"Wonder Woman's Future Uncertain Five Years Post-1984 Film"

2025 marks a significant year for DC, with James Gunn's Superman film set to launch the new DCU theatrically, alongside several other film and television projects in the works. Additionally, the Absolute Universe is making a big impact in DC's comic publishing. Amidst this excitement, one crucial question looms large: What's happening with Wonder Woman? Created by William Moulton Marston and H. G. Peter, this iconic superhero and pivotal DC universe character seems to be missing from the recent franchise media spotlight.

Outside of comics, Diana of Themyscira has faced a challenging period. Following the mixed reception of Wonder Woman 1984, her live-action film franchise has not progressed, and there's no dedicated project for her in the current DCU lineup. Instead, Gunn and his team have chosen to focus on a series about the Amazons. Diana has also never had her own 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 managing the legacy of this iconic female superhero.

One Hit Wonder

During the peak rivalry between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DCEU in the late 2010s, the first Wonder Woman film emerged as a standout success for DC. Released in 2017, it garnered largely positive reviews and grossed over $800 million worldwide. Following the polarizing responses to Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad, Patty Jenkins' portrayal of Diana resonated with audiences. While the film had third act problems and Gal Gadot's performance focused more on action and poise than depth, its strong performance should have sparked a thriving franchise.

However, the sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, released in 2020, fell short of 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 sequel'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 viewers. Despite these challenges, the decision to phase out a third film seems premature, especially when compared to the frequent reboots and relaunches given to characters like Batman and Spider-Man.

Diana Prince, Missing in Action

As the new DCU embarks on a fresh wave of adaptations, one might expect Wonder Woman to be a focal point. Yet, the Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate lacks a dedicated Wonder Woman project. Instead, DC Studios head James Gunn and producing partner 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. While exploring obscure IPs can be rewarding, the absence of Wonder Woman is notable.

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

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The DCU's announced series, Paradise Lost, focuses on the Amazons of Themyscira before Wonder Woman's birth, exploring the mythology surrounding her but without featuring Diana herself. This approach echoes the Sony Marvel Universe strategy and raises questions about whether DC Studios views the world-building of Wonder Woman as more valuable than Diana herself. The urgency to launch Batman projects, potentially leading to two concurrent live-action franchises, contrasts sharply with the lack of attention given to Wonder Woman.

This trend is not new. The DC Animated Universe prominently featured Wonder Woman in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, yet she never received her own solo show, unlike Batman and Superman. Despite her regular appearances in DC Universe animated films, she has only starred in two: Wonder Woman in 2009 and Wonder Woman: Bloodlines in 2019. Given the popularity of superhero media, 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 adds to the frustration. While it's unclear if the poor reception of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and MultiVersus influenced this decision, the lengthy development period ending in cancellation feels like a missed opportunity. With character action games making a resurgence, a game starring Diana, akin to God of War or Ninja Gaiden, seems overdue. Although Diana has been playable in titles like Injustice, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, and various LEGO DC games, she lacks a AAA action game of her own.

DC's failure to capitalize on the success of the 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 saw her killed off as a non-playable character, while the male members of the Justice League survived as evil clones.

The overall lack of progress in Wonder Woman's film, television, and gaming representation reflects a concerning lack of respect from Warner Bros. and DC for one of their most iconic characters. If they show such little regard for a key member of the Trinity, it raises doubts about their commitment to the broader DC universe. As Gunn's Superman reboot aims to revitalize the franchise, it's crucial that Warner Bros. recognizes the value Diana Prince brings and gives her the spotlight she deserves after nearly a century of service.