James Gunn has provided clarity on the casting approach for the upcoming Wonder Woman film within the DC Universe (DCU), emphasizing patience and quality in the selection process. Addressing rumors about an expedited casting decision following Gal Gadot’s departure, Gunn insisted that the team will only move forward once they have a script that meets their high standards.
Although the Wonder Woman project remains a priority for DC Studios, Gunn emphasized there is no urgency that would compromise the script’s quality or the choice of actress for the role. The focus, he said, is on finding the most fitting candidate rather than rushing any decisions.
Maintaining High Standards for the Wonder Woman Script and Casting
Gunn explained that the Wonder Woman movie, which was not initially part of the DCU’s announced slate, is currently in the writing phase with a strong emphasis on producing a script that lives up to the franchise’s expectations. He reiterated the importance of preserving quality for the core characters of the DCU, including Wonder Woman, ensuring the story and casting are thoughtfully developed.
The director dispelled rumors suggesting that DC was prioritizing actors with primarily television backgrounds, such as Milly Alcock, for the role of Diana. He clarified that casting decisions are based on suitability for the role rather than the medium of previous work, citing his own choice of Alcock for Supergirl as judgment based solely on talent.
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.
Gunn’s commitment to a rigorous casting process means no announcements will be made until the script is finalized, ensuring a coherent vision guides the role of Diana in the DCU.
James Gunn’s Track Record Suggests Thoughtful Casting for Wonder Woman
James Gunn has earned a reputation for carefully selecting actors who fit their roles perfectly, as seen with his casting choices for the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and, more recently, for Superman, portrayed by David Corenswet. This track record provides reassurance that his approach to casting Wonder Woman will be similarly meticulous and successful.
The challenge of replacing Gal Gadot is acknowledged, but Gunn believes that with the right script and clear vision, identifying the next Wonder Woman should be more straightforward than casting other DC heroes like Batman. Among current fan favorites, Adria Arjona has received considerable support for the role, with Gunn himself acknowledging her as a possibility during an interview with Extra.
While studios often hesitate to follow fan casting opinions, it is worth noting that Corenswet was also a favorite among fans before his selection by Gunn for Superman. This suggests a potential alignment between audience hopes and the studio’s final decision.
Whether the casting will follow fan favorites or take a different direction remains to be seen, but DC fans can expect a Wonder Woman who resonates deeply and matches the quality set by previous DC projects under Gunn’s guidance.
Looking Ahead: Patience and Quality Are Paramount for DC’s Diana
With no immediate casting announcements on the horizon, fans of the DC Universe can anticipate a careful and deliberate process led by James Gunn to bring a new era of Wonder Woman to life. The priority remains on creating a strong screenplay and casting the perfect actress who embodies the character’s spirit and strength.
This cautious and thoughtful approach underscores the importance of delivering a Wonder Woman film that honors the legacy of the character while setting a new standard for the DCU moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has talked about how praying still matters to him. However, he also described himself as somewhat against religion.
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After the director was removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, Gunn said he feared his career was finished. Fortunately, in 2022, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios, paving the way for his next 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 family. He has talked about the ongoing importance of prayer in his life but has also expressed being “in some ways, anti-religion.”
