A New Wonder Woman Takes Shape
Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles inAnyone But You andEuphoria, has ignited speculation about the future of Wonder Woman in the DC Universe after sharing images on Instagram of herself dressed as the iconic superhero. The photos, which feature Sweeney in a suit inspired by the 1970s television series design, also include a Superman figure based on Henry Cavill's iteration of the character. The post has drawn significant attention as fans consider who might step into the role in James Gunn's DCU, though Sweeney has not been officially cast as Diana.
The speculation comes at a time when the DCU is actively developing a standalone Wonder Woman film. According to Screen Rant, the project was announced in June 2025, with Ana Nogueira—known for her work on the screenplay—attached to write. While the film has yet to secure a director or a release date, its development signals a clear intention to bring Diana into the new continuity. Wonder Woman's only appearance so far in the DCU has been a brief cameo inCreature Commandos, where she appeared in a hypothetical future.
A Changing of the Guard
The excitement around a potential new Wonder Woman has been accompanied by news that the character's previous portrayer, Gal Gadot, is stepping away. In an interview with Screen Rant published Thursday, Gadot revealed that she had not had any discussions with director James Gunn or DC Studios about returning to the role. "This is such an incredible character that so many of us care about so much, so whoever it's going to be to portray her, I wish for her that she enjoys this amazing ride," Gadot told ScreenRant. She added, "I'm just grateful that I was granted the opportunity to wear her boots and celebrate this incredible character and everything she stands for."
Gadot first debuted as Diana Prince inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016, before headlining her ownWonder Woman movie in 2017. She went on to appear as the hero in six films, with her last roles being cameos inShazam! Fury of the Gods andThe Flash three years ago. Her departure from the role follows a reset of the DC Universe in 2024, when Gunn announced that only stories following 2024'sCreature Commandos would be considered part of the new continued canon, effectively leaving Gadot's earlier appearances outside the new continuity.
Other Wonder Woman Projects
Beyond the solo film, the DCU has another Wonder Woman-related project in development.Paradise Lost, a television prequel set on Themyscira before Diana's birth, was announced in January 2025, according to Screen Rant, with the outlet reporting the series is on the back burner. Meanwhile, comic book writer Tom King, who has contributed to the DCU more broadly, provided an update on the project in an interview with Inverse, stating he is not involved in the Wonder Woman film beyond hoping it will be good and stay true to the character.
The Road Ahead
As the DCU continues to build its roster, the question of who will lead the Amazon princess remains open. Sweeney's Instagram post has certainly captured fans' imaginations, but with no official casting announced, the studio's decision is awaited. For now, both the possibility of a new face in the role and the heartfelt farewell from Gadot mark a transitional moment for one of DC's most beloved heroes.