The 2017 release of Wonder Woman marked a pivotal moment for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). After a rocky start with underwhelming films like Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Suicide Squad, the arrival of Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman offered a fresh, compelling vision that resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike. Garnering a remarkable 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and earning over $820 million worldwide, the film redefined expectations for DC’s cinematic endeavors and became a fan-favorite.
However, the promising momentum did not last. The 2020 sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, failed to live up to its predecessor’s acclaim. Critics and fans alike found it disappointing, and its box office performance suffered significantly, grossing just $169.6 million against a $200 million budget. While its release amid the COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly played a role, deeper issues—such as a bloated runtime, weak villain development, and controversial plot choices—damaged the franchise’s reputation. Compounding these challenges, other DCEU movies like Black Adam and The Flash also underperformed, casting doubt on the franchise’s future.
What Went Wrong with Wonder Woman 1984?
Expectations were high for Wonder Woman 1984 to build on the original’s success, but several factors led to its downfall. Fans criticized the movie for its overindulgent length and the underwhelming portrayal of Maxwell Lord, the villain played by Pedro Pascal. The emotional depth and authenticity that made the first film so impactful seemed forced or absent this time around. A particularly divisive element was the resurrection of Steve Trevor through the body of another man, which many found problematic.
Though the pandemic severely limited box office potential, the film’s critical reception and word-of-mouth failed to generate the enthusiasm needed for a rebound. This disappointment extended to the broader DCEU, where even well-received films like Blue Beetle struggled financially. The cumulative effect was an unmistakable signal from Warner Bros.: a significant overhaul of the DCEU was inevitable.
The Impact of the DC Universe Reboot on Wonder Woman’s Future
The announcement of a rebooted DC Universe (DCU) led by James Gunn and Peter Safran further dimmed the prospects for Wonder Woman 3. This reboot includes new versions of Superman and Batman, with fresh casting that excludes Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck, respectively. Given this wholesale recasting, the likelihood of Gal Gadot returning as Wonder Woman in a direct sequel to the previous films has plummeted.
Patty Jenkins did submit a script treatment for Wonder Woman 3, reportedly featuring Lynda Carter’s Amazon warrior, Asteria, teased in Wonder Woman 1984’s post-credits scene. However, creative differences between Jenkins and the new DCU leadership led to her departure from the project in late 2022. James Gunn has since clarified that none of the original Justice League cast, including Gadot, will reprise their roles in the rebooted universe, making a traditional Wonder Woman 3 highly unlikely.
What Lies Ahead for Wonder Woman?
Despite the setbacks, Wonder Woman is far from forgotten. The new DCU’s Chapter 1, titled Gods and Monsters, includes a promising HBO Max prequel series, Paradise Lost, set on Themyscira—Wonder Woman’s mythical homeland. Described as a Game of Thrones-style saga, the series is expected to explore Amazonian lore deeply, potentially paving the way for Wonder Woman’s eventual return to the big screen within the new continuity.
Adding to the intrigue, James Gunn commemorated Wonder Woman Day with an artistic tribute to the character, sparking fan speculation about a potential new actress stepping into the role. Notably, actress Eiza González, known for her roles in Alita: Battle Angel and Baby Driver, responded positively to the tribute, fueling rumors that she could be considered for the part. While nothing has been confirmed, Gunn’s public respect for Wonder Woman suggests the character remains an important part of DC’s future storytelling.
Why Wonder Woman 3 Is Off the Table—for Now
The stark reality is that Wonder Woman 3 as originally envisioned—starring Gal Gadot and directed by Patty Jenkins—is no longer moving forward. The complete reset of the DC Universe, including new casting for cornerstone characters like Batman and Superman, makes maintaining continuity with the old DCEU impossible. Warner Bros. and DC Films are focusing on new stories, new characters, and fresh interpretations that align with Gunn and Safran’s creative vision.
While fans may mourn the end of Gadot’s era as the iconic Amazon, the groundwork laid by Wonder Woman and the forthcoming Paradise Lost series suggests the character will continue to thrive in new forms. The upcoming releases under the rebooted DCU banner, including the anticipated Superman movie in 2025, will offer clearer signals about Wonder Woman’s place in this new era.
Conclusion
Wonder Woman remains one of the most beloved characters in the DC universe, thanks to a groundbreaking debut film that set a new standard for superhero storytelling. Unfortunately, the sequel’s faltering reception and the sweeping reboot of the DC cinematic landscape have pushed Wonder Woman 3 with Gal Gadot out of reach. Still, the character’s legacy is secure, with exciting new projects on the horizon that promise to explore her mythology and keep her spirit alive for fans old and new. As the DC Universe reinvents itself, Wonder Woman’s future, while uncertain, is poised for reinvention and continued impact.
