James Gunn Fires Back At Doubters Over Future Wonder Woman Casting

James Gunn Fires Back At Doubters Over Future Wonder Woman Casting

Key Takeaways

  • James Gunn and Peter Safran run DC Studios, focusing on interconnected projects like Marvel, such as recasting Superman.
  • Gunn explained his reluctance towards open casting calls despite fan inquiries about Wonder Woman‘s casting.
  • Gunn, known for unconventional casting choices, is trusted for his ability to find the best actors to lead his projects.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of Marvel and DC comic book experiences under my belt, I must say that James Gunn has proven himself to be a masterful storyteller who knows how to bring these iconic characters to life on the big screen. His unconventional casting choices have always paid off, from Dave Bautista as Drax to Chris Pratt as Star-Lord.


James Gunn subtly discussed the topic of “Wonder Women” on social media platforms recently. As a filmmaker, he acknowledged and addressed certain casting concerns that were raised by some fans, yet made it clear that he has no plans to alter his creative approach in this matter.

Gunn and Peter Safran have been named joint CEOs and co-chairmen of DC Studios, granting them the power to oversee the creative direction of the DC Universe (DCU). The pair is working on a collection of interconnected movies, TV shows, and animated projects that mirror Marvel Studios’ success with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including a reboot of Superman titled “Superman: Legacy,” starring David Corenswet in 2025. A curious fan recently enquired about Wonder Woman’s casting, to which Gunn offered a response.

One took to Thread and asked if Gunn does casting calls. The comic nerd said it was “a very limiting viewpoint on casting” if they would only accept “accomplished stars.” The same social media user pointed out that Gal Gadot wasn’t famous when she got the role. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” Gunn replied on Threads. “I only have hired the best actors for the role. But no I don’t do open casting calls. If you go back my old threads I explain why (they don’t work except in rare situations).” In another discussion on Threads in January 2024, the director explained that he had open casting before and stopped doing so. “I’ve done open casting calls & they’re difficult because you get thousands upon thousands of people auditioning & less than 0.1% of them are as good as the average actor who comes through the door with an agent,” he explained. However, the screenwriter, director and producer said he was still open to it and might do so when “auditioning someone of a very specific type.”

James Gunn Fires Back At Doubters Over Future Wonder Woman Casting

A different DC comics enthusiast inquired from director James Gunn about the discrepancy in height among DC superheroes, as depicted in the artwork’s descriptive text. According to this, Wonder Woman is supposed to be taller than Superman, who should himself tower over Batman. The social media user asked, “What are your thoughts on this?” To which Gunn replied, “Not great.” He further stated that he wasn’t sure where he could locate an actress who is 6’5″ or taller and talented enough for the role. Gal Gadot, standing at 5’10”, has done a commendable job as Wonder Woman, and her portrayal has been well-received. She brings both charm and commanding presence to the film, contributing significantly to its critical acclaim. Gal Gadot’s portrayal of Wonder Woman was seen as a beacon of hope and strength, inspiring women and young children alike.

James Gunn Fires Back At Doubters Over Future Wonder Woman Casting

Making the next Wonder Woman taller than Superman is probably a challenge because the current Superman, Corenswet, is 6′ 3″. So, Gunn was right not to take the superheroes’ height seriously. As for the open casting, Gunn’s reason was acceptable. Of course, it isn’t easy dealing with thousands of auditions. Anyone will likely take their shot at landing a breakout role. Gunn does his thing well. He is a talented filmmaker, and many love his work because he effectively blends humor, action, and heart in his projects in surprising ways.

Without a doubt, Gunn demonstrates his expertise in casting due to his impressive choices in the past. To illustrate, his decision to cast Dave Bautista as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy was initially unconventional but turned out to be well-received. Similarly, when he chose Chris Pratt for Star-Lord, many were skeptical given Pratt’s background in comedic roles, such as playing Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation. Despite being a temporary character, Pratt’s endearing portrayal earned him a return invitation. Gunn recognized Pratt’s charm and humor, which he skillfully combined to bring the role to life. Since then, Pratt has emerged as one of the standout stars in the MCU. Consequently, it is advisable to allow Gunn the freedom to make casting decisions for Wonder Woman and other DCU movies, as this is one of his areas of strength.

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2024-10-21 15:23