James Gunn confirms Wonder Woman series Paradise Lost is ongoing. [Image Source: NEWSWEEK]
James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, recently dispelled circulating rumors suggesting that the upcoming Wonder Woman prequel series, Paradise Lost, had been canceled. Speaking amid preparations for his new project Man of Tomorrow, Gunn emphasized that these claims were “insanely wrong,” reaffirming the project’s continuation as part of the evolving DC Universe (DCU).
Clarifying the Status of the Wonder Woman Prequel
Over the past few weeks, James Gunn has been deeply involved in prepping filming for Man of Tomorrow, starring David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult, causing him to step back from public updates. However, he recently addressed various rumors surrounding DC Studios projects, focusing in particular on Paradise Lost. This series is designed to explore the history of Themyscira, the island home of Wonder Woman, before the birth of Diana, the iconic hero.
Despite earlier silence and speculation that the show might have been shelved, Gunn firmly denied these claims. He stated directly that the idea the project was canceled or indefinitely delayed was “insanely wrong,” reassuring fans and industry watchers that production remains on course.
Behind the Scenes: Development Insights from James Gunn
During an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly in June 2025, Gunn provided additional clarity on the progress of Paradise Lost. He acknowledged that the project was developing slowly but steadily, sharing,
Image of: James Gunn
“’Paradise Lost’ is moving along. It’s slow-moving, but it’s moving. And, yeah, I really love that project a lot,”
James Gunn said.
When questioned about the connection between the prequel series and Wonder Woman’s upcoming feature films, Gunn explained the relationship was somewhat complex. He noted,
“Yes. Well, yes and no. Wonder Woman’s a separate thing. We’re working on Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman’s being written right now. So it’s different. I mean, not different. They’re connected. She’s from f***ing Themyscira, so…,”
indicating the intertwined but distinct nature of the projects.
A New Look at Wonder Woman’s Origins
Paradise Lost is set to focus on the island of Themyscira and the society of women that existed before Diana’s birth. Gunn, alongside DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran, originally described the series as having the tone of a political drama reminiscent of Game of Thrones, emphasizing the intricate power dynamics within an all-female society.
Peter Safran further elaborated on the theme, noting,
“It’s really about the political intrigue behind a society of all women,”
highlighting the show’s focus on governance and the complexities of leadership among the Amazons.
The title Paradise Lost draws inspiration from the comic book series Paradise Island Lost by Phil Jimenez and George Pérez, which explored similar themes of political strife and cultural origins on Themyscira. Gunn reflected on the deeper narrative questions the show aims to explore:
“How did that come about? What’s the origin of an island of all women? What are the beautiful truths and the ugly truths behind all of that? And what’s the scheming like between the different power players in that society?”
These questions signal a complex, layered approach to storytelling that seeks to reveal the nuances of Wonder Woman’s heritage.
Implications for the DC Universe Moving Forward
By confirming that Paradise Lost is active and integral to the broader DCU, James Gunn ensures that Wonder Woman’s backstory remains a key element of the franchise’s expansion. The series’ focus on Themyscira’s political landscape could deepen audiences’ understanding of Diana’s origins, while complementing ongoing developments in feature films and television.
As Gunn and Peter Safran continue to build the DC Universe with an emphasis on character depth and interconnected narratives, Paradise Lost stands to be a pivotal addition. Fans can anticipate a rich, dramatic exploration of Wonder Woman’s homeland that enriches her story beyond the big screen.
