James Gunn has dismissed recent rumors suggesting that the DC Universe (DCU) is actively casting for the role of Wonder Woman. Despite growing anticipation surrounding the character‘s upcoming projects within the DCU, Gunn emphasized that no casting efforts have begun and will only proceed once the script is finalized.
The speculation about casting arose amid conversations about DC Studios’ focus on actors with television experience, but Gunn clarified that decisions are strictly based on talent, not prior roles. His remarks come at a time when the DCU is moving forward with multiple Wonder Woman-related projects, including the Paradise Lost prequel series.
Clarifying the Status of the DCU Wonder Woman Casting
The rumor mill suggested that James Gunn, alongside DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran and other executives, were targeting actors known for television roles, such as Milly Alcock from Supergirl, for the iconic part of Wonder Woman. However, Gunn directly refuted these claims in response to fan inquiries on the social platform Threads.
He stated,
“Nope. And I’d never in a million years look for a major role based on whether they did TV, films, or whatever. It’s all about the casting. I didn’t cast Milly because of her past, but because she was the best one for the role.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Head
Furthermore, Gunn confirmed that casting discussions for Wonder Woman have not even started. He reinforced his commitment to following a specific process, saying,
“But we’re also not casting WW, nor even discussing it, until a script is finished.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Head
Origins and Context of the Casting Speculation
The casting rumor originated from a newsletter conversation between The Wrap’s Umberto Gonzalez and Puck News’ Scott Mendelson. In it, Gonzalez suggested that the DCU might be seeking an actress with a strong television background, similar to Milly Alcock, for the Wonder Woman role. This prompted widespread speculation regarding potential candidates, fueled by the character’s rising importance in the DC Universe.
Though Warner Bros. has yet to officially add a new Wonder Woman film to the DCU lineup, they have affirmed its development as a priority within the franchise’s future plans. The production would coexist alongside Paradise Lost, an upcoming series set long before Diana’s time, focusing on the lore and lives of the Amazons.
Timing and Process for Casting Wonder Woman in the DCU
From the start of his tenure at DC Studios, James Gunn has maintained that no casting will occur until the creative groundwork, specifically the script, is complete. This policy underscores his approach to the franchise’s development, ensuring that major decisions align with the finalized story.
This firm stance indicates that the public should not expect casting announcements or confirmations for Wonder Woman anytime soon, even if Warner Bros. expedites the film’s development. By prioritizing the script before casting, Gunn ensures that any choice of actress will be fully integrated with the narrative vision.
Speculated Contenders for the Wonder Woman Role
Despite Gunn’s denial of an active casting search, fans and media continue to explore names linked to the Wonder Woman part. Among the frequently mentioned actresses are Adria Arjona and May Calamawy, both known for their notable television roles.
Adria Arjona has gained attention for her portrayal of Bix Caleen in Lucasfilm’s Andor, while May Calamawy has earned recognition for her work on Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight and the series Ramy. Curiously, both actresses fit the profile of TV stars speculated to be under consideration, even though Gunn rejects such classifications as casting criteria.
This ongoing fan-driven speculation reflects the intense interest in who will ultimately embody one of DC’s most iconic heroes, underscoring how much anticipation surrounds the character’s return to the big screen within the new DCU framework.
Implications for the DC Universe and Future Developments
The certainty expressed by James Gunn about waiting for the script completion before any casting highlights a methodical and story-first approach to the DCU’s expansion. This process aims to ensure that Wonder Woman’s next portrayal aligns closely with the creative vision of the DC Studios leadership.
As a key figure in shaping the new DCU, Peter Safran and James Gunn’s strategy signals a commitment to quality and coherence across projects, including films and television series. The growing anticipation for both the Wonder Woman film and the Paradise Lost Amazonian series demonstrates the importance of the character within the brand’s future.
Ultimately, fans and industry observers will need to exercise patience, as official casting announcements will come only after the script’s completion. This approach may impact the timeline for the Wonder Woman movie but aims to strengthen the character’s role and the overall narrative direction of the DC Universe.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family, and he has shared that he still finds prayer significant. However, he also considers himself somewhat opposed to organized religion.
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After being removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, the director believed his career was ruined. However, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios in 2022. This new role gave him a chance to work on another superhero project.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation was inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household. He often talks about how prayer is still significant to him. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
