The Amazonian Legacy: Who Plays Wonder Woman Now And The 5 Actresses Who Defined Her Live-Action History

The question of "who plays Wonder Woman" is more complex than ever in the current cinematic landscape of December 2025. While the iconic Israeli actress Gal Gadot has been the definitive face of the Amazon Princess, Diana Prince, for a generation, the recent overhaul of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has ushered in a new era of uncertainty. The short answer is that Gal Gadot is the most recent and recognizable actress, but DC Studios is actively preparing to recast the role for the new DC Universe (DCU), meaning the next actress to wield the Lasso of Truth is still a mystery and the subject of intense fan speculation.

This article dives deep into the legacy of the role, providing a full profile of the most recent star, Gal Gadot, and exploring the highly anticipated casting decision for James Gunn’s rebooted DCU, which will introduce a fresh take on the Themysciran warrior. We will also honor the lineage of actresses who have brought Diana Prince to life in live-action, from the 1970s television era to the modern blockbuster age, establishing the full topical authority on the subject.

Gal Gadot: The Recent Face of the Amazon Princess

Gal Gadot-Varsano is the Israeli actress, producer, and model who became globally synonymous with Wonder Woman (Diana Prince) throughout the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) from 2016 to 2023. Her portrayal began in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and culminated with a cameo in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023).

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Gal Gadot Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Gal Gadot-Varsano
• Date of Birth: April 30, 1985
• Place of Birth: Petah Tikva, Israel (raised in Rosh HaAyin)
• Nationality: Israeli
• Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
• Early Career: Won Miss Israel in 2004.
• Military Service: Served two years as a combat fitness instructor in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
• Education: Studied law and international relations at IDC Herzliya college.
• Major Roles (Outside DC): Gisele Yashar in the Fast & Furious franchise, The Bishop in Red Notice, and Linnet Ridgeway-Doyle in Death on the Nile.
• Wonder Woman Appearances: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Wonder Woman (2017), Justice League (2017), Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021), Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), and The Flash (2023).

Gadot’s casting was initially met with skepticism, but her performance in Wonder Woman (2017) earned critical acclaim, establishing the character as a central figure in the DCEU. The film’s success proved that a female-led superhero movie could be both critically and commercially dominant, solidifying Gadot's status as a global icon and a powerful representation of the Amazonian spirit.

The DCU Reboot: Who Will Be The Next Wonder Woman?

The biggest news regarding the role of Wonder Woman is the transition to James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DC Universe (DCU) slate. This reboot means a fresh start for the character, and the search for a new actress is underway, making the answer to "who plays Wonder Woman now" a temporary placeholder before the official announcement.

The Official Status of Wonder Woman Casting

As of late 2025, Gal Gadot will not be returning to the role of Wonder Woman in the DCU. DC Studios is moving forward with a new, standalone film centered on the character, which will feature a completely new actress. The project is being written by Ana Nogueira, and it will be part of the DCU's "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters" storyline.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has confirmed that the casting process is not yet complete. The team is prioritizing the script's development before selecting the new Diana Prince. This patient approach is meant to ensure the actress chosen is the perfect fit for the long-term vision of the DCU, rather than rushing a decision.

The Top Contenders and Fan-Casting Rumors

While the official casting is a closely guarded secret, the internet is rife with fan-casting suggestions and rumors, which often serve as an indicator of the qualities fans want to see in the next Amazonian hero. These speculative names represent a diverse range of talent:

• Ana de Armas: The Cuban-Spanish actress is a popular choice, with many fans creating concept art imagining her in the armor. She is known for her roles in action films like No Time to Die and The Gray Man.
• Alexandra Daddario: Known for her striking blue eyes and work in the Percy Jackson series and The White Lotus, Daddario has also been the subject of fan-made artwork after expressing interest in the superhero genre.
• Adria Arjona: The actress from Andor and Morbius is another name frequently mentioned in fan discussions as a strong candidate to embody the warrior spirit of the Themysciran Princess.

The eventual choice will need to possess a blend of strength, compassion, and regal bearing to honor the character's rich history while also defining the future of Wonder Woman in the new cinematic universe.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

The Live-Action Legacy: Every Actress Who Played Wonder Woman

To fully understand the significance of the role, one must look back at the influential actresses who have portrayed Diana Prince in live-action film and television. This lineage demonstrates the enduring power and evolution of the character across different decades.

1. Cathy Lee Crosby (1974 TV Film)

Cathy Lee Crosby was the first actress to play Wonder Woman in a live-action production. She starred in the 1974 made-for-television film titled simply Wonder Woman. This version of the character was notably different from the comic books, with a more grounded, secret-agent aesthetic, lacking the traditional costume and supernatural powers. The film served as a pilot but did not lead to a full series.

2. Lynda Carter (1975–1979 TV Series)

Lynda Carter is arguably the most iconic and beloved live-action Wonder Woman of all time. She starred in the highly successful Wonder Woman television series, which ran from 1975 to 1979. Carter's portrayal defined the character for a generation, capturing the perfect balance of grace, strength, and moral authority. Her image, complete with the star-spangled costume and Lasso of Truth, remains an indelible part of pop culture history.

3. Adrianne Palicki (2011 TV Pilot)

In 2011, NBC attempted to revive the character for a new television series, casting Adrianne Palicki (known for Friday Night Lights and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as Diana Prince. The pilot episode was produced but was ultimately not picked up for a full season. While brief, Palicki’s attempt represents a key moment in the character's long journey back to the screen.

4. Gal Gadot (2016–2023 DCEU Films)

As detailed above, Gal Gadot is the most recent and globally recognized actress to play the role on the big screen. Her tenure spanned eight years and six films, successfully launching the first major cinematic universe for DC Comics. Her performance brought a modern, fierce, and emotionally resonant take on the Amazonian warrior, setting a high bar for her successor.

5. The Unnamed DCU Actress (Upcoming)

The next actress to join this prestigious list will be the one cast by James Gunn for the new DCU film. This casting choice is one of the most anticipated announcements in the superhero genre, as it will determine the look and feel of Diana Prince for the next decade of DC storytelling. The new actress will inherit a legacy built by powerful women, tasked with introducing the Themysciran hero to a new generation of fans.

The journey of Wonder Woman on screen is a testament to her enduring status as a feminist icon and a symbol of hope. While Gal Gadot’s reign has concluded, her work has paved the way for the next Amazonian to take flight. Keep a close watch on DC Studios announcements, as the identity of the next actress to play Wonder Woman is expected to be revealed once the script for the new film is finalized, potentially in the coming months.