The Search For The DCU's New Amazonian Warrior
The transition from the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) to James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DC Universe (DCU) has brought with it a complete overhaul of the Justice League's Trinity. While David Corenswet has donned the cape as Superman and the search for a new Batman continues for The Brave and the Bold, the role of Wonder Woman remains one of the most coveted and debated vacancies in Hollywood. Following the conclusion of Gal Gadot's tenure—which redefined the character for a modern generation—the pressure is on DC Studios to find a successor who can embody both the physical prowess and the compassionate wisdom of Themyscira's champion.
Casting Diana Prince is a unique challenge. Unlike Batman, who is often defined by grit, or Superman, defined by hope, Wonder Woman requires a performer who can balance mythological grandeur with human empathy. The casting choice will signal the tonal direction of the new franchise under the "Gods and Monsters" banner. As speculation runs rampant across social media platforms and fan forums, various names have floated to the top of the list. Among the most popular fan-casts is Melissa Barrera, known for her roles in the Scream franchise and In the Heights. Now, that fan sentiment has received a significant boost from within the superhero genre itself.
Simu Liu, who portrays Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has publicly endorsed Barrera for the role. Having worked closely with her, Liu's perspective offers more than just casual speculation; it provides insight into her physical capabilities and work ethic—two essential traits for anyone hoping to wield the Lasso of Truth. This endorsement bridges the gap between Marvel and DC actors, highlighting a shared respect for the physical demands of the genre.
Simu Liu Praises Barrera's Stunt Capabilities
The endorsement comes from a place of professional experience. Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera co-starred in The Copenhagen Test, a project that evidently required significant physical preparation. Speaking in an interview with Joblo, Liu was effusive in his praise for Barrera, specifically noting moments during their training that convinced him of her superhero potential. For an actor who has anchored his own martial arts-heavy Marvel blockbuster, Liu's assessment of stunt proficiency carries weight.
"James Gunn or anybody else out there, I think she really pushes herself," Liu stated, directly addressing the co-CEO of DC Studios. He went on to describe specific instances during their stunt training where Barrera's performance screamed "Amazonian warrior."
There were a couple of moments during stunt training where I was like 'That's Wonder Woman-esque.' I don't know who's watching or listening to this interview but I just think she's a total badass.
The term "Wonder Woman-esque" suggests a specific quality of movement—grace combined with lethal power. Diana Prince is not a brawler; she is a warrior trained in the arts of combat from antiquity. Liu's comments imply that Barrera possesses the natural athleticism required to pull off the complex choreography that a Wonder Woman film would demand. In the modern era of superhero filmmaking, where audiences have become savvy to the difference between a stunt double and a lead actor performing their own fights, having a star who can handle the physicality is a major asset for any studio.
Melissa Barrera Reacts To The Fan Casting Hype
While industry peers are rallying behind her, Melissa Barrera herself has maintained a grounded perspective regarding the rumors. In an interview with A Shot Magazine in April 2025, Barrera addressed the growing online campaign to see her don the tiara. Her response indicated that while she is not currently in talks with DC Studios, she is aware of the conversation and flattered by the association with such an iconic archetype.
"A friend told me that. He's on Twitter. I haven't been on Twitter in a really long time, but he told me a year ago or something like that. I was like, 'Oh interesting.' I think it's nice because of what the character represents," Barrera explained.
When pressed on whether James Gunn or Peter Safran had reached out, her answer was a definitive "Of course not!" This transparency is refreshing in an industry where actors often play coy about potential roles. However, the lack of current contact does not rule out future possibilities, especially as the development of the Wonder Woman project is still in its early scripting stages. Casting directors often look to fan sentiment to gauge the temperature on potential leads, and Barrera's name has consistently remained in the conversation due to her rising profile and demonstrated range in both drama and action.
The Responsibility Of Playing A Cultural Icon
Beyond the physical requirements, playing Wonder Woman comes with a massive cultural responsibility. For decades, Diana has stood as a symbol of feminism, strength, and justice. Barrera seems acutely aware of this weight. In her discussion with A Shot Magazine, she elaborated on what she hopes to see from whoever eventually lands the role, regardless of whether it is her or another actress.
I think whoever gets the role, I just hope that they can embody the essence of the character because I think that those movies, whether they're Marvel or DC, their reach is so big. And because those artists that get those roles will inevitably get a built-in fanbase and have the eyes and the ears of so many people, I think that it would be nice if they did something actually positive with the influence that they have to at least be a good example of the kind of human being that you wanna be in the world, instead of just using it for self-serving purposes.
This statement aligns well with the core philosophy of Wonder Woman. Unlike the brooding complexity of Batman, Diana is often characterized by her unwavering moral compass and desire to lead by example. Barrera's focus on the "essence of the character" and the real-world influence of the actor suggests she understands the assignment on a thematic level. James Gunn has frequently stated that he looks for actors who are easy to work with and good human beings; Barrera's emphasis on positive influence could make her an attractive candidate for the studio culture Gunn is trying to build.
Ana Nogueira And The Scripting Of A New Mythos
While the casting remains a mystery, the creative engine behind the new Wonder Woman is already running. A director has not yet been attached to the project, but the screenplay is in capable hands. Ana Nogueira has been tapped to write the live-action feature. Nogueira is quickly becoming a key architect of the DCU's female-led narratives, as she also penned the script for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which stars Milly Alcock and is set for release this summer.
Nogueira's involvement is significant for several reasons. Originally, she had been hired to write a Wonder Woman script during the previous DCEU regime, a project that was eventually shelved when Gunn and Safran took over. However, the new studio heads were reportedly so impressed by her writing talent and her grasp of the character that they brought her back to shape the DCU's version of Diana. This suggests that the upcoming film will prioritize strong character work and perhaps a deeper dive into the lore of the Amazons.
Nogueira's dual role in writing both Supergirl and Wonder Woman could also hint at a cohesive tonal link between the two most powerful women in the DCU. If Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow leans into sci-fi epic territory, the Wonder Woman film might serve as the fantasy/mythological counterweight, establishing the magical corners of the "Gods and Monsters" universe.
Competition For The Tiara: Who Else Is In The Mix?
Melissa Barrera is not the only name circulating in the rumor mill. As DC Studios looks to cast a Diana who can carry the franchise for the next decade, several other actresses have expressed interest or been flagged by fans as potential fits. Adria Arjona, who recently garnered critical acclaim for her role in Andor and showcased her action chops in Hit Man, has been a frequent favorite in casting discussions. Her ability to balance intensity with charm mirrors the duality needed for Diana.
Another name often mentioned is Frida Gustavsson, known for her role in Vikings: Valhalla. Gustavsson offers a more physically imposing stature closer to the comic book illustrations of the Amazonian princess, and her background in period action pieces makes her a strong contender for a sword-and-shield epic. The casting department will likely be weighing star power against the benefits of casting a relative unknown, a strategy that worked famously for the casting of David Corenswet as Superman.
The choice will likely depend on the specific age range Gunn is targeting. With a younger Superman and Supergirl, it stands to reason that this Wonder Woman will be in a similar age bracket, moving away from the "experienced veteran" angle taken in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and allowing the audience to see Diana grow alongside the new Justice League.
Where Wonder Woman Fits In 'Gods And Monsters'
Contextualizing Wonder Woman's arrival is crucial to understanding the casting timeline. While the character has not yet been cast in live-action, Diana Prince has technically already made her debut in the new continuity. The character appeared briefly in the animated series Creature Commandos, which officially kicked off the DCU canon. However, voice roles in animation do not always guarantee the live-action actor will be the same, although Gunn has expressed a general desire for consistency across mediums.
Furthermore, the prequel series Paradise Lost is currently in development for HBO. Described as a Game of Thrones-style drama set on Themyscira before Diana's birth, this series will flesh out the political and mythological history of the Amazons. The existence of this show complicates the movie's timeline. Will the Wonder Woman film take place after the events of Superman, or will it be another period piece? If Paradise Lost sets up the world, the movie needs a lead actress who can seamlessly step into that established lore.
With no release date currently set for the Wonder Woman solo film, DC Studios has time to make a deliberate decision. Whether they go with a fan-favorite like Melissa Barrera, as endorsed by Simu Liu, or an unexpected newcomer, the next Wonder Woman will anchor the fantasy pillar of the DCU for years to come. For now, fans—and Marvel stars—can only speculate on who will be the next to bear the shield.
