Can DC really find someone to replace Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman? (We think not.)
Amid swirling rumors about Gal Gadot's replacement as Wonder Woman, director James Gunn clarifies casting plans for DC's cinematic reboot and reveals how he broke the news to Henry Cavill.
As the newly released Superman film starring David Corenswet officially launches the reboot of DC’s cinematic universe, fans are turning their attention to what comes next, specifically, who will don the iconic armor of Wonder Woman in place of Israeli star Gal Gadot.
Director and DC Studios co-head James Gunn addressed the growing speculation over the weekend, firmly denying recent casting rumors. “We haven’t finished the script and we haven’t cast anyone,” Gunn stated, responding to online chatter suggesting a new Wonder Woman has already been selected.
The buzz intensified after a fan posted on social media, claiming that DC is seeking out popular TV actors for leading roles, citing House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock’s recent casting as Supergirl. Gunn shot down the claim: “No. I would never cast someone based on whether they’ve done TV or film or anything else. It’s all about the right casting,” he emphasized. “I didn’t cast Milly because of her past roles, but because she was the best person for the part.”
One name that surfaced in the Wonder Woman rumor mill was actress Adria Arjona, but Gunn clarified: “We’re not casting Wonder Woman yet. We’re not even talking about it until the script is finalized.” He also refuted claims that the project is being fast-tracked: “It’s a priority, yes, but I wouldn’t call it ‘rushed.’ We won’t shoot anything until we’re confident the script is strong.”
Gunn also opened up about the difficult conversation he had with Henry Cavill, the former Superman, whom he informed would not be returning to the role. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gunn recalled: “It was really tough and unfair to him.”
According to Gunn, shortly after he signed with DC Studios, news broke that Cavill would be reprising his role as Superman, a decision that contradicted Gunn’s and the studio’s earlier agreement to relaunch the superhero universe with a fresh cast. “The day our deal with DC closed, suddenly there was an announcement Henry was back, and I thought, ‘What’s going on?’ We already had a plan to reboot Superman. It wasn’t fair to him, and it was a real downer.”
Gunn revealed that internal tensions at DC led to confusion, with some executives attempting to impose their vision on the reboot. Ultimately, Gunn and DC Studios co-chair Peter Safran decided to move forward with their own plan and recast the Man of Steel. “Peter and I thought the right thing was to talk to Henry directly. So we sat down with him. He was a complete gentleman, a great guy. He said, ‘The only thing I ask is that I get to announce it myself, not you.’”
Still, fans may not have seen the last of Cavill in the DC universe. When asked if casting the British actor in another role might confuse audiences, Gunn responded: “Not at all. We talked about it that same day. I’d love to cast him in another project.”
While the future of Wonder Woman remains unwritten, one thing is clear: James Gunn is taking his time and making it clear that when it comes to reshaping DC’s heroes, nothing is being left to chance.