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The Five Faces Of Paradise Island: Every Actress Who Has Played Wonder Woman, And Who Will Be Next In The DCU

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The legacy of Wonder Woman is one of the most enduring in comic book history, a symbol of truth, justice, and the Amazonian spirit. As of December 23, 2025, the conversation around Diana Prince is more vibrant than ever, not just celebrating the actresses who have wielded the Lasso of Truth, but fiercely speculating on who will inherit the mantle in the new DC Universe (DCU). From the unforgettable spin of the 1970s to the blockbuster era of the 2010s, five remarkable women have brought the live-action hero to life, each leaving an indelible mark on the character's rich, decades-long history.

This comprehensive deep dive explores the current status of the character under DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, the surprising details of the upcoming Paradise Lost prequel series, and provides up-to-the-minute details on the careers of the most famous portrayers, including Gal Gadot and the legendary Lynda Carter. Understanding the past is key to appreciating the seismic shift coming to Themyscira's cinematic future.

The Iconic Trio: Live-Action Actresses and Their Legacies

While many actresses have voiced Diana Prince in animated projects, three names stand out as the definitive live-action portrayers who defined an era, alongside two lesser-known attempts. This list focuses on the most prominent live-action portrayals, each representing a unique chapter in the Wonder Woman saga.

Lynda Carter: The Golden Age of Television (1975–1979)

Lynda Carter, a former Miss World USA 1972, became the face of Wonder Woman for an entire generation. Her portrayal in the Wonder Woman television series (initially titled The New, Original Wonder Woman) is considered the benchmark for the character's live-action adaptations. Carter perfectly captured the heroine's strength, compassion, and iconic star-spangled costume.

  • Full Name: Lynda Jean Carter
  • Born: July 24, 1951 (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Wonder Woman Debut: The New, Original Wonder Woman (1975)
  • Notable Career Highlights: Singer, releasing albums like Portrait; roles in Supergirl and Smallville; and a cameo in Wonder Woman 1984.
  • Current Status (2025 Update): Carter remains an active public figure and singer. In late 2024, she was the cover model for Harper's Bazaar Vietnam and was honored with the Leading Woman Award, demonstrating her continued role as a cultural icon and advocate.

Gal Gadot: The DCEU Blockbuster Era (2016–2023)

Gal Gadot redefined Wonder Woman for the modern blockbuster audience, becoming the first actress to debut the character on the silver screen. Her portrayal was a cornerstone of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) for nearly a decade.

  • Full Name: Gal Gadot
  • Born: April 30, 1985 (Petaḥ Tiqwa, Israel)
  • Wonder Woman Debut: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
  • Notable Career Highlights: Former Miss Israel; two years of service in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF); Gisele Yashar in the Fast & Furious film series; producer.
  • Current Status (2025 Update): Gadot’s future as Diana Prince in the new DCU is highly uncertain, with DC Studios moving towards a complete reboot. However, her star power continues to rise, as she is set to receive a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025, solidifying her career legacy beyond the Amazonian princess.

The Forgotten Dianas: Cathy Lee Crosby and Adrianne Palicki

Before Lynda Carter and Gal Gadot, two other actresses attempted to bring the Amazonian to life in live-action, albeit with less enduring success.

  • Cathy Lee Crosby: She starred in the 1974 TV film Wonder Woman. This version is often forgotten because it drastically changed the character, portraying her as a blonde, non-costumed crime fighter with no superpowers. The film's poor reception led to the subsequent, more comic-accurate casting of Lynda Carter.
  • Adrianne Palicki: Palicki was cast as Diana Prince in a 2011 television pilot developed by David E. Kelley for NBC. The pilot was filmed but was ultimately never picked up to series and never aired. Palicki has since reflected on the project, suggesting it may have been ahead of its time, but the failed attempt remains a fascinating footnote in the character's history.

The Future of Wonder Woman in the DCU: A New Era Begins

The most significant and current news surrounding Wonder Woman is the complete overhaul of the franchise under the new leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, co-CEOs of DC Studios. The character will be a core part of the new DCU's "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters," but with a completely fresh approach.

The Themyscira Prequel: Paradise Lost

The first major project announced for the new era is not a solo movie, but a Max streaming series titled Paradise Lost. This is a critical development that signals a new direction for the character's world.

  • Logline: The series is described as a Game of Thrones-style political drama set entirely on the all-female island of Themyscira.
  • Timeline: It is a prequel, set generations before the birth of Diana Prince. The plot will chronicle the origins of the island, focusing on the tension, alliances, and betrayals among the Amazons.
  • Significance: By exploring the history of the Amazons, the show will establish the political and mythological foundation of the DCU's Wonder Woman before she even appears, offering a rich, deep dive into the character's source material and the world created by William Moulton Marston and artist H.G. Peter in 1941.

Who is the Next Wonder Woman? DCU Casting Status

The question on every fan's mind—who will replace Gal Gadot as the new Diana Prince in the DCU movie universe—remains officially unanswered as of late 2025. The new solo Wonder Woman movie is confirmed to be in development, but the casting process is moving cautiously.

James Gunn has previously stated that DC Studios is "not casting WW, nor even discussing it, until a script is finished." However, recent reports suggest the casting process is gathering pace, with DC Studios reportedly looking for an actress who can embody both the warrior and the diplomat. The new actress will be a completely different iteration from the DCEU's version, starting fresh in the new continuity.

Fan-Casting and Speculation

While no official names have been confirmed, the internet is rife with fan-casting speculation, generating significant topical authority and curiosity. Popular choices frequently mentioned include Alexandra Daddario, Ana de Armas, and Adria Arjona, demonstrating the massive anticipation for the next live-action portrayal.

The Evolution of the Amazonian Costume and Voice

The character's enduring appeal is also tied to her iconic look and voice. The evolution of the Wonder Woman costume reflects changing times, moving from the patriotic Golden Age skirt and boots to the more armored, warrior-focused look of the DCEU. Every version, however, retains the core elements: the Lasso of Truth, the Bracelets of Submission, and the Amazonian armor.

In animation, a separate lineage of talent has brought the character to life, with one name often cited as the most recognizable animated voice:

  • Susan Eisenberg: Famous for voicing Wonder Woman in the Justice League animated series and numerous DC animated films, she is the animated equivalent of Lynda Carter for many fans.
  • Rosario Dawson: A prominent voice actress, she has voiced Diana Prince in several DC Animated Original Movies, including Justice League Dark.
  • Other Notable Voice Actresses: Vanessa Marshall, Cobie Smulders, Gina Torres, Stana Katic, Maggie Q, and Keri Russell have all lent their talents to various animated projects, ensuring the hero's voice remains strong across all media.

The journey of Wonder Woman, from the pages of 1940s comics to the grand cinematic stage of the DCU, is a testament to her universal appeal. As the DC Studios prepares for its new chapter, the question of "who played Wonder Woman" is shifting to "who *will* play Wonder Woman," promising a new era of Amazonian adventure for fans worldwide.

wonder woman who played wonder woman
wonder woman who played wonder woman

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