In a stunning shift for one of DC’s most iconic heroes, Wonder Woman 3 is officially in development — but without Gal Gadot, the actress who has defined the role for nearly a decade. DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn confirmed the news this week, setting the stage for a new era for the Amazonian warrior.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Gunn shared that the long-anticipated third Wonder Woman film is “slow moving, but it’s moving,” and that the script is currently in development. What he didn’t say outright — but made clear — is that Gadot will not return as Diana Prince. With casting for the role still underway, it’s evident that the next chapter in the superhero’s saga will feature a brand-new face.
This development comes as a major blow to fans of the original franchise, which saw Gadot debut as Wonder Woman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) before headlining Wonder Woman (2017) and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), both directed by Patty Jenkins. The character also appeared in Justice League, and made cameos in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash.
Gadot’s portrayal was a box office powerhouse. The first Wonder Woman film grossed over $800 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing DCEU films. However, the franchise's momentum slowed with the underperformance of its sequel and broader restructuring within DC Studios, led by Gunn and Peter Safran.
Back in August 2023, Gadot claimed that she had spoken with Gunn and Safran and that plans were in motion for Wonder Woman 3. “I love portraying Wonder Woman,” she said at the time. “It’s so close and dear to my heart.” Yet by year’s end, the project was scrapped entirely. Gadot remained silent on the matter — but others didn’t.
Director Patty Jenkins, who helmed the first two films, publicly addressed her exit in a 2024 interview with Talking Pictures Podcast. “My time on Wonder Woman 3 is over for the time being — easily forever,” she stated, suggesting no intention to return to the director’s chair. In a previous statement, Jenkins denied claims she abandoned the project, clarifying that decisions were out of her hands: “DC is obviously buried in changes… I understand these decisions are difficult.”
Actor Chris Pine, who played Steve Trevor in both Wonder Woman movies, expressed disbelief over the franchise’s abrupt end. “I’m stunned they said no to a billion-dollar franchise,” he told Business Insider. “I don’t know the reasoning… but Wonder Woman is an incredible character, and Patty is a thoughtful director.”
Connie Nielsen, who portrayed Queen Hippolyta, also voiced frustration. “I think it’s crazy. [Wonder Woman] has an enormous and passionate fan base. These are spectacular films, and there’s just no reason I can understand for not investing in that,” she said, calling on the studio to reconsider.
Despite the backlash, Gunn appears confident in DC’s new direction. Speaking about the franchise’s future, he reiterated Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s view that Superman, Batman, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman remain “incredibly important” characters. “Right now, I feel great about where two of those characters are,” Gunn said. “We’re dealing with the other two.”
Superman, starring David Corenswet, is slated for release on July 11, 2025, with Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, featuring Milly Alcock, arriving in June 2026. The absence of a release date for Wonder Woman 3 suggests the project is still in early development — and that the hunt for DC’s next Diana Prince is only just beginning.
Meanwhile, Gadot faces a turbulent moment in her personal and professional life. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was recently vandalized, and filming on her latest project in central London was disrupted by anti-Israel protesters. She also recently portrayed the Evil Queen in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of Snow White, a film that has sparked its own political firestorm. Lead actress Rachel Zegler’s pro-Palestinian comments reignited controversy just days after the trailer debuted.
The casting of a new Wonder Woman will be a defining move for Gunn and Safran as they reboot the DC Universe from the ground up. With speculation already swirling around potential replacements — including fan-favorite picks like Andor’s Adria Arjona — one thing is clear: a new era is dawning for the Amazon warrior, and nothing will be the same.
