Wonder Woman has remained one of the most popular heroes in the DC Universe ever since her introduction in 1941, although plans for the character to enter the newly rebooted film franchise have not yet been made available. This feels like a strange omission, especially as the focus has already been placed on Batman, Superman, and even Green Lantern. After years of development, only a single adjacent project has been announced, and fans of the Wonder Woman character continue to eagerly await updates on Diana Prince. There are a few reasons why this has happened that are worth reviewing.

Granted, there were some failures in the DCEU, which featured two Wonder Woman films, and there is likely some trepidation about following that universe’s structure too closely. Still, with so many upcoming DC Universe movies, the character is too important to be ignored for much longer. There have been many different Batman actors, and many different Superman actors, but the list of actors who have played Wonder Woman in live-action is much smaller. Adding another performer into the role, and integrating them into the DCU soon, is imperative.

The DC Universe Initially Seemed Set To Bring Wonder Woman 3 Into Its World

Wonder Woman 3 Was Confirmed To Be Directed By Patty Jenkins

When James Gunn and Peter Safran first ᴀssumed duties as co-CEOs of DC Studios in late 2022, a Patty Jenkins-directed Wonder Woman 3 was yet to be canceled. As the franchise looked to find its new shape under the new creative overseers, many decisions had to be made concerning the existing components of the DCEU that worked. It seems that conversations were had, and that Wonder Woman 3 may have even still been considered for some time, before being taken off the schedule entirely.

This was a difficult time of transition, with so many details to work out. Within months, Henry Cavill was in then out again as Superman. Plans for what would become 2025’s Superman were in process, but it seems plans were less clear concerning Wonder Woman 3. As late as August 2023, Gal Gadot seemed to think the project could happen. Still, the simple possibility of Wonder Woman 3 likely incentivized the new DCU to avoid introducing a brand-new version of the character unless they were totally confident in their plans.

Canceling Wonder Woman 3 Means It Makes Sense To Wait Longer For A Wonder Woman Movie

Wonder Woman’s Future Was Uncertain When The DCU’s Foundation Was Being Set

Following the release of Wonder Woman 1984 in 2020, it seems that creative focus concerning the Wonder Woman character was initially dedicated to writing and producing another sequel. For comparison, over those years, details of all kinds of different Superman projects and reboots came in and out of development, including a Black Superman movie and others. Warner Bros. would have dedicated all resources within the studio concerning live-action Wonder Woman stories to the proposed third film starring Gal Gadot.

Canceling Wonder Woman 3 put the brakes on the only Wonder Woman project in the works, and that meant going back to scratch. While the new DC Universe has been finding its voice, and establishing its first major characters in Superman, a Wonder Woman project had to take a backseat. This change in production, and cancelation of Wonder Woman 3, has enabled the DCU to figure out how to integrate the character. However, as she was not considered one of the building blocks, this may take some time to do appropriately.

The Wonder Woman Prequel Series Means A Longer Build-Up For The Hero Makes Sense

Paradise Lost Is Set To Tell The Story Of Themyscira

While no Wonder Woman movie was announced for Chapter 1 of the DCU, an important series that ties into her world was put into active development. Everything known about Paradise Lost suggests that the upcoming series will focus on the Isle of Thermiscyra, and be a prequel to the Wonder Woman stories. The series has been described with comparisons to Game of Thrones, and could be a notable and unique look at this side of the new universe.

Very little has been revealed about the upcoming series. However, in a February 2025 update, James Gunn confirmed that the DC series is still in development. There have been some changes and complications with the DCU as it was originally intended, and the team has been adapting to those changes, working hard to build something complex, satisfying, and interconnected. Paradise Lost will certainly fit into that, but the series’ development, considering the story and design impacts it may have on any future Wonder Woman project, may hamper DC’s ability to make a new Wonder Woman film in the meantime.

The Early DCU Has To Balance Introducing Its Biggest Heroes Alongside New Faces

The DCU’s Core Story And Characters Are Important To Consider When Introducing New Heroes

In small ways, the DCU has already revealed their Batman as well as their Superman. It is possible that a Wonder Woman reveal could follow in the same vein as Batman’s Creature Commandos appearance, long before a film enters active development; however, the new franchise already has so many faces and heroes they need to balance. Superman introduces so many characters, such as Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, Green Lantern, and more, and that’s in addition to the Clark, Lois, and Lex dynamic at the core of the film.

Each of these characters has an extensive DC history, and it would be disappointing if any of them were underutilized. Many Green Lantern fans have already expressed pre-emptive disappointment over the possibility that Hal Jordan may die in Lanterns, and balancing this comics legacy with making good films and series can be difficult. With so many popular and familiar characters, the creatives behind the DCU need to be careful with how they handle their heroes. If there is no room for Wonder Woman in the current story, it would be safer to leave her off the table for now.

Some kind of new project with Wonder Woman at the center of it will surely happen in the coming years of the DCU. The character is too significant to DC history, and too important a member of the Justice League to omit for too long. However, it is probably for the best that the creatives don’t choose to fast-track underdeveloped ideas simply to shoehorn her in. When Wonder Woman enters the franchise, it will hopefully be in a way that is satisfying and makes sense for the DCU’s story.

Upcoming DC Movie Releases

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  Superman

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  July 11, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Batman Part II

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  October 1, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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