2025 marks a significant year for DC, with James Gunn's Superman film set to launch the new DCU theatrically, alongside numerous other projects in development across film, television, and the Absolute Universe in comics. Amidst this flurry of activity, one question looms large: What's happening with Wonder Woman? Created by William Moulton Marston and H. G. Peter, she's one of the most iconic superheroes and a pivotal character in the DC universe. Yet, her presence in recent DC media has been surprisingly muted.

Outside of the comics, Diana of Themyscira has faced numerous setbacks in recent years. Her live-action film series stumbled after the mixed reception of Wonder Woman 1984, and she's noticeably absent from the current DCU slate, with Gunn and his team favoring a show about the Amazons instead. Wonder Woman has never had her own animated series, and her much-anticipated first solo video game, announced in 2021, was sadly cancelled. Given these challenges, it's crucial to examine how Warner Bros. and DC are handling one of their most iconic female superheroes.

One Hit Wonder

During the peak of the Marvel Cinematic Universe versus the DCEU in the late 2010s, the first Wonder Woman film emerged as a standout success. Released in 2017, it garnered largely positive reviews and earned over $800 million worldwide. Following the mixed reception of Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad, Patty Jenkins' portrayal of Diana resonated deeply with audiences. While not flawless—the film had third act problems and Gal Gadot's performance focused more on poise and action than character depth—it should have been the foundation for a thriving franchise.

However, the sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, released in 2020, failed to live up to its predecessor. It divided critics and failed to recoup its theatrical budget, partly due to its simultaneous release on HBO Max during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film's narrative inconsistencies, tonal shifts, and controversial elements—such as Diana having sex with Chris Pine's Steve Trevor in another man's body—further hampered its reception. Despite these setbacks, it's disappointing that Wonder Woman's cinematic journey was phased out after one underperforming sequel, especially when characters like Batman and Spider-Man receive multiple reboots and relaunches.

Diana Prince, Missing in Action

With the new DCU launching a fresh array of adaptations, one might 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 head James Gunn and Peter Safran have chosen to focus on lesser-known properties like Creature Commandos, Swamp Thing, Booster Gold, and The Authority. While there's merit in exploring these lesser-known IPs, the absence of Wonder Woman is stark, especially when new projects for Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern are in the works.

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Instead, the DCU has introduced Paradise Lost, a series centered on the Amazons of Themyscira set before Wonder Woman's birth. While exploring the Amazons' history adds depth to the DC mythology, a show without Wonder Woman feels reminiscent of the Sony Marvel Universe. It raises questions about why DC Studios doesn't see Diana as the main attraction in her own franchise, especially when Batman is prioritized to the point of potentially having two concurrent live-action series.

Historically, the DC Animated Universe from the '90s and early 2000s included Wonder Woman prominently in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, yet she never received her own series like Batman or Superman. Even after nearly a century since her debut, Wonder Woman has yet to star in her own animated series. She's featured in DC Universe direct-to-video films, but only headlined in two: Wonder Woman (2009) and Wonder Woman: Bloodlines (2019). Given the popularity of superhero content, it's perplexing why a dedicated Wonder Woman project remains elusive.

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Let Me Play as Wonder Woman, Dammit

The recent cancellation of the Wonder Woman game by Monolith Productions adds insult to injury. Whether influenced by the poor reception of other DC games like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and MultiVersus, the loss of this project is particularly frustrating, as it would have been Diana's first lead role in a game. With the resurgence of character action games, a Wonder Woman game akin to God of War or Ninja Gaiden seems like a missed opportunity.

While Diana has been playable in games like Injustice, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, and various LEGO DC titles, these don't compensate for the lack of a AAA action game featuring her. The success of Rocksteady's Batman Arkham series highlights the potential for similar games featuring Wonder Woman, Superman, and the Justice League. It's disheartening that Diana's first appearance in the Arkham timeline in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League was as a non-playable character who gets killed off, while the male Justice League members, portrayed as evil clones, survive.

The underwhelming trajectory of Wonder Woman's film franchise, the absence of dedicated animated series, and the lack of video game representation reflect a concerning lack of respect from Warner Bros. and DC for one of their most iconic characters. If they undervalue the third most significant hero in their roster, it raises doubts about their commitment to the broader DC brand. Hopefully, Gunn's Superman reboot will herald a new era of DC adaptations that better honors Wonder Woman. As Warner Bros. relaunches their franchise, they must recognize the immense value Diana Prince brings to their universe. After nearly 100 years, she and her fans deserve better.