Connie Nielsen, best known for her role as Queen Hippolyta in the “Wonder Woman” franchise, expressed her disappointment regarding the cancellation of “Wonder Woman 3” amid the ongoing DC Universe reboot under James Gunn. Currently promoting her return as Lucilla in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” Nielsen shared her thoughts in an interview, stating that it’s “a pity” Warner Bros chose not to proceed with the threequel directed by Patty Jenkins, which would have seen Gal Gadot reprising her role as the titular superhero.
Having played Hippolyta, mother of Diana, in both 2017’s “Wonder Woman” and its sequel, Nielsen highlighted the impressive box office success of the first film, which grossed over $800 million globally. She pointed out that the franchise has cultivated a passionate fanbase and questioned why a lucrative opportunity would not be capitalized upon. Nielsen stated, “I think it’s crazy. I mean, frankly, I don’t understand it. [‘Wonder Woman’] made $800 million just in theaters…If I were a business person, I would say that’s money on the table.”
The cancellation of “Wonder Woman 3” seems tied to the broader context of the DC Extended Universe’s struggles. Initial successes like “Man of Steel” were overshadowed by the immense success of Marvel’s “The Avengers,” prompting Warner Bros to develop a competing cinematic universe. “Wonder Woman,” directed by Jenkins, became a key player in the DCEU, receiving critical acclaim and solidifying Gadot’s role as the first live-action Wonder Woman. However, disappointing performances from subsequent films, particularly “Wonder Woman 1984,” clouded the future of the franchise.
Despite initial optimism for a third installment, news emerged that Gunn and his co-head, Peter Safran, opted to discard Jenkins’ script for “Wonder Woman 3” in favor of a fresh direction for the DC franchise. While Gadot mentioned she was collaborating with the new leadership on a continuation of her character’s story, this claim was quickly shown to be false. Observers speculate that maintaining Gadot’s Wonder Woman could hinder the desired reset for the DC Universe.
As Gunn’s creative vision unfolds, with “Superman” set to launch a new era in 2025, fans are uncertain about the future of iconic characters, including Wonder Woman. The only current project that seemingly involves her lore is “Paradise Lost,” a planned TV series exploring the Amazons. Nevertheless, many viewers hope that the new DC Studios will consider reintroducing Wonder Woman in subsequent projects, as the character holds historical significance, akin to Superman and Batman. The only certainty for now is that the story of Gadot and Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman” films may be drawing to a close, leaving the door open for potential reinvention in a new cinematic landscape.
