Jenkins’ Dangerous DCU Game: ‘Never Say Never’ Hides A Secret Plot
She was publicly rejected by the new DC Studios bosses, but Patty Jenkins is back in the spotlight, aggressively hinting at a dramatic return to the DC Universe. The director of the previous Wonder Woman films is playing a risky game of political theater, insisting that a collaboration with the regime that killed her trilogy is still possible.
Speaking to M.C.U.N., Jenkins was specifically asked about directing the new Wonder Woman movie, a role that will feature a new actress since Gal Gadot is officially out. Her response, the now infamous, “You never say never because I love Wonder Woman,” is designed to generate buzz and put pressure on DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran.
This comes after Jenkins denied explosive reports that she walked away from meetings with Gunn and Safran following the cancellation of Wonder Woman . She claimed she simply “understood” the project could not move forward. The truth, according to insiders, is that she was politely, but firmly, shown the door. Now, she’s trying to sneak back in.
The Secret Target: Why Themyscira Is The Real Prize
While Jenkins’ name is instantly linked to the main Wonder Woman movie reboot, TMZ has learned that her true target—and the best fit for her divisive talent—is the upcoming HBO series, Paradise Lost. This isn’t just fan speculation; this makes perfect Hollywood sense.
The TV show is a prequel, set long before Diana’s birth, focusing entirely on the political intrigue and ruthless power struggles among the Amazons of Themyscira. It has been pitched internally and externally as DC’s version of HBO’s massive hit, Game of Thrones. This is high-budget, prestige television, exactly the kind of move a feature director makes after a high-profile firing.
Sources confirm Jenkins has a long-standing interest in this specific corner of the lore. In the past, she was actively developing a Wonder Woman spinoff movie focused entirely on the Amazons for the old DCEU. Paradise Lost is essentially a revival of that shelved idea, making her the perfect, if slightly controversial, choice to helm the series.
Avoiding The Reboot Trainwreck: A Fresh Start Is Essential
The idea of Jenkins directing the main Wonder Woman reboot is, frankly, a disaster waiting to happen. The new film needs to be fully distinct from the Gadot era, especially since the sequel, Wonder Woman , was such a critical and financial stumble. Bringing back Jenkins would instantly invite comparisons and undermine the entire purpose of Gunn’s “fresh start” mandate.
The new film, which is already being written by Supergirl screenwriter Ana Nugueira, needs clear, unambiguous creative control to ensure it’s “fully different” from its predecessor. Jenkins’ history of creative conflicts—even dropping out of Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World over differences—makes her too risky for the flagship reboot.
However, Paradise Lost offers a clean out. It is set in a completely different timeline, features an entirely new set of characters, and focuses on a political drama structure that is far removed from the action-adventure she is known for. This allows her to “continue to be involved with Wonder Woman” without messing up the main line of succession.
️ The Fan Debate: Desperate Comeback or Necessary Talent?
Fans on social media are sharply divided over Jenkins’ public maneuvering. While many want to see the director of the spectacular first film back in the fold, others fear her baggage.
Patty Jenkins is brilliant, especially when dealing with the mythology. Put her on Paradise Lost, where she can build the world without having to worry about Diana’s origin again. It’s the perfect fit!
No way! She needs to stay far away from the DCU. She ran the franchise into the ground with WW. Gunn and Safran need to keep their reboot clean. ‘Never say never’ sounds like desperation.
If she really loves Wonder Woman, she should step aside and let the reboot happen cleanly. But if she wants to tackle a Game of Thrones-style Amazon series? That’s actually intriguing, they should let her revive her Amazon spinoff ideas there.
The consensus is clear: Jenkins is welcome in the DCU’s sandbox, but she is strictly prohibited from touching the main Diana Prince movie.
The Political Intrigue: HBO’s Answer to House of the Dragon
Paradise Lost is one of the most intriguing projects in the entire DCU slate. Described as focusing on the “political intrigue among the Amazons,” it’s a massive, complex world-building task. Jenkins’ experience navigating the dramatic, mythological elements of Themyscira makes her uniquely qualified.
If she were to take the helm, it would be a huge boon for the show, pushing it forward and giving it the kind of A-list directing credibility that often turns TV into event television. It would also be a massive PR win for Gunn and Safran, proving they can attract and manage top talent, even talent they previously rejected.
Jenkins’ “passion for superhero projects” is undeniable, even if her execution has been inconsistent. By placing her on a prequel series, DC Studios gets the Jenkins name, the Amazonian expertise, and a guaranteed surge of publicity, all without jeopardizing the main movie reboot.
The Cliffhanger: Is Jenkins Powerful Enough To Force Gunn’s Hand?
Patty Jenkins is making a very public play for a job she knows she is perfect for. Paradise Lost is currently a major project with no announced director, giving Jenkins the perfect opening. She is essentially offering her services on a platter, banking on the fact that DC Studios will prioritize talent over past grudges.
But will James Gunn bite? He has been ruthless in clearing the deck for his new vision. Giving Jenkins a prestigious HBO series role might validate her controversial public comments and give her an unwanted level of influence over the entire Wonder Woman corner of the DCU.
The question remains: Will James Gunn accept the gift of A-list talent, or will he stand firm on his vision for a complete and total clean slate, no matter the cost?
