James Gunn’s nascent DC Universe (DCU) is generating considerable buzz, not only for its upcoming projects like the animated Creature Commandos series and live-action films featuring Superman and Supergirl, but also for its intriguing casting choices. Gunn’s selections often possess an uncanny suitability for their roles, eliciting a sense of inevitability from fans. Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Jason Momoa as Lobo exemplify this casting acuity. Beyond simply fitting the part aesthetically, Gunn appears to prioritize actors with a palpable current relevance, as evidenced by the swift castings of rising stars Milly Alcock as Supergirl and Aaron Pierre as Green Lantern John Stewart. Both actors secured their DCU roles shortly after garnering attention for their performances in House of the Dragon and Rebel Ridge, respectively, with Pierre’s casting remarkably mirroring a widespread fan campaign.
This precedent of fan-driven casting has sparked a new wave of speculation, focusing on the potential casting of Adria Arjona as Wonder Woman. Arjona, known for her roles in Andor, Hit Man, and the upcoming Criminal and Blink Twice, has become the subject of online discussion, fueled by several converging factors. These include unconfirmed reports of Arjona being considered for a DCU role, her striking resemblance to the comic book depiction of Wonder Woman, and Gunn’s recent decision to follow her on Instagram. Furthermore, Arjona’s romantic relationship with Jason Momoa, the newly cast Lobo, adds another layer of intrigue, given Gunn’s known propensity for incorporating personal connections into his casting choices.
While fan castings often prove to be wishful thinking, the DCU’s apparent receptiveness to popular opinion sets it apart from other superhero franchises. Gunn’s demonstrated willingness to consider fan suggestions, exemplified by the Alcock and Pierre castings, lends credence to the possibility of Arjona’s eventual casting as Wonder Woman. His talent for selecting actors who embody both the visual essence and the current zeitgeist aligns perfectly with Arjona’s rising profile and evident suitability for the role.
However, arguments against Arjona’s casting also exist. Some contend that her height of 5’7" falls short of the Amazonian stature typically associated with Wonder Woman, particularly in comparison to Gal Gadot’s 5’10" frame. Moreover, the absence of Wonder Woman from currently announced DCU projects raises questions about the immediate need for her casting. Initial speculation about Gadot’s return as Wonder Woman was swiftly debunked, and the only Amazonian-focused project currently in development is Paradise Lost, a prequel series not expected to feature Wonder Woman herself. With no confirmed appearance in the near future, the urgency to cast the iconic character remains unclear.
Given the speculative nature of this fan casting, Gunn has yet to address the rumors directly. He may choose to confirm or deny Arjona’s involvement, or simply reiterate the absence of immediate plans to cast Wonder Woman. However, given the DCU’s track record of embracing fan suggestions and Gunn’s demonstrated openness to popular opinion, the possibility of Arjona donning the tiara and lasso remains tantalizingly plausible.
The DCU’s unique approach to casting, blending traditional methods with a surprising degree of fan influence, creates an engaging dynamic between the creators and the audience. While some may dismiss fan castings as frivolous speculation, the DCU’s recent history suggests that such suggestions hold more weight than one might expect. Whether or not Adria Arjona ultimately becomes the new Wonder Woman, the ongoing discussion underscores the passionate engagement of the DCU fanbase and the potential for popular opinion to shape the future of this burgeoning superhero universe. Only time will tell if this latest fan casting will materialize, but the possibility remains open, adding another layer of anticipation to the already exciting future of the DCU.
