From Lynda Carter To The New DCU: The Definitive List Of Every Actress Who Played Wonder Woman And Her Secret Future

The question of "who played Wonder Woman" is more relevant than ever in late 2025, as the character stands on the precipice of a major cinematic overhaul. While millions know the Amazonian princess Diana Prince through the iconic performances of Lynda Carter and Gal Gadot, the current landscape of the DC Universe (DCU) has confirmed a monumental shift: the Gal Gadot era is officially over, and DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn is ushering in a completely new vision for Themyscira and its greatest hero. This article breaks down every live-action portrayal and reveals the fresh details on the character's mysterious future.

The legacy of Wonder Woman is built on a foundation of strength, compassion, and a rotating cast of talented actresses who have brought her to life across television and film. The transition from one star-spangled warrior to the next is always a major event, and the ongoing search for the next actress to wield the Lasso of Truth is one of the most hotly debated topics in Hollywood today, with a new film and a prequel series, *Paradise Lost*, confirmed to be in development.

The Live-Action Actresses: A Complete Profile and Biography List

The role of Wonder Woman has been taken on by four main actresses in live-action film and television, each leaving an indelible mark on the character’s history. Here are the profiles of the two most prominent portrayers, Gal Gadot and Lynda Carter, whose careers are still making headlines in 2025.

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Gal Gadot: The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Era

• Full Name: Gal Gadot-Varsano
• Born: April 30, 1985 (Age 40 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Petah Tikva, Israel
• Notable Roles as Wonder Woman (Diana Prince):
  • 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) (Cameo)
• Current Status (Late 2025 Update): Gal Gadot has confirmed she will not be reprising the role in James Gunn’s new DCU. She is currently focused on her production company, Pilot Wave, and other major projects like the Netflix film *Red Notice* and the upcoming live-action Disney film *Snow White*.

Lynda Carter: The Television Icon

• Full Name: Lynda Jean Carter
• Born: July 24, 1951 (Age 74 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
• Notable Roles as Wonder Woman (Diana Prince/Diana Prince-Trevor):
  • The New Original Wonder Woman (1975 TV Pilot)
  • Wonder Woman (1975–1979 TV Series)
• Current Status (Late 2025 Update): Carter continues to work as a singer and actress. In 2025, she released new music, including the song "Letters..." and has been a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ and trans community, often discussing the character’s status as a queer icon.
• DCEU Appearance: She made a surprise post-credit cameo as the Amazonian warrior Asteria in Wonder Woman 1984.

The Trailblazers: Before the Blockbuster Era

Before Gal Gadot brought the Amazon to the silver screen and before Lynda Carter defined the character for a generation, the role was tackled in two lesser-known, yet historically significant, productions. These actresses paved the way for the character's enduring popularity and set the stage for the modern cinematic versions.

Cathy Lee Crosby (1974 TV Movie)

In 1974, the first live-action adaptation of the comic book hero was a made-for-TV movie simply titled *Wonder Woman*. The role of Diana Prince was played by actress and tennis player Cathy Lee Crosby.

This version is notable for its significant departure from the source material. Crosby’s Diana Prince was blonde and wore a blue and red tracksuit rather than the iconic star-spangled costume. She was more of a secret agent than a mythological warrior, a creative choice that led the network to quickly retool the concept, ultimately resulting in the Lynda Carter series.

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Adrianne Palicki (2011 Unaired Pilot)

A modern attempt to bring Wonder Woman back to television occurred in 2011 with a pilot episode developed by David E. Kelley. The lead role of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman was cast with actress Adrianne Palicki, known for her later work on *Friday Night Lights* and *The Orville*.

The pilot attempted to blend Diana’s superhero life with her civilian identity as a successful corporate executive. Despite the high-profile casting and production, the pilot was not picked up for a series by NBC, and the footage remains largely unseen by the public, making it one of the great "what ifs" in the character's history.

The End of an Era: Gal Gadot’s Legacy and The DCU Reboot

Gal Gadot’s tenure as Wonder Woman was a massive success, launching the first standalone female-led superhero film of the modern era in 2017. Her portrayal of Diana Prince was central to the original DC Extended Universe (DCEU), which included her solo films, *Justice League*, and various cameos.

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However, the restructuring of DC Studios under James Gunn and Peter Safran has led to a complete reboot, known as the DC Universe (DCU). In late 2025, Gadot confirmed that she has moved on from the role, signaling a clean break from the previous continuity. This decision was part of the larger cancellation of the planned *Wonder Woman 3* film, which was originally set to be directed by Patty Jenkins.

The Future of Themyscira: Two New DCU Projects

The good news for fans of the Amazonian mythology is that the character is a top priority for the new DCU slate. James Gunn has announced two major projects that will redefine the lore of Wonder Woman for a new generation:

1. Paradise Lost (HBO Series)

This is arguably the most intriguing new project. *Paradise Lost* is a prequel series set on the island of Themyscira before Diana Prince's birth.

• Concept: The series will explore the political intrigue, the internal power struggles, and the complex mythology of the Amazonian society.
• Tone: Gunn has described the series as a *Game of Thrones*-style political drama, focusing on the dark secrets and power dynamics of the all-female warrior society.
• Significance: It will establish the world of the Amazons and the foundational lore for the eventual appearance of the new Wonder Woman.

2. The New Wonder Woman Film (Untitled)

A new, standalone *Wonder Woman* film is also in development, which will introduce the new actress who will play Diana Prince in the DCU’s main storyline.

• Casting Status: As of late 2025, James Gunn has clarified that no official casting process has begun for the new Diana Prince. The studio is waiting until the script is finalized before seeking the next star.
• Rumors and Speculation: Despite the official statement, fan speculation is rampant. Names like Adria Arjona and Ana de Armas have circulated in online discussions, though these remain unconfirmed rumors and wish-lists from fans and media.

The Enduring Legacy of the Lasso of Truth

From the campy charm of Lynda Carter’s 1970s series to the global gravitas of Gal Gadot’s DCEU run, the character of Wonder Woman has proven to be one of the most resilient and important figures in superhero history. The actresses who have played her are not just performers; they are custodians of a feminist icon.

The baton has officially been passed. As the DCU prepares to launch *Paradise Lost* and cast its next Diana Prince, the legacy of the previous actresses—Cathy Lee Crosby, Lynda Carter, Adrianne Palicki, and Gal Gadot—will continue to inspire the next generation of Amazonian warriors. The search for the new Wonder Woman is a testament to the character's timeless appeal and her crucial role in the future of the superhero genre.