The cancellation of Wonder Woman 3 has sent ripples through Hollywood, leaving many—including actor Chris Pine—taken aback by the sudden end of what was once a billion-dollar franchise. This decision comes as new leadership at DC, with James Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm, pivots the cinematic universe in a fresh direction, effectively sidelining Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot’s iconic iterations of the superhero saga.
Chris Pine, who portrayed Steve Trevor in the first two Wonder Woman films, expressed his surprise during promotions for his latest project. Though Pine was not expected to return for the third installment, he shared candid thoughts about the cancellation and the unexpected shift in DC’s creative vision.
“I’m stunned that they said no to a billion-dollar franchise and decided to pivot elsewhere,” Pine revealed. He admitted that the rationale behind the decision remains unclear to him, describing it as “above my pay grade.” Despite this, Pine emphasized the strength of the character and praised Jenkins’ thoughtful direction, highlighting how Wonder Woman remains a significant and compelling story within the superhero genre.
When asked if Steve Trevor’s return might have been possible, Pine was unequivocal. “No. Homie is dead. Steve is gonzo,” he joked. “It would be ridiculous to try to bring me back.” Reflecting on his involvement in the series, Pine admitted he initially had little interest in playing what he perceived as a secondary “boyfriend” role. However, Jenkins’ unique vision changed his mind.
Patty Jenkins framed the story not just as another superhero film but as a romance, likening it to Casablanca. “Forget the superhero of it all, this is a romance… that’s the movie I want to make,” she told Pine, which sparked his enthusiasm. Pine noted how rare it is for superhero films to focus on love stories without being dominated by action set pieces or explosions. This creative angle made his participation more appealing and meaningful.
While fans held out hope for Gal Gadot’s return as Wonder Woman, recent reports confirm that the new DC Universe (DCU) reboot excludes her portrayal of the Amazonian warrior. According to sources close to the production, Gunn and Safran’s vision involves creating an entirely new DC landscape, and Gadot’s contract concluded alongside the cancellation of Wonder Woman 3.
As part of this revamp, the upcoming Paradise Lost TV series will explore the origins and political intrigues of Themyscira, the legendary island home of the Amazons. This project signals a fresh narrative approach for Wonder Woman’s world, focusing more on drama and internal struggles rather than the traditional superhero spectacle.
Interestingly, while Wonder Woman 3 is no longer moving forward, Patty Jenkins has found a new path back to the galaxy far, far away. Jenkins has returned to Lucasfilm to complete Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, a film project that was previously thought to be canceled. She shared in an interview how the timeline shifted:
“When I left Star Wars to do Wonder Woman 3, we talked about me possibly returning to finish the Rogue Squadron movie afterward,” Jenkins explained. “When Wonder Woman 3 was canceled, Lucasfilm and I agreed I should come back and complete the deal.”
Jenkins confirmed that she is currently working on a draft for Rogue Squadron, despite the ongoing industry strike. She expressed optimism about the project’s future, recognizing the challenges ahead for the new DCU but embracing her role in the Star Wars franchise.
The shakeup within DC’s cinematic universe reflects a broader industry trend where legacy franchises are frequently rebooted to capture new audiences and reset storytelling directions. The departure of Jenkins and Gadot marks the end of a distinct era for Wonder Woman fans, who will now watch as new creative voices redefine the character’s future.
For Chris Pine, the cancellation is a bittersweet moment. While he acknowledges the end of his chapter as Steve Trevor, his appreciation for the franchise’s impact remains clear. His reflections remind fans that beyond the blockbuster action, Wonder Woman carved out space for meaningful narratives and fresh storytelling within the superhero genre—elements that continue to inspire both creators and audiences alike.
As James Gunn and Peter Safran steer DC into uncharted territory, audiences eagerly await the new stories and characters that will emerge from this ambitious reboot. Meanwhile, Patty Jenkins’ return to Star Wars signals exciting possibilities ahead in another beloved universe, demonstrating that even in times of change, creative passions endure.
