The visionary director behind the original hit Wonder Woman movie weighed in on a potential return to the DC Universe and what she's currently cooking up.
TL;DR- Patty Jenkins isn't closing the door on directing for the DCU, saying "you never say never" because she loves Wonder Woman.
- However, she's currently "excited with what I'm doing" and enjoying "doing something new" outside of superhero films.
- James Gunn's DCU is rebooting Wonder Woman with a new actress and creative team, moving past Jenkins' and Gal Gadot's iteration.
Alright, DC fans, let's talk about one of the biggest questions looming over the new DC Universe: will Patty Jenkins, the director who gave us the critically acclaimed and box-office smashing 2017 Wonder Woman, ever return to helm another adventure for Diana Prince in James Gunn’s fresh slate?
The original Wonder Woman film was a genuine game-changer. After a few divisive entries in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), Jenkins’ heartfelt and action-packed take on Diana Prince resonated with just about everyone. It raked in a massive $823.9 million worldwide and earned widespread critical praise, proving that sincerity and powerful storytelling could absolutely shine in the superhero genre.
But then came Wonder Woman 1984. Released in 2020 during the global pandemic, it hit theaters and HBO Max simultaneously, pulling in a significantly lower $169 million worldwide. Critics were… less enthusiastic, giving it a mixed bag of reviews (a 57% on Rotten Tomatoes, if you're keeping score) and raising eyebrows with some creative choices. Remember that infamous Steve Trevor storyline? Yeah, you probably do.
Fast forward to today, and James Gunn and Peter Safran are at the helm of DC Studios, hitting the reset button on the DC Universe (DCU). This means a fresh start for many beloved characters, including Wonder Woman. So, what does this mean for Patty Jenkins? Could she come back to tackle a new version of the Amazonian warrior, even with a new actress stepping into the iconic boots?
Patty Jenkins Weighs in on a Possible DC Universe Comeback
Recently, Patty Jenkins chatted with Marvel Cinematic Universe News (M.C.U.N.) and the question everyone wanted to ask came up: would she consider a DC comeback, especially with the new DCU Wonder Woman movie and the Paradise Lost TV series in development? Her answer was pretty honest and, honestly, quite understandable.
"You never say never because I love Wonder Woman. But at the moment, I’m so excited with what I’m doing, and it’s always good to do something new. I loved making superhero Movies… you never know, but I’m having a good time."
— Patty Jenkins, Director
So, while the love for Diana Prince is clearly still there, Jenkins is currently enjoying her work on other projects and isn't rushing back to the superhero genre. It makes sense, doesn't it? As a creative, exploring new stories and different worlds is often the most exciting path.
Why a Fresh Start for Wonder Woman is the Smart Move for the DCU
The new DCU is all about hitting the reset button, largely wiping the slate clean and building a fresh, interconnected universe from the ground up. This means that while some elements or actors from the old DCEU might carry over (like, say, Peacemaker Season 2), the core characters are largely getting a new lease on life. This includes our beloved Wonder Woman.
Originally, a Wonder Woman 3 was in development with Jenkins and Gal Gadot, but those plans were ultimately shelved by Gunn and Safran. It was a tough pill to swallow for some, including Chris Pine, who played Steve Trevor. He openly admitted to Business Insider, "I'm stunned that they said no to a billion-dollar franchise and decided to pivot elsewhere." While the first film was a massive success, the mixed reception of Wonder Woman 1984, coupled with the overall DCEU reboot, likely pushed DC Studios towards a completely fresh take.
With Gal Gadot not expected to return, it only stands to reason that a new filmmaker will step in behind the camera as well. This allows for a completely fresh voice, new creative ideas, and a different direction for a character who absolutely deserves to shine again after the stumble of her last big-screen outing. It's not about discrediting Jenkins' talent, but rather about aligning with the overarching vision of the new DCU.
What Patty Jenkins Is Directing and Creating Next for Audiences
So, if she's not diving back into the DCU for Wonder Woman (at least not right now), what exactly is Patty Jenkins busy with? Turns out, quite a lot!
One major project that she's "back on doing" is Lucasfilm's Star Wars: Rogue Squadron. This film was originally announced back in December 2020 but faced delays due to script concerns and Jenkins' commitments to Wonder Woman 3. With Wonder Woman 3 off the table, Jenkins confirmed she resumed work on it, expressing her long-standing passion for the franchise and her dream of making a fighter pilot movie within the Star Wars universe. While there have been reports speculating if it might be retooled into a Disney+ series, Jenkins' direct quotes indicate she is actively engaged with the project.
But that's not all! Jenkins is also attached to direct one of three upcoming live-action LEGO movie projects. She's even co-writing the script for this one with none other than former DC Comics chief Geoff Johns. Talk about a diverse slate of projects!
It's clear that Jenkins is enjoying this new chapter, exploring different genres and universes. Her passion for filmmaking is undeniable, whether it's superheroes, space battles, or brick-built adventures.
The Bright Future of Wonder Woman in James Gunn’s DCU
Even without Patty Jenkins for now, the future for Wonder Woman in James Gunn's DCU looks incredibly promising. As a member of DC's iconic "Trinity" (alongside Superman and Batman), Wonder Woman is a premier superhero whose big-screen presence is "vitally important" for the franchise's success, especially as the superhero genre adapts to a changing box office landscape.
DC Studios is actively developing a new Wonder Woman solo movie. Ana Nogueira, known for penning the upcoming Supergirl film, is writing the script. While no director or actress has been officially cast yet, the project is rumored to be fast-tracked for a potential 2027 or 2028 release. James Gunn himself has emphasized that casting is "all about the casting," not whether an actor comes from TV or film, ensuring the best talent is chosen for such a crucial role.
Beyond the main film, the DCU is also expanding Wonder Woman's mythology with a prequel TV series titled Paradise Lost. This show will be set long before Diana's birth, delving into the Amazonian lore of Themyscira. Gunn and Safran have confirmed it's "totally still important" and that the pilot is actively being written, promising a rich exploration of Wonder Woman's world.
Fans are already buzzing with dream castings for the new Diana, with names like Alexandra Daddario and Adria Arjona often coming up in discussions. The excitement is palpable for this essential character to get a truly fresh start and launch a new series of adventures within the DCU.
So, Will Patty Jenkins Ever Return to Direct in the DC Universe?
For now, it seems Patty Jenkins is charting her own course with exciting projects like Star Wars: Rogue Squadron and a new LEGO movie. While she clearly still holds a deep affection for Wonder Woman, the timing and the direction of the new DCU mean a different creative team will be bringing Diana Prince's next big-screen story to life.
But hey, as she said, "you never say never." The world of filmmaking is full of surprises, and who knows what the future holds for this talented director and the DC Universe down the line. For now, we can appreciate the iconic film she gave us and look forward to the new era of Wonder Woman!
Actress Alexandra Daddario discusses fan speculation about her playing Wonder Woman or Catwoman in James Gunn's DC Universe. Learn her reaction and the latest DCU plans for these iconic heroes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wonder Woman's Future
When is the new DCU Wonder Woman movie expected to be released?
While an official release date hasn't been announced, rumors suggest the new DCU Wonder Woman film could arrive around 2027 or 2028.
Will Gal Gadot return as Wonder Woman in James Gunn's DCU?
No, Gal Gadot is not expected to return as Wonder Woman in the new DCU. The franchise is undergoing a full reboot with a new actress for the role.
What is the Paradise Lost TV series about and where will it stream?
Paradise Lost is a DCU prequel TV series set on Themyscira, focusing on the Amazonian lore and events long before Diana Prince was born. It is expected to stream on HBO Max.
Where can I watch Patty Jenkins' original Wonder Woman movies?
Both Wonder Woman (2017) and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) are currently streaming on HBO Max.
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Sources:
- ComicBook.com - Patty Jenkins Addresses Potential DC Return
- MovieWeb - Wonder Woman Director Patty Jenkins Addresses Potential DC Return
- CBR.com - Patty Jenkins Addresses Potential DC Return
- DailyExpress - Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins addresses potential DC return
- CinemaBlend - Wonder Woman’s Patty Jenkins On If She’ll Direct DCU’s Reboot Movie