The revamped DCU, under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, has already seen the re-casting of multiple superheroes. Henry Cavill has effectively been replaced as Superman by David Corenswet, who will make his DCU debut in 2025. Meanwhile, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult have been brought in to portray Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, respectively. One major role that has yet to be re-casted is that of Wonder Woman. In a recent online discussion, James Gunn emphasized his commitment to hiring “professionals” for the role of Wonder Woman and other characters in his upcoming DC projects.
James Gunn will only hire ‘professionals’ to play Wonder Woman and other characters in DCU
Gunn revealed he will only hire “professionals” if and when he decides to cast Wonder Woman for the DCU, instead of going for open casting calls.
The DC Studios co-CEO shed light on his casting process while replying to a comment on Threads. James Gunn was questioned if he would be open to recruiting an unrecognized actress for the part of Wonder Woman. He replied by stating that he has worked with lesser-known actors before but prefers exclusively casting professionals. “I only have hired the best actors for the role. But no I don’t do open casting calls,” the filmmaker said.
He explained that enlisting actors through open casting calls rarely proves fruitful, “except in rare situations.” James Gunn then further clarified his thought process of hiring professionals while talking about DCU’s Wonder Woman and other characters. “I have never only hired well-known actors. I’ve hired many, many actors in lead roles that were less well known…But I do only hire professionals, same as I do with plumbers, surgeons, and masseuses. I think it’s fair, although fair isn’t my objective – my objective is telling stories the best I can,” he wrote.
Despite the explanations, James Gunn did not reveal who he intends to cast as the new Wonder Woman. Gal Gadot’s version of the Themysciran princess last made a big-screen appearance in 2023’s The Flash in a brief cameo. Since then, Gunn has yet to provide clarity if her part will be re-casted in the refurbished DC Universe.
