2025 marks a significant year for DC, with James Gunn's Superman film set to kick off the new DCU in theaters, numerous film and TV projects in development, and the Absolute Universe making a significant impact in DC's publishing division. Amidst this excitement, a critical question looms large: What is happening with Wonder Woman? Created by William Moulton Marston and H. G. Peter, Wonder Woman is one of the most recognizable superheroes and a cornerstone of the DC universe, yet her presence in recent DC media has been surprisingly subdued.
Outside of the comics, Diana of Themyscira has faced numerous setbacks 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, which instead features a show about the Amazons. Additionally, Wonder Woman has never had her own dedicated animated series, and her first solo video game, announced in 2021, was cancelled. Given these challenges, it's crucial to examine how Warner Bros. and DC are handling one of the most iconic female superheroes of all time.
One Hit Wonder
During the peak of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DCEU rivalry in the late 2010s, the first Wonder Woman film emerged as a standout success for the DCEU. Released in 2017, it garnered largely positive reviews and grossed over $800 million worldwide. Following the divisive reception of Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad, Patty Jenkins' portrayal of Diana resonated with audiences in a way that previous DC films had not. While the film was not without flaws, such as third act problems and Gal Gadot's performance focusing more on action than character depth, its strong performance suggested the potential for a thriving franchise.
However, the sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, released in 2020, did not meet the same success. It received mixed reviews and failed to recoup its budget at the box office, partly due to its simultaneous release on HBO Max during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film's narrative issues, tonal inconsistencies, and controversial elements, such as Diana having sex with Chris Pine's Steve Trevor while he was in another man's body, further alienated audiences. Despite these setbacks, the lack of a third film, which was phased out of development, is disappointing, especially when other characters like Batman and Spider-Man receive multiple reboots and relaunches.
Diana Prince, Missing in Action
With the new DCU set to launch a fresh slate of adaptations, one might expect Wonder Woman to be a priority. Yet, the Chapter One: Gods and Monsters lineup does not include a dedicated Wonder Woman project. Instead, DC Studios head James Gunn and producing partner Peter Safran have chosen to focus on lesser-known properties like Creature Commandos, Swamp Thing, Booster Gold, and The Authority, alongside new takes on Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern. While there's merit in exploring obscure IP, the absence of Wonder Woman is notable.
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 about the Amazons of Themyscira set before Wonder Woman's birth. While exploring the Amazons' history is valuable, 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 does not see Diana as the primary draw over the world-building associated with her. The urgency to launch a new Batman franchise, potentially running two simultaneously, contrasts starkly with the lack of a Wonder Woman project.
Historically, 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 fiction, the absence of a dedicated Wonder Woman project is puzzling.
AnswerSee ResultsLet Me Play as Wonder Woman, Dammit
The recent cancellation of the Wonder Woman game developed by Monolith Productions adds to the frustration. While it's unclear if the poor performance of other DC games like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and MultiVersus contributed to its demise, the loss of what would have been Diana's first leading role in a game feels like a missed opportunity. With character action games experiencing a resurgence, a game featuring Diana, 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 starring 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 results in her being 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 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 raises concerns about their regard for the broader DC brand. Hopefully, Gunn's Superman reboot will pave the way for a new era of DC adaptations, but as Warner Bros. moves forward, they must not overlook the value that Diana Prince brings to their universe. After nearly a century, she and her fans deserve better.
