James Gunn has publicly dismissed rumors about the casting approach for the upcoming Wonder Woman movie, confirming that reports about targeting actresses with primarily television backgrounds are inaccurate. Gunn’s statement comes amid ongoing developments at DC Studios, where the highly anticipated film is still in early stages without any confirmed director or lead actress.
Current Status of the DC Universe and Upcoming Projects
The DC Universe (DCU), officially launched by James Gunn and Peter Safran in December 2024 with Creature Commandos Season 1, continues to expand with several projects in progress. Gunn’s Superman film is currently playing in theaters across the United States, and the second season of Peacemaker is scheduled for release next month. Additionally, DCU has announced titles set for 2026, including Lanterns, Supergirl, and Clayface, demonstrating a broad slate of content in development.
Ongoing Rumors and Gunn’s Response Regarding Wonder Woman Casting
A recent internet rumor suggested that DC Studios was aiming to cast a Wonder Woman actress with a television-heavy resume, citing Milly Alcock from Supergirl as an example. This speculation was highlighted in social media posts and entertainment news outlets, fueling discussions among fans about the direction of the character’s future portrayal. However, James Gunn took to Threads to clarify this narrative directly.
“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 (But we’re also not basting WW, nor even discussing it, until a script is finished.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Chief
Project Timelines and Script Development for Wonder Woman
Industry reports, including one from Variety, suggested that the Wonder Woman film is being fast-tracked and may precede the release of Superman 2. Yet, Gunn offered a tempered perspective on the pace of production. He emphasized that while the project is a priority, the film will not proceed into shooting until a satisfactory script is secured.
“It’s a priority but I wouldn’t call that fast-tracked. Nothing is going to be shoot unless we’re as sure as we can be that the script is good.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Chief
Additional Wonder Woman Projects in Development at DC Studios
Beyond the feature film, DC Studios has also been developing a television series called Paradise Lost, set on the island of Themyscira before Diana’s birth. Initially announced in 2023, this project offers a separate narrative exploring Wonder Woman’s origins, though no recent updates have been released to confirm its production status or release timeline.
Implications for the Future of Wonder Woman and the DC Universe
James Gunn’s rejection of casting rumors and insistence on script quality highlight DC Studios’ cautious approach towards expanding the Wonder Woman franchise. With multiple projects tied to the character and the DCU’s broader universe evolving, fans can expect careful development to maintain a high standard of storytelling and performance. How these projects unfold will significantly influence the future portrayal of Diana and the overall trajectory of the DC Universe.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, against religion.”
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. In 2018, the director was removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series. Gunn confessed he “thought my career was over.” Fortunately, in 2022, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios, giving him a chance for another superhero movie.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu influenced the new design for the CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and still finds prayer important. However, he considers himself somewhat opposed to organized religion.
