Jenkins Throws Hail Mary: Is She Pitching Herself to James Gunn?
The director who brought the world the biggest DC hit of the last decade—and also one of its biggest flops—is now conspicuously refusing to rule out a return to the superhero genre. Patty Jenkins, whose Wonder Woman was publicly axed by the new DC Studios bosses, is playing a dangerous game of “I’m not saying no” with the franchise that fired her.
Speaking to Marvel Cinematic Universe News, Jenkins was asked about tackling another superhero project, specifically citing the new DCU Wonder Woman reboot and the Amazon-focused prequel series, Paradise Lost. Her answer has sent shockwaves across Hollywood: “You never say never because I love Wonder Woman,” she stated.
She followed up with the classic passive-aggressive Hollywood line: “At the moment, I’m so excited with what I’m doing, and it’s always good to do something new.” But sources tell TMZ that “never say never” is code for “I need a franchise and I’m available.” The clear desperation in the timing of her comments suggests Jenkins is making a dramatic bid to stay relevant in the blockbuster space.
The Firing Fallout: Gunn Said ‘Thanks, But No Thanks’
The context here is crucial: Jenkins was not just done with her Wonder Woman trilogy; her planned conclusion was reportedly thrown out by James Gunn and Peter Safran when they took the reins of DC Studios. The message was clear and public: Jenkins’ vision did not align with their “different direction” for the DCU.
For a director of her stature—who delivered a $ million global smash with the first film—this was a major public humiliation. Why would she publicly grovel for a return to the very people who dismissed her pitch? Insiders claim it’s a direct response to chaos surrounding her other major contract.
The reality is that her planned trilogy conclusion was canceled to facilitate the full reboot of the character. The new DCU is starting fresh, with Supergirl screenwriter Ana Nugueira already penning the script for the new Wonder Woman movie, rumored to be fast-tracked for a or release. Jenkins’ job is literally being given to someone else.
Star Wars SCRAMBLE: Is Rogue Squadron Dead?
The primary reason for Jenkins’ sudden public availability is the increasingly murky status of her massive Lucasfilm contract. Jenkins is still technically attached to write and direct the Star Wars film, Rogue Squadron, a project originally announced in .
However, the film has been plagued by delays, officially blamed on “script concerns” and her previous commitment to the now-defunct Wonder Woman . Despite Jenkins renewing her contract with Lucasfilm in , the future looks bleak. Lucasfilm has already confirmed its next two releases for and —The Mandalorian & Grogu and Starfighter—and Rogue Squadron is nowhere to be seen.
This is Hollywood’s version of the silent firing. By simply scheduling other movies ahead of hers and never giving a firm release date, Lucasfilm is effectively freezing the project in development hell. Jenkins needs a win, and the DCU is an open target.
The Marvel Misfire: Creative Differences Killed Thor Deal
This isn’t the first time Jenkins has walked away from a superhero giant. Before her DC success, she was originally hired to direct Thor: The Dark World for Marvel Studios. She ultimately dropped out of that massive project due to unspecified “creative differences.”
While some reports suggest she could try to circle back to the MCU, or even explore projects from Image or Dark Horse, her history shows a pattern of high-stakes creative conflict. She’s a visionary, but that vision has repeatedly caused her to clash with the very studios capable of writing her the biggest checks.
This track record raises a massive red flag for James Gunn. While Jenkins’ passion for the genre is clear, her willingness to clash with studio mandates could introduce the kind of behind-the-scenes chaos that the DCU is actively trying to eliminate. Gunn is prioritizing unity, not creative egos.
The New Guard: Actress Race Heats Up For Reboot
Jenkins’ “never say never” plea is awkward because the DCU reboot is already well underway. The new Wonder Woman mythology is already being woven into the fabric of Gunn’s universe; the villain Circe even appeared in Creature Commandos. The reboot is a done deal, and there is no room for the former director’s interpretation.
Furthermore, the high-profile hunt for the new Diana Prince is dominating the gossip columns. Actresses like Adria Arjona (Andor) and Alexandra Daddario (The White Lotus) are publicly addressing the fan frenzy around their potential casting. This is the new DCU’s focus, not rehiring the director of Wonder Woman .
The idea of Jenkins directing a new actress in a new interpretation of the character she helped define is almost unimaginable. It would be a continuous source of comparison and drama, undermining the entire purpose of a clean reboot.
The Cliffhanger: Will Gunn Risk The Chaos For A-List Talent?
Jenkins is a great director, a name brand, and a proven hitmaker—once. The DCU is still years away from fully establishing itself, and having a director of her profile on board would give the fledgling franchise an immediate injection of legitimacy. This is the difficult tightrope James Gunn has to walk.
Does Gunn risk inviting the creative conflict and the baggage of the previous regime by bringing Jenkins back for a non-Wonder Woman role, perhaps an adaptation of another hero? Or does he stick to the plan and send a firm message that the previous era is permanently closed for business, even if it means missing out on top talent?
Patty Jenkins is waiting by the phone. The biggest question facing James Gunn now is whether he can afford to take a chance on a director who has been publicly shunned by two major franchises.
