James Gunn is now positioned at the heart of a major transformation for the DC Universe, as he takes on the challenge of reinventing Wonder Woman following Gal Gadot’s departure, sparking anticipation from fans waiting to see which direction the new cinematic era will take. With Gadot’s acclaimed portrayal in the rearview, the opportunity has arrived for Gunn to introduce a bold and original vision of Wonder Woman, one that could offer a fresh blueprint built on established DC storylines.
Recent developments within the DC Universe make this moment particularly significant, with Gunn’s sweeping plans for Superman, Supergirl, and Batman already generating buzz. However, questions persist regarding Wonder Woman’s future, especially as fans seek assurance that her legacy will continue to evolve in new and exciting ways. With the stage set for a complete character reboot, James Gunn holds the power to redefine what Wonder Woman represents for audiences around the world.
DC Comics has long experimented with alternate realities and darker interpretations of its most iconic characters, but none may be more relevant to this new chapter than the Absolute Universe. Known for its grittier narratives that have reinvigorated superheroes from Batman and Superman to Green Lantern and Flash, the Absolute Universe delivers a darker, more mature lens without erasing the qualities that made its heroes legendary. Among these, Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman has emerged as a standout, offering a unique and compelling vision of Diana that both honors her core and radically reimagines her story.
The Absolute Wonder Woman storyline breaks from decades of established lore. Instead of being raised on the idyllic island of Themyscira by Queen Hippolyta and the Amazons, Diana’s fate is dramatically altered when, as a baby, she is cast into Hell and raised by the powerful witch Circe. This harrowing new origin sets the tone for a series that’s as visually arresting as it is emotionally charged, transforming Diana from a familiar figure into a character shaped by unimaginable trials and a sense of otherworldly magic. Such a shift marks an opportunity for James Gunn to truly break new ground with Wonder Woman, giving her an origin and a tone audiences have not seen on screen.
Even as Absolute Wonder Woman underscores the darkness and intensity of Diana’s formative years, the series remains committed to her essential personality, portraying her as empathetic and driven by love, despite her hellish upbringing. Kelly Thompson’s reimagining proves that Wonder Woman’s essence can persist across even the most radical reinterpretations, and it is precisely this faithful core that could ensure continued fan investment—something James Gunn is likely aware of as he prepares for the DCU’s future installments.
Gal Gadot’s tenure brought Diana’s story to global prominence, introducing key elements such as her Amazon heritage, her relationship with Steve Trevor, and her enduring rivalry with Cheetah. While these touchstones are now recognized as vital to the Wonder Woman mythos, the expectation for DC’s next era is to move beyond simple repetition. By leaning into the darker, magical themes found in Absolute Wonder Woman, Gunn can offer a cinematic experience that feels familiar yet daring, building on what fans loved about Gadot’s performance while also giving them elements they have not seen before.
Among the most groundbreaking alterations in Absolute Wonder Woman is the introduction of magic as a defining force in Diana’s journey. While magic has somberly lingered at the edges of her lore, rarely has it been so central to her identity. The decision to make Diana not only a warrior, but also a powerful witch under the tutelage of Circe, pushes her legend into new territory. This empowers her with skills and mystical abilities that set her apart from previous iterations, providing a wealth of narrative possibilities for the DCU.
Crucially, this magical enhancement does not detract from Diana’s status as one of DC’s most formidable fighters. If anything, her upbringing in Hell forges her into an even fiercer warrior, one who excels in daunting combat scenarios and bears a distinctively hellish visual style, including a magical sword and battle-hardened armor. With Gunn at the helm, this duality of Diana as both sorceress and warrior could be explored, allowing for complex storytelling and a modern cinematic edge that audiences crave.
For James Gunn, the question is not necessarily whether to follow the Absolute Universe timeline exactly, but rather how to extract and amplify its most effective elements. The radical nature of Diana’s new origin will likely generate debate among fans dedicated to her classic portrayal, but the blueprint remains adaptable. Gunn can choose to maintain her traditional character design, emphasize specific parts of her origin, or balance her magical powers with her legendary combat skills.
This flexibility offers a strategic advantage. Using Absolute Wonder Woman as a well of creative inspiration allows for the selective integration of new motifs and themes without alienating long-time fans. There remains room for authenticity, as Thompson’s series demonstrates: the fundamental aspects of Diana’s personality, such as her compassion and heroic drive, are preserved beneath the striking surface changes. As a result, the DCU could maintain a strong connection to classic lore while also charting a path forward that feels both innovative and respectful.
Beyond reimagined origins and magical abilities, Absolute Wonder Woman revives aspects of Diana’s mythos that have long been dormant. For instance, the series reintroduces her Pegasus, but with a dark twist—a resurrected, winged steed, both haunting and majestic. Such elements symbolize the kind of storytelling James Gunn could embrace, merging nostalgia with fresh vision to reinvigorate beloved characters in the DCU.
The timing for such a creative overhaul is crucial. Although there is currently no official announcement regarding a standalone Wonder Woman film under Gunn’s leadership, developments are already underway for a parallel project titled Paradise Lost, rumored to take the form of a Game of Thrones-style series centered on the Amazons. This show presents its own opportunities, diving deep into Amazonian culture and history, which in turn could dovetail seamlessly with a new vision of Wonder Woman influenced by the Absolute universe. In this context, Paradise Lost is expected to serve as a prequel, with the potential to transition smoothly into a film narrative that explores Diana’s rise, shaped by magic and darkness.
Within the Absolute Universe, the Amazons themselves endure a dramatic fate, having been sealed away by Zeus as punishment, creating an “absolute” loss that reframes much of Diana’s journey and challenges her connection to her heritage. Such a twist aligns perfectly with the themes of exile, redemption, and resilience that Gunn has tackled in previous works. Exploring these motifs could also help audiences connect with a Wonder Woman shaped by hardship, adding layers of emotional depth to her cinematic appearance.
The introduction of these new storylines would not only diversify the DCU’s narrative approach, but also present a Wonder Woman whose appeal spans generations. By emphasizing her unique upbringing, new magical powers, and a fiercer, more battle-worn persona, Gunn can craft a character whose journey resonates with both new fans and those who have long cherished the iconic Amazon.
Though some viewers might express caution about deviating from the established version of Wonder Woman, the flexibility inherent in DC’s multiverse offers room for growth. It enables Gunn to pay homage to Diana’s roots while also recognizing the need for narrative innovation—a balancing act that, if managed thoughtfully, could prove deeply satisfying for audiences eager for stories that both surprise and honor tradition.
Looking ahead, the impact of James Gunn’s decisions could set the tone for the entire DCU. His willingness to draw from Absolute Wonder Woman signals an intent to blend courage and creativity, potentially launching a new era for the character that is darker, richer, and more complex than before. With the right balance of fidelity to established values and exploration of untapped emotional and mythological depths, this version of Diana could not only revitalize the franchise but also define a generation of superhero storytelling.
As anticipation grows, all eyes are on how James Gunn will approach the Wonder Woman legend. Whether he adopts the full breadth of the Absolute Universe or incorporates its most compelling aspects, his creative choices are poised to shape the future of the DCU, offering a Wonder Woman who is both recognizable and thrillingly new.
