2025 is a big year for DC, with James Gunn's Superman film set to kick off the new DCU, alongside numerous other film and television projects in development. Additionally, the Absolute Universe is making significant strides in DC's comic publishing division. Amid this buzz, a glaring question looms large: What's happening with Wonder Woman? Created by William Moulton Marston and H. G. Peter, this iconic superhero and key figure in the DC universe seems to be missing in action across recent DC media.

Outside of the comics, Diana of Themyscira has faced numerous setbacks in recent years. Her live-action film franchise fizzled out following the mixed reception of Wonder Woman 1984. She's absent from the current DCU lineup, with Gunn and his team choosing to focus on a series about the Amazons instead. Wonder Woman has never had a dedicated animated series, and her first solo video game, announced in 2021, was cancelled. Given these challenges, it's crucial to explore how Warner Bros. and DC are mishandling one of the most iconic female superheroes of all time.

One Hit Wonder

Amid the fierce competition between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DCEU in the late 2010s, the first Wonder Woman film emerged as a beacon of success for the latter. Released in 2017, it garnered largely positive reviews and grossed over $800 million worldwide. After the divisive reception of Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad, Patty Jenkins' vision of Diana resonated deeply with audiences, despite third act problems and Gal Gadot's performance focusing more on poise and action than character depth. This strong performance should have been the launchpad for a thriving franchise.

However, the sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, released in 2020, failed to meet expectations. It received mixed reviews and failed to recoup its budget due to its simultaneous release on HBO Max and in theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film's narrative structure, tonal inconsistencies, and controversial elements (like Diana having sex with Chris Pine's Steve Trevor in another man's body) alienated audiences. Despite these shortcomings, it's disappointing that Wonder Woman has been sidelined, with a third film phased out of development. While characters like Batman and Spider-Man receive multiple reboots, it's disheartening to see Wonder Woman sidelined after just one disappointing sequel.

Diana Prince, Missing in Action

As the new DCU embarks on a fresh slate of adaptations, one would expect Wonder Woman to be a focal point. Yet, the Chapter One: Gods and Monsters lineup lacks a dedicated Wonder Woman project. Instead, DC Studios' James Gunn and Peter Safran have prioritized lesser-known properties like Creature Commandos, Swamp Thing, Booster Gold, and The Authority, alongside new takes on Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern. While there's value in exploring obscure IP, the absence of Wonder Woman is glaring, especially when compared to the rapid development of new Batman projects.

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

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The DCU has announced Paradise Lost, a television series about the Amazons of Themyscira set before Wonder Woman's birth. While exploring the Amazons' history is valuable, a Wonder Woman franchise show without Wonder Woman herself feels reminiscent of the Sony Marvel Universe. This approach raises questions about whether DC Studios views Diana as less of a draw than her associated world-building. It's puzzling why DC prioritizes multiple Batman projects over a dedicated Wonder Woman endeavor.

The DC Animated Universe from the '90s and early 2000s featured Wonder Woman prominently in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, yet she never received a solo series like Batman or Superman. Even with the popularity of superhero fiction, Wonder Woman has only starred in two direct-to-video animated films: Wonder Woman in 2009 and Wonder Woman: Bloodlines in 2019. This scarcity raises questions about the challenges of bringing a Wonder Woman project to fruition.

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Let Me Play as Wonder Woman, Dammit

The cancellation of the Wonder Woman game developed by Monolith Productions adds to the frustration. While other DC games like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and MultiVersus struggled, the loss of Diana's first leading role in a game feels particularly harsh. With character action games experiencing a resurgence, a Wonder Woman game akin to God of War or Ninja Gaiden could have been a perfect fit. Although Diana has appeared in titles like Injustice, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, and LEGO DC games, the absence of a AAA action game centered around her is glaring.

DC's failure to capitalize on the success of Rocksteady's Batman Arkham franchise by not developing games for Wonder Woman, Superman, and the Justice League is a missed opportunity. It's particularly galling that in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Wonder Woman is killed off as a non-playable character, while the male members of the Justice League, albeit as evil clones, survive.

This pattern of neglect across films, animated series, and video games reflects a lack of respect from Warner Bros. and DC for one of their most iconic characters. If they undervalue Wonder Woman, it casts doubt on their regard for the broader DC roster. As Gunn's Superman reboot aims to rejuvenate the DCU, it's crucial that Warner Bros. recognizes the value Diana Prince brings to their franchise. After nearly a century, both she and her fans deserve more.