The first two Wonder Woman movies pretty much ran the gamut of audience reactions from thunderous applause to confused appreciation. 2017's Wonder Woman took over the box office as a surprise hit that proved how DCEU movies didn't necessarily have to be all gritty and covered with dirt. Then, 2020's Wonder Woman 1984 got the vibe down but couldn't really captivate audiences like its predecessor.
But now it seems as though director Patty Jenkins has nailed down a surefire way to bring the currently unnamed Wonder Woman 3 back into the lands of success. Sure, anybody could write a fantastic script and bring in an expert filming crew to turn it into movie magic, but how many franchises can say they've got the original Wonder Woman herself, Lynda Carter?
Back at the recent DC FanDome event, Jenkins sparked rumors that Carter would return for the 3rd film following her post-credits cameo appearance in Wonder Woman 1984. Well, now current Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot, who recently signed on to play the Evil Queen in Disney's upcoming live-action Snow White remake, has basically confirmed those rumors with her own words of praise for the iconic screen veteran. Not only did she gush over what Carter means to her, but she also used the time to set up a little fan speculation on what sort of role can be expected going forward.
"First of all, Lynda has mentored me from the very first moment that I got cast as Wonder Woman," Gadot said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "She was always there, talking to me, giving me tips and everything. She's a true champion of what Patty and I have been doing, and it was so great that we managed to find the right opportunity to bring her to the last movie and now to the third one. It's even better this time. I love her very much. I love her dearly." Any eagle-eyed fans reading will notice the "better this time" statement, implying that Carter's role in the next film will be much more substantial.
Carter's cameo in the credits of the rather poorly-received Wonder Woman 1984 revealed her to be portraying the Amazon warrior Asteria, whose golden armor was found and worn by Gadot's Diana/Wonder Woman during the film's climactic battles. Asteria is said to have rescued the rest of the Amazons by single-handedly holding back armies of attacking men while the rest fled to the newfound safety of Themyscira. The Amazons believe her to have perished in the battle, but her previous cameo and upcoming role in the third movie suggest otherwise.
Wonder Woman 3 is bound to feature a curious story if it involves Carter's character in a more substantial role. It's one thing to bring her in as an homage to her work as arguably the most iconic version of Wonder Woman, but knowing that she may be a driving force behind the plot changes things entirely. Maybe it could be teasing some sort of crossover. Here's hoping more info comes out soon.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter