current Favorites and the Ongoing Search for Inspiration
Based on available evidence, Tom King’s ongoing Wonder Woman run stands out as the leading candidate for influencing Gunn’s movie adaptation. This series is currently shaping the character’s comic narrative and enjoys a strong reception among fans and critics, making it a logical touchstone for a major film reboot. Still, Gunn’s reading habits suggest he draws from a wide array of sources. Elements from the other mentioned titles–whether atmosphere, characterization, or thematic resonance—could also find their way into the finished product.
Until official details emerge, speculation continues to swirl. James Gunn revealed his comic inspirations for Superman and Supergirl projects after development was well underway, so those watching for his take on Diana can expect a similar pattern. As scriptwriting progresses, insight into the specific comics guiding this new portrayal of Wonder Woman will likely become public, giving fans more to discuss and anticipate.
James Gunn’s confirmation of a Wonder Woman movie shines a spotlight on the dynamic and sometimes divisive creative history of DC’s flagship heroine. As the film takes shape behind the scenes, the interplay between beloved comic storylines, fan expectations, and the broader DC cinematic vision will determine how Diana’s next big-screen appearance honors her legacy while exploring bold new creative territory for the Amazon Princess and her world.
