2025 is a pivotal year for DC, with James Gunn's Superman film set to kickstart the new DCU theatrically. DC Studios is bustling with numerous film and television projects, and the Absolute Universe in comics is making significant strides in DC's publishing division. Amidst this flurry of activity, one glaring question remains: What is happening with Wonder Woman? Created by William Moulton Marston and H. G. Peter, Wonder Woman is not only one of the most recognized superheroes but also a cornerstone of the DC universe. Yet, her presence in recent DC media has been surprisingly subdued.
Outside the realm of comics, Diana of Themyscira has faced a challenging period. Following the mixed reception of Wonder Woman 1984, her live-action film series fizzled out. She's absent from the current DCU lineup, which instead features a show about the Amazons. Moreover, Wonder Woman has never had her own animated series, and her much-anticipated first solo video game, announced in 2021, was cancelled. This begs the question: What is Warner Bros. doing with the most iconic female superhero?
One Hit Wonder
During the peak of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DCEU rivalry in the late 2010s, the original Wonder Woman film stood out as a major success for the DCEU. Released in 2017, it garnered largely positive reviews and grossed over $800 million worldwide. After the divisive reception of Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad, Patty Jenkins' portrayal of Diana resonated deeply with audiences. While the film had its flaws, such as third act problems and a focus on Gal Gadot's action prowess over character depth, it laid the groundwork for what should have been a thriving franchise.
However, the sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, released in 2020, did not meet expectations. It divided critics and failed to recoup its budget due to its simultaneous release on HBO Max and in theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film's narrative inconsistencies, tonal shifts, and controversial elements, including Diana having sex with Steve Trevor in another man's body, further alienated viewers. Despite these setbacks, the lack of a third film and the absence of other Wonder Woman projects is disheartening, especially when characters like Batman and Spider-Man frequently receive reboots.
Diana Prince, Missing in Action
As the DCU embarks on a new era with Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, one might expect Wonder Woman to be a focal point. Yet, the slate includes no dedicated Wonder Woman project. Instead, DC Studios' leaders, James Gunn and Peter Safran, have prioritized lesser-known properties like Creature Commandos, Swamp Thing, Booster Gold, and The Authority, alongside new interpretations of Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern. This choice raises questions about why Wonder Woman isn't considered a primary draw.
DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show
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The announced series, Paradise Lost, focuses on the Amazons of Themiscyra before Wonder Woman's birth, which, while interesting, lacks the presence of Wonder Woman herself. This decision echoes the Sony Marvel Universe approach, questioning why DC Studios prioritizes world-building over featuring Diana prominently. The urgency to launch a new Batman project, potentially leading to two simultaneous live-action franchises, contrasts starkly with the neglect of Wonder Woman.
Historically, the DC Animated Universe featured Wonder Woman prominently in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, yet she never received her own solo animated series. 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, the absence of a dedicated Wonder Woman project is puzzling.
Let Me Play as Wonder Woman, Dammit
The recent cancellation of the Wonder Woman game developed by Monolith Productions is particularly frustrating. Whether the disappointing performance of other DC games like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and MultiVersus played a role is unclear, but the loss of Diana's first leading role in a game feels like a missed opportunity. With the resurgence of character action games, a Wonder Woman game akin to God of War or Ninja Gaiden could have been a perfect fit.
While Diana has appeared in games like Injustice, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, and LEGO DC titles, she deserves a AAA action game of her own. The failure to capitalize on the success of Rocksteady's Batman Arkham series with games featuring Wonder Woman, Superman, and the Justice League is a missed financial opportunity. It's particularly galling that Diana's first appearance in the Arkham timeline in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League involves her being killed off as a non-playable character, while male Justice League members survive as evil clones.
The lack of progress in Wonder Woman's film franchise, the absence of dedicated animated series, and the poor representation in video games reflect a troubling lack of respect from Warner Bros. and DC for one of their most iconic characters. If they undervalue the third biggest hero in their roster, it casts doubt on their regard for the rest of the DC brand. Hopefully, Gunn's Superman reboot will pave the way for a renewed focus on DC adaptations, and Warner Bros. will recognize the invaluable contribution Diana Prince can make to their franchise. After nearly a century, both she and her fans deserve better.
