2025 marks a significant year for DC with James Gunn's Superman film set to launch the new DCU theatrically. DC Studios is busy with a range of film and television projects, and the Absolute Universe in comics is generating buzz in DC's publishing world. Amidst this excitement, a critical question looms large: What is happening with Wonder Woman? Created by William Moulton Marston and H. G. Peter, this iconic superhero and a cornerstone of the DC universe seems to be missing from recent franchise media.
Outside of the comics, Diana of Themyscira has faced challenges in recent years. Her live-action film series struggled following the mixed reception of Wonder Woman 1984, and she is notably absent from the current DCU lineup, with Gunn and his team focusing instead on a series about the Amazons. Additionally, Wonder Woman has never had her own dedicated animated series, and her anticipated first solo video game, announced in 2021, was cancelled. Given these setbacks, it's crucial to examine how Warner Bros. and DC are handling one of the most iconic female superheroes. Let's delve into how they might be missing the mark with Wonder Woman.
One Hit Wonder
During the fierce competition between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DCEU in the late 2010s, the first Wonder Woman film stood out as a major success for the latter. Released in 2017, it garnered largely positive reviews and grossed over $800 million worldwide. After the divisive reception of films like Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad, Patty Jenkins' portrayal of Diana resonated with audiences in a way that the previous DC films had not. While it isn't without flaws, such as third act problems and Gal Gadot's performance focusing more on poise and action than on character depth, the film's success should have paved the way for a thriving franchise.
However, the sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, released in 2020, did not meet the same acclaim. It received mixed reviews and failed to recoup its budget due to its simultaneous release on HBO Max and in theaters amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The film's narrative inconsistencies, tonal issues, and controversial elements, like Diana having sex with Chris Pine's Steve Trevor while he was in another man's body, contributed to its lukewarm reception. Despite these challenges, the absence of a third film, which was phased out of development, is particularly disappointing, especially when characters like Batman and Spider-Man have enjoyed multiple reboots and relaunches. The lack of other franchise media featuring Wonder Woman only adds to the frustration.
Diana Prince, Missing in Action
As the new DCU begins with a fresh slate of adaptations, one would expect Wonder Woman to be a focal point. Yet, the ambitiously titled Chapter One: Gods and Monsters lacks a dedicated Wonder Woman project. Instead, DC Studios' head James Gunn and producing partner Peter Safran have prioritized less mainstream properties such as Creature Commandos, Swamp Thing, Booster Gold, and The Authority. While there's value in exploring lesser-known IPs, these projects are joined by new adaptations of Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern, leaving Wonder Woman conspicuously absent.
DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show
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Instead of a Wonder Woman project, the DCU has announced Paradise Lost, a series focusing on the Amazons of Themyscira set before Wonder Woman's birth. While exploring the Amazons' history and enriching Wonder Woman's mythology is commendable, creating a show within the Wonder Woman franchise without Wonder Woman herself evokes comparisons to the Sony Marvel Universe. This raises questions about why DC Studios doesn't see Diana as the main attraction over the world-building elements of her universe. The urgency to launch a new Batman franchise, potentially running two simultaneously, contrasts starkly with the absence of a Wonder Woman project.
This approach to the third member of DC's Trinity is reminiscent of past trends. The DC Animated Universe from the '90s and early 2000s featured Wonder Woman prominently in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, but she never received her own solo series like Batman or Superman. Despite her regular appearances in DC Universe direct-to-video animated films, she has only starred in two: Wonder Woman in 2009 and Wonder Woman: Bloodlines in 2019. Given the popularity of superhero content over the last few decades, it's puzzling why a dedicated Wonder Woman project remains elusive.
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Let Me Play as Wonder Woman, Dammit
The recent cancellation of the Wonder Woman game developed by Monolith Productions adds to the frustration. It's unclear whether the poor performance of other DC games like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and MultiVersus contributed to its demise, but the long development period ending in cancellation feels like a missed opportunity, especially since it would have been Diana's first leading role in a game. With character action games experiencing a resurgence, a Wonder Woman game akin to God of War or Ninja Gaiden seems like a perfect fit. While Diana has been playable in games like Injustice, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, and various LEGO DC titles, the absence of a AAA action game featuring her is glaring.
DC's failure to capitalize on the success of Rocksteady's Batman Arkham series with games featuring Wonder Woman, Superman, and the Justice League is a significant oversight. It's particularly galling that Diana's first appearance in the Arkham timeline in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League sees her killed off as a non-playable character, while the male members of the Justice League survive as evil clones.
The combination of a struggling film franchise, the lack of dedicated animated series, and poor video game representation reflects a concerning lack of respect from Warner Bros. and DC for one of their most iconic characters. If they undervalue the third biggest hero in their lineup, it raises doubts about their regard for the broader DC universe. Hopefully, Gunn's Superman reboot will herald a new era of DC adaptations, moving away from the troubled DCEU. As Warner Bros. relaunches their franchise, they must not overlook the immense value that Diana Prince brings to their brand. After nearly a century, she and her fans deserve better.
