The Marvel Traitor? Simu Liu Breaks Rank
In a move that has industry insiders clutching their pearls, Simu Liu—the golden boy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe—is officially crossing party lines. The Shang-Chi star is not just flirting with the competition; he is publicly begging DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn to hire a woman who was unceremoniously fired and effectively blacklisted by Hollywood just months ago. We are talking about Melissa Barrera, the former face of the Scream franchise, and Liu wants her to be the new Wonder Woman.
This is messy, folks. Usually, Marvel stars stay in their lane, counting their Disney money and keeping their mouths shut about the distinguished competition. But Liu, who stars alongside Barrera in the upcoming Peacock sci-fi series The Copenhagen Test, is throwing caution to the wind. During a recent interview, he did not just compliment her; he launched a full-blown campaign to get her the most coveted female role in superhero history.
Liu explicitly name-dropped Gunn—a bold move considering Gunn is currently rewriting the entire DC Universe and casting for major roles. Liu told reporters:
I don't know who might be listening to this interview, James Gunn or anybody else out there. But I think she really pushes herself. There were a couple of moments during stunt training where I was like, 'That's Wonder Woman-esque.' I'm just throwing it out there.
"Just throwing it out there?" Please. This is a calculated Hail Mary pass to save a co-star's career. Liu is using his MCU clout to try and strong-arm the DCU into taking a massive risk. Is he a loyal friend, or is he dragging James Gunn into a political minefield he didn't ask for?
The "Radioactive" Candidate
Let's not pretend we don't know why Barrera needs a job. The actress was the lead in the revitalized Scream franchise, playing Sam Carpenter, until she was fired in a blaze of controversy that shook Tinseltown to its core. Spyglass Media kicked her to the curb faster than Ghostface slashes a teenager after she posted comments on social media regarding the conflict in Gaza, describing it as "genocide."
Spyglass didn't mince words, labeling her posts "anti-Semitic"—a claim Barrera vehemently rejected. But the damage was done. She was out of Scream VII, forcing the studio to scramble, rewrite the script, and beg Neve Campbell to come back and save the sinking ship. Since then, Barrera has admitted she went 10 months without a major film offer. In Hollywood years, that is an eternity. She was radioactive.
Now, Liu is trying to scrub that radiation off by attaching her name to Diana Prince. It is a bold strategy. If she lands Wonder Woman, it is the ultimate middle finger to Spyglass and the executives who tried to bury her. But does James Gunn have the stomach for that kind of heat? He is already busy trying to make people care about Superman again; does he really need a geopolitical PR crisis on his hands?
James Gunn's Sympathy Card
Here is the twist that makes this rumor juicy: James Gunn knows exactly what it feels like to be cancelled. Remember when Disney fired him from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 over old, offensive tweets? The internet tried to end his career, and he clawed his way back to become the head of DC Studios. If there is anyone in Hollywood who believes in second chances—and who hates knee-jerk studio firings—it is Gunn.
Fans are already speculating that Gunn might be the one guy crazy enough to do it. He has a history of hiring actors who are talented regardless of their baggage. However, hiring Barrera isn't just about "cancel culture"; it is about active, ongoing political controversy. Wonder Woman is a symbol of peace and diplomacy. Casting an actress who is currently a lightning rod for political debate would be a marketing nightmare. Warner Bros. executives are probably sweating through their suits just thinking about the press tour.
The Ghost of Gal Gadot
Replacing Gal Gadot is already a suicide mission for any actress. Gadot is Wonder Woman to a generation of fans. Despite the mixed reception of Wonder Woman 1984, she remains a global icon. Gunn has already confirmed that the role is being recast and that the character won't appear in the upcoming Superman movie, but the shoes to fill are massive.
Barrera has the physicality. Liu describes her stunt work as "Wonder Woman-esque," noting that she "really pushes herself." We don't doubt she can throw a punch. She survived Ghostface twice; she can handle a lasso. But does she have the diplomatic grace to handle the global scrutiny that comes with the tiara? The DCU is fragile right now. One wrong casting choice could tank the whole reboot before it even gets off the ground.
The Corporate Nightmare: Paramount's Revenge
Just when you thought it couldn't get messier, enter the corporate sharks. There is a very real, very terrifying scenario looming over this entire pipe dream: Paramount Pictures.
Paramount is currently the studio behind the Scream franchise (distributed by them). They are the ones profiting from the franchise that fired her. Now, reports are swirling that Paramount is making a hostile bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. If that nightmare merger goes through, the studio that currently employs Ghostface would effectively own DC Comics.
Imagine the boardroom meeting: Simu Liu gets Barrera the job, she suits up as Wonder Woman, and then—bam—Paramount buys the studio. The executives who blacklisted her would suddenly be her bosses again. It would be the shortest tenure in superhero history. If Paramount takes over WB, you can bet your bottom dollar that Barrera's name will be scrubbed from the list faster than you can say "corporate synergy."
Fan Revolt: The Internet Explodes
As always, the court of public opinion is in session, and the verdict is… chaotic. Simu Liu's comments have ignited a firestorm on social media, pitting Marvel stans against DC loyalists and political activists against studio apologists.
Simu is a real one for this. Melissa deserves a huge comeback after how dirty they did her. She would kill it as Diana.
keep her away from the DCU. we need a fresh start not more drama. james gunn needs to cast an unknown, not someone with this much baggage.
The irony of Shang-Chi casting Wonder Woman is sending me. Disney is gonna have a talk with Simu tomorrow lol.
If James Gunn hires her, the internet will break. Do it James. embrace the chaos.
Desperate Times, Desperate Measures
Barrera's admission that she couldn't get a job for nearly a year paints a grim picture. She needs this. Her career is currently on life support, sustained only by indie projects and genre films. Landing a role in the DCU would not just be a comeback; it would be a resurrection.
But let's be real—this feels like a long shot. Simu Liu is a good friend, but he doesn't sign the checks at Warner Bros. (yet). He is throwing a flare up in the dark, hoping James Gunn sees it and decides to rescue a fellow outcast. It is noble, but in the cutthroat world of Hollywood, nobility usually gets you killed.
The Verdict
This is the kind of behind-the-scenes drama that fuels the industry. You have a Marvel star going rogue, a cancelled actress fighting for her life, a sympathetic but unpredictable studio head, and a massive corporate merger threatening to blow it all up.
Will James Gunn take the bait? Or will Melissa Barrera remain on the blacklist, wondering what could have been? We are watching the DC casting announcements like hawks, because if her name pops up, it will be the biggest scandal of the decade. Your move, Gunn.
