The DC Universe is currently in a major transitionary period, with the final films of the old DCEU coming out, and what appears to be the last performances of fan-favorite actors from the previous regimes and era. One of those performers appears to include Gal Gadot, who portrays Wonder Woman/Princess Diana of Themiscyra. However, recent comments in an interview conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike gave fans hope that Gadot’s days as Wonder Woman were not far from over and that she might be working on “Wonder Woman 3” with the new DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran. However, that no longer appears to be the case, based on new information from Variety.
‘Wonder Woman 3? Currently Not Part Of DC Studios’ Development Plans
Despite what Gadot told ComicBook.com, Variety notes that a third installment of the “Wonder Woman” series is not currently being developed at DC Studios, and Gunn and Safran don’t have any plans for a new “Wonder Woman” Product in the DC Universe, besides the already announced “Paradise Lost” prequel series that’s in development for MAX.
In her earlier interview with ComicBook.com, Gadot stated, “I love portraying Wonder Woman.” She continued, “It’s so close to and dear to my heart. From what I heard from James and from Peter is that we’re gonna develop a ‘Wonder Woman 3’ together.”
Later on, while speaking to Flaunt Magazine, Gadot also revealed that she had a meeting with the studio heads and was told that they would still develop “Wonder Woman 3” together. The actress stated, “I was invited to a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran.” She continued, “And what they told me, and I’m quoting: ‘You’re in the best hands. We’re going to develop Wonder Woman 3 with you. [We] love you as Wonder Woman— you’ve got nothing to worry about.’ So time will tell.”
Variety notes that sources close to the situation indicated that no deal of “Wonder Woman 3” was ever promised to Gadot, or any type of definitive discussion for her to continue as the character in the newly evolving DC Universe. Earlier in the year, Gunn and Safran detailed their “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” plan for their new DC Universe. While “Paradise Lost” was listed in those plans, a third “Wonder Woman” movie was not.
Gadot made her big-screen debut as the character in 2016’s divisive, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” for director Zack Snyder. She later reprised the role for her own starring film, “Wonder Woman” later in 2017. Directed by Patty Jenkins, the film was a huge hit worldwide, making $812 million at the global box office and performing well with critics. Gadot would make multiple appearances as the character again in “Justice League” in 2017, followed by “Wonder Woman 1984” in 2020. She also had some additional cameo appearances as the character in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” and “The Flash” released earlier this year.
WGA & SAG-AFTRA Strike Affecting Plans
One thing that’s getting lost in the conversation over Gadot’s comments and “Wonder Woman 3” is that the industry is in a major holding pattern in many regards with the currently ongoing labor disputes against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), representing the studios, and the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, representing the actors and writers. The writers and actors going on strike have brought a wide-scale shutdown to most of the industry.
The WGA strike means new scripts aren’t being developed or written. The SAG-AFTRA strike even means if scripts are finished, major productions had to be either halted or can’t move forward until the strikes are resolved.
All of Gadot’s comments that are only surfacing now were made before the SAG-AFTRA started on July 14, which is almost a month ago now. Also, it should be noted, she even said herself in the Flaunt interview, “Time will tell.” That sounds like even Gadot is being cautious about whether or not these moves will actually happen.
So while it might be true that DC Studios doesn’t have anything set up or in development right now for “Wonder Woman 3” that doesn’t mean that might never change. Not that DC Studios will make another “Wonder Woman,” but they are still moving forward with a sequel to Todd Phillips’ “Joker” and Matt Reeves’ “The Batman.” Keep in mind, whatever work was done so far on “The Batman” sequel, nothing is happening with it right now due to double strikes. Meanwhile, “Joker 2” finished filming before the strikes started, so it should still meet its October 2020 release dates.
But the major point is the strike is delaying a lot of films. DC Studios won’t be able to start filming any of its newly planned “Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters” films until the SAG-AFTRA strike is resolved. Any scripts that aren’t ready to go or still need to be rewritten won’t be able to get worked on again until WGA reaches a new deal with the AMPTP.
That would also likely mean DC Studios can’t really sit down with Gadot again either until the current strikes are resolved. Gunn himself has always been quick to shut down the notion that is ushering out Gadot. In response to a comment on his Instagram, Gunn responded to a user who claimed, “The move to boot [Henry] Cavill and [Gal] Gadot. doesn’t inspire confidence.” Gunn later responded himself, “I’m not sure where you’re getting that we ‘booted.’ Gal.”
Gunn and Safran have never outright said they will never bring back Gadot as Diana/Wonder Woman. And the fact that “Joker” and “The Batman” are still getting sequels means that DC Studios could still make a sequel as part of the “Elseworlds” line of films, that will more than likely be separate from the new big-screen DC Universe.
So while there is likely truth that no development is happening on a new “Wonder Woman” movie right now, moviegoers and fans would be better served to take a breath and wait and see how things pan out because due to the strikes, nothing is getting made right now. “Deadpool 3” is on hold, most of the newest Marvel Studios projects are on strike, and so is the DC Universe’s “Superman: Legacy” picture that Gunn is attached to direct.
One other scenario to consider is that Gunn is still using some of the same actors from the previous DCEU moving forward, while he’s recasting Superman and Batman in “Superman: Legacy” and “The Brave and the Bold.” Viola Davis is expected to reprise her longtime role as Amanda Waller for DC’s new “Waller” miniseries on Max. Gunna also has plans to move forward with another season of “Peacemaker.” Both those shows would require actors returning from the previous DCEU era, meaning the door should not be completely shut on Gadot either.
The new “Paradise Lost” original series will be set on Themiscyra and will depict Diana’s family, the Amazons, and their homeland before her birth. The show does not yet have an official release date.