James Gunn Eyes New Wonder Woman: Five Standout Contenders

Word has it that DC Studios’ co-chief, James Gunn, has set out a rather specific checklist for the next actress to don the iconic Amazonian armour. According to industry whispers, the studio is scouring the ranks of up-and-coming talent, with a preference for someone tall, in her twenties, and—crucially—capable of holding her own in a fight. The search, it seems, is both wide-ranging and exacting.

Inside the Casting Criteria

One industry insider summed up the requirements quite succinctly:

It’s true they are looking at every young ‘hot’ (as in, upcoming) actress for the new female lead in Man of Tomorrow, but they also need her to be tall, in her 20s, and have fighting skills.

Further confirmation came from another well-placed source, who noted that Gunn had already met with a number of actresses last year. With the bar set high, speculation is rife about who might step into the role of the legendary Amazon. Here are five names that stand out, each bringing something unique to the table.

Grace Caroline Currey: Familiar Territory

Grace Caroline Currey is no stranger to the DC universe, having already made her mark in the Shazam! films. Her portrayal of Mary Bromfield revealed a knack for emotional depth, while her previous stunt work suggests she’s more than ready for a physically demanding part. With her career on the rise, Currey could be a natural fit for a larger role within the franchise.

Sophie Turner: Battle-Tested

Sophie Turner’s CV reads like a who’s who of modern fantasy and superhero drama. From her time as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones to her turn as Jean Grey in the X-Men series, Turner has shown she can handle both the emotional and physical rigours of high-profile roles. Her experience with action-heavy scripts and complex characters makes her a compelling option for the Amazonian mantle.

Katherine Langford: Rising Star

Katherine Langford’s ascent has been steady, marked by standout performances in 13 Reasons Why and Cursed, as well as a notable appearance in Knives Out. Her work in Cursed, in particular, highlighted her ability to handle action sequences and swordplay, while her dramatic range has been well established. Langford’s blend of youth and experience could make her a strong contender.

Chloë Grace Moretz: Versatile and Seasoned

Chloë Grace Moretz brings a wealth of experience across genres, from drama to comedy to action. Her roles in The Peripheral and the Kick-Ass series have demonstrated both her dramatic chops and her flair for physical roles. With a career that already spans a variety of demanding parts, Moretz would bring a well-rounded skill set to the DCU’s next chapter.

Elle Fanning: Poised for the Spotlight

Elle Fanning’s recent work has seen her step confidently into leading roles, from her regal turn as Aurora in the Maleficent films to her Golden Globe-nominated performance in Sentimental Value. Her latest action-adventure outing, Predator: Badlands, not only broke box office records but also showcased her ability to anchor a major production. Young, accomplished, and still on the rise, Fanning is certainly one to watch as the search for the new Amazonian champion continues.

So, which of these talented actresses would you back to take up the lasso? The debate is open.