The first ‘Wonder Woman’ became a major success both critically and commercially, bringing in over $800 million and winning a Hugo Award. It also ended up as the highest-grossing movie directed by a woman, Patty Jenkins.
On the other hand, the sequel didn’t do as well. It received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office, affected by the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and Warner Bros.’ decision to simultaneously release it on HBO Max.
The studio still wanted a third movie, but the arrival of new executives, James Gunn and Peter Safran, scrapped the plans for a rebooted DC film universe.
Connie Nielsen, who played Hippolyta in the franchise, shared her disappointment over the decision in a recent chat with Den of Geek, “I think it’s crazy. I mean, frankly, I don’t understand it.”
“[‘Wonder Woman’] made $800 million just in the movie theaters, and it has an enormous and passionate, passionate fan base. These are spectacular films, and there’s just no reason I can understand whatsoever for not investing in that. If I were a business person, I would say that’s money on the table. It’s right there. Plus every time we’ve done it, [it was] with budgets that were way smaller than any of the other DC budgets.”
Currently, there are no plans for another Wonder Woman movie. Instead, Gunn and Safran are focusing on a TV series about the Amazons of Themyscira, and it’s likely that the hero will be recast for future appearances in the new DC Universe.
The company is also developing projects for other major characters. A new Superman movie starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan will see release on July 11, 2025. Meanwhile, a movie focused on the Bat-Family, titled ‘The Brave and the Bold,’ is currently in the works.