So Patty Jenkins’ sequel to Wonder Woman is still the better part of two years away. (November 1, 2019 is its current release date if you want to jot it down.) That doesn’t mean we have any semblance of chill thinking about who might be in it, though…
And by “who,” we don’t mean actors in the cast – delightful surprises in that vein are best left to discover. (Lucy Davis as Etta Candy? Genius!) What we’re speculating about is who among the myriad characters who have crossed paths with Diana of Themyscira in the comics over her 75+ year history, now that Gal Gadot’s Amazon will move forward to more contemporary adventures after her WWI-period introduction. (There are rumors that the sequel might not be fully contemporary, instead set in the 1980’s, but Jenkins is remaining tight-lipped about that so far.)
So to celebrate Wonder Woman’s inclusion in some of this month’s “PROTECT”-themed subscriptions – as well as just having a good old geeky spec-fest! – this week’s Friday Five is a short list of outstanding women from the DC Comics realm who might make an appearance (or put up a good fight) in Diana’s sequel…
(DC Comics)
Mala
Though we basically got a quick primer on Diana’s early life on Themyscira in the first film, it was emotional and impactful, particularly via her relationships with mother Hippolyta and aunt Antiope. It did seem to stress, however, how singular and special Diana is – to the extent that it makes a point of her being the solitary child on the island. As such, it might be hard to introduce Mala as a contemporary and close friend of Diana’s as she is in the comics. Nevertheless, though most of the sequel will likely take place in another place on the globe, any return visit to Themyscira could benefit from having another Amazon that Diana can pow-wow with one on one, other than her mother. (We all know how that can go, even when you get along great with your mom!)
(DC Comics)
Baroness Paula Von Gunther
Having been introduced by WW creator William Moulton Marston as Diana’s first recurring adversary – a vicious Nazi spy and calculating mastermind – Baroness Von Gunther, interestingly, toed the line between friend or foe from time to time in subsequent eras; she ultimately returned to villainy (with a side-dose of the occult) in the ’90s. While the period Germanic allegiances would be more relevant to an earlier time frame, one could easily see the writers crafting an updated Von Gunther – perhaps an associate of the communist USSR? – should the 1980’s rumor about the sequel prove to be true.
(DC Comics)
Circe
And here’s where that 80’s rumor has, so far, born the most potential fruit. Along with the time period rumor, the working title of Wonder Woman 2 (shooting in England this summer) is purported to be “Magic Hour.” Which could be a huge potential hint that the big bad of the sequel will be Circe, long one of Diana’s most powerful adversaries in the comics. The evil sorceress (based on the mythological figure of the same name, natch) could play into a 20th century plotline in any number of ways, and perhaps the biggest hint that this wish could pay off is her comparable mythical weight class to the first film’s villain, Ares.
(DC Comics)
Cheetah
Yes, seriously, Barbara Minerva! If you grew up in the late 70’s/early 80’s, Cheetah is possibly the nemesis that you associate most closely with Wonder Woman, due to her inclusion in the Legion of Doom in Hanna Barbera’s Super Friends cartoons. Marston’s original version of Cheetah possessed no superpowers, but the aforementioned Dr. Minerva does; the British archeologist gains her powers during an expedition in Africa. While Cheetah’s animalistic appearance has varied wildly and might require a very careful calibration to be translated on screen, we’re here for it.
(DC Comics)
Amanda Waller
Yes, we get it – Wonder Woman is definitely not the franchise you immediately think of to find Amanda Waller in. She’s most famous of course for her genesis in the Suicide Squad comics, and was brought to life on-screen in the film adaptation by the great Viola Davis. (Arguably the very best part of that movie, YMMV… – Ed.) However, with the post-credits scene in that film that featured Bruce Wayne, the DC films have already made a link out from Waller’s sphere of influence to the Justice League. It would only make sense to take that a step further and have her interact a bit with Diana (not to mention having those two formidable ladies join forces would rrrrrawk!) And here’s the thing: If Wonder Woman 2 does end up set in the 1980’s, that would require a younger Amanda Waller, no? An ambitious bad-ass at the start of her career. We could probably do a whole other Friday Five just on actresses who could step into Davis’s shoes, but we’ll let you think on that, Looters. Go!
