The DC Extended Universe has faced enormous challenges and been rife with problems. “Justice League” its most recent flagship film was a massive disappointment and Joss Whedon recently dropped out of directing “Batgirl,” which has slunk back into development But Warner Bros. still has “Wonder Woman,” the crown jewel in the entire franchise thus far. “Wonder Woman 2” is gearing up and in a surprise move, may hire comedienne Kristen Wiig to star as the movie’s antagonist.
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Deadline reports that Warner Bros. has entered talks with the “Bridesmaids” star and should we sign on, she’ll play Cheetah, a major Wonder Woman adversary from the comics who, in modern iterations, was a type of half woman, half feline creature (though her origin has changed several times over the years, so who knows).
The movie will apparently be set in the 1980s during the Cold War, a new detail, and as the film goes into production soon, this casting could be confirmed shortly.
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Where other DCEU film have floundered both critically and financially— “Batman V. Superman” making good box office money, decimated by critics, and falling short of its expected, $1 billion gross and “Justice League” stumbling as the lowest grossing film in the entire franchise — “Wonder Woman” has exceeded all expectations. Released in the summer of 2017, “Wonder Woman” was an enormous box office hit, raking in $412 million domestically which made for an $829 million worldwide total. The superheroine movie was the third highest grossing movie of the year domestically. “Wonder Woman” actually outperformed the rest of the world domestically and now that she’s become a bigger brand worldwide, it’s conceivable the sequel could hit $1 billion if the movie hits similar numbers at home.
Filmmaker Patty Jenkins will return to the director’s chair and Gal Gadot will once again resume the role of the Amazonian goddess.
“Wonder Woman 2” is set for a November 1, 2019, release date. It will follow “Aquaman” in late 2018 and “Shazam” in the spring of 2019.
3/9/18 Update: Patty Jenkins has confirmed the report.
So excited to confirm the most thrilling news. Yes! It’s true! So incredibly lucky to welcome the sensationally talented Kristen Wiig to our Wonder Woman family. Can't wait to finally work with one of my favorites. And SO excited by what we have planned. #Cheetah!!! @GalGadot pic.twitter.com/Gn0jICiIAH
— Patty Jenkins (@PattyJenks) March 9, 2018