The Definitive List: 4 Actresses Who Wore The Lasso Of Truth And The Shocking Future Of Wonder Woman In The DCU

The question of "who played Wonder Woman" is more complex than a simple name, representing a rich, decades-long history of actresses who have brought the Amazonian princess Diana Prince to life on screen. As of December 2025, the conversation is dominated by the monumental success of the most recent cinematic star, Gal Gadot, and the dramatic, industry-shaking changes happening within the DC Universe (DCU) under co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. This article dives deep into the complete lineage of live-action portrayals, from the forgotten early attempts to the iconic TV series and the modern blockbuster era, revealing the definitive list of women who have wielded the Golden Lasso and the current, fresh, and crucial information regarding the character’s immediate on-screen future.

The role of Wonder Woman is arguably one of the most powerful and demanding in the superhero genre, requiring an actress to embody strength, compassion, and the mythological grandeur of Themyscira. While many fans immediately think of two names, the official count of live-action portrayals for television and film pilots or series stands at four main actresses. Understanding the full scope requires looking back at the character's journey from 1974 to the present day.

The Lineage of Live-Action Wonder Women: A Complete List of Actresses and Their Roles

The history of Diana Prince on screen is a fascinating journey through different eras of television and film, each actress leaving her unique mark on the superhero icon. Below is a comprehensive list of the primary actresses who have starred as Wonder Woman in live-action productions, along with their key biographical details and specific roles.

• Gal Gadot (2016–2023)
  • Full Name: Gal Gadot-Varsano
  • Born: April 30, 1985 (Petaḥ Tiqwa, Israel)
  • Career Highlights: Israeli actress, producer, and model. Served in the Israel Defense Forces. Miss Israel 2004. Known for the Fast & Furious franchise before landing the role of Diana Prince.
  • Wonder Woman Roles: 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), The Flash (2023) (cameo).
• Lynda Carter (1975–1979)
  • Full Name: Lynda Jean Carter
  • Born: July 24, 1951 (Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.)
  • Career Highlights: American actress, singer, and beauty pageant titleholder (Miss World USA 1972). Her portrayal is considered the definitive version for an entire generation.
  • Wonder Woman Roles: The New Original Wonder Woman (1975 TV Movie/Pilot), Wonder Woman (1975–1979 TV Series).
• Adrianne Palicki (2011)
  • Full Name: Adrianne Palicki
  • Born: May 6, 1983 (Toledo, Ohio, U.S.)
  • Career Highlights: American actress known for roles in Friday Night Lights, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, and The Orville.
  • Wonder Woman Roles: Wonder Woman (2011 Unaired TV Pilot).
• Cathy Lee Crosby (1974)
  • Full Name: Cathy Lee Crosby
  • Born: December 2, 1944 (Los Angeles, California, U.S.)
  • Career Highlights: American actress and former professional tennis player. Her portrayal predates the iconic TV series and was a very different take on the character.
  • Wonder Woman Roles: Wonder Woman (1974 Made-for-TV Movie/Pilot).

Gal Gadot: The Modern Cinematic Amazon and Her Uncertain DCU Future

Gal Gadot’s casting as Wonder Woman in 2013 by director Zack Snyder was a pivotal moment, marking the character’s debut on the major silver screen. Her first appearance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) immediately established her as a formidable presence in the newly forming DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

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The critical and commercial success of her solo film, Wonder Woman (2017), cemented her status as a global superhero icon and a box office powerhouse. The film was praised for its blend of action, heart, and period setting, making Gadot's Diana Prince the undisputed face of the DCEU for several years, followed by Justice League (2017) and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020).

However, the most current and crucial update revolves around the restructuring of the entire franchise under DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. As of late 2023 and into 2025, the landscape has dramatically shifted. While Gadot herself had previously expressed excitement about continuing the role and even hinted at developing a new project, multiple reports indicate that the new DC Universe (DCU) is undergoing a complete reboot.

The latest, most definitive news suggests that Gadot's iteration of the Amazonian princess is not part of the new DCU canon being established by Gunn and Safran. The new slate of projects includes a solo Wonder Woman film, but it is expected to feature a new actress, effectively replacing Gadot to ensure a clean continuity reset alongside other core DC heroes. This development brings an end to the DCEU era and the specific version of Diana Prince that Gadot portrayed.

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Lynda Carter: The Iconic Golden Age of Wonder Woman on Television

Before Gal Gadot, the name synonymous with Wonder Woman was Lynda Carter. Carter, an American actress, singer, and former Miss World USA, redefined the character for a generation with her portrayal in the 1970s television series.

The series, which ran from 1975 to 1979, was a cultural phenomenon. Carter’s version of Diana Prince was known for her star-spangled costume, her ability to spin into the iconic outfit, and her unwavering moral compass. This portrayal set the benchmark for superhero television and remains a beloved, nostalgic touchstone for millions of fans worldwide.

The success of the Lynda Carter series followed a less-successful attempt the year prior. Carter's enduring legacy is a testament to her charisma and her ability to perfectly capture the spirit of the comic book character. Even in the modern era, Carter maintains a close connection to the character, often appearing at fan conventions and even making a memorable cameo as the Amazon warrior Asteria in Gadot's Wonder Woman 1984.

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The Unseen and Early Attempts: Crosby and Palicki's Portrayals

The history of live-action Wonder Woman is incomplete without acknowledging the two actresses whose portrayals were either short-lived or never fully realized for a mass audience.

Cathy Lee Crosby: The 1974 TV Movie Pioneer

The first live-action attempt to bring Diana Prince to the screen came in 1974 with a made-for-TV movie starring Cathy Lee Crosby. This pilot was a stark departure from the traditional comic book look. Crosby's Diana Prince was depicted as a blonde, athletic, and less overtly "super-powered" agent, more in the style of a spy thriller than a superhero fantasy. The famous star-spangled costume was notably absent, replaced by a more subdued, athletic jumpsuit.

The 1974 film, which featured Kaz Garas as Steve Trevor, was intended as a pilot for a subsequent series, but its different take on the source material led to it being passed over. While the series didn't move forward, this initial attempt paved the way for the more faithful and ultimately successful Lynda Carter series the following year. Crosby's version, though obscure, has even been acknowledged in DC Comics continuity as an alternate Earth Wonder Woman.

Adrianne Palicki: The Failed 2011 NBC Pilot

In 2011, before the DCEU was conceived, NBC attempted to launch a new television series with Adrianne Palicki as the titular hero. The pilot, helmed by veteran TV producer David E. Kelley, aimed for a modern, complex take on Diana Prince, portraying her as a corporate executive named Diana Themyscira who also fought crime as Wonder Woman.

Despite the star power and creative team, the pilot was ultimately unaired by NBC, becoming one of the most famous examples of a failed superhero television attempt. The costume, which featured a shiny, somewhat plastic-looking finish, was a point of immediate controversy and criticism from fans, though Palicki herself has since reflected that the show might have been "ahead of its time" in its attempt to blend superhero action with a contemporary drama format. This failed pilot highlights the difficulty of translating the character's unique mythology to the small screen in the post-Lynda Carter era, before Gal Gadot cracked the code for the big screen.

The New Era: Who Will Be the Next Wonder Woman?

The most pressing question for DC fans is who will take up the mantle of Wonder Woman in the new DCU. With Gal Gadot's departure from the role in the new continuity now widely reported, the focus shifts to James Gunn’s planned slate. The new DC Universe is set to feature a project titled Paradise Lost, a prequel series set on the Amazonian island of Themyscira, which will explore the island’s history and the political intrigue leading up to Diana’s birth. This project will lay the groundwork for the eventual introduction of a new Wonder Woman in the main DCU film continuity.

The next actress to play Diana Prince will face the immense pressure of following both the iconic Lynda Carter and the globally recognized Gal Gadot. This new casting decision will signal the full break from the DCEU and the beginning of a fresh, unified cinematic universe. The search for the next Diana Prince—a new Amazonian warrior to wield the Golden Lasso, command the Invisible Jet, and stand as a pillar of the Justice League—is officially on, making the history of the role more relevant than ever.