The DCU's Themyscira Show Sets Up A Big Future For Wonder Woman

 The DCU's Themyscira Show Sets Up A Big Future For Wonder Woman

Even though Paradise Lost, the new DCU Themyscira show, is set before Wonder Woman’s rise, the series still paints a bright picture for her future.

The new DCU includes Paradise Lost, a series set in Themyscira that will set up a bright future down the line for Wonder Woman. The Themysciran hero, like many other major parts of the franchise, has been stuck in a bit of an ambiguous state recently in the wake of DC Studios' restructuring, especially with Patty Jenkins walking from Wonder Woman 3. However, James Gunn and Peter Safran gave the best look yet at what to expect under their leadership as they unveiled Chapter 1 of the new DCU. This included clarifications on how the existing canon would contribute to the new and exciting layout of 10 new projects to look forward to.

Effectively, The Flash will be resetting the DCU, so it’s out with the old and in with the new. That might end up affecting Gal Gadot, especially since her cameo in The Flash was cut. While Henry Cavill is officially out as Superman, the same can’t be said for Gal just yet. In fact, James Gunn explicitly said in an Instagram comment, “We didn’t let Gal go.” Seemingly she’s not done in the role, which is great because she was always a good fit. Whatever the case, Wonder Woman’s future in the new DCU is quite interesting to consider, nonetheless, based on the project they have planned for her.

Wonder Woman Is Getting A Proper DCU Origin (Not Batman Or Superman)

Among the new projects announced is Paradise Lost, a TV series set before the rise of Diana as Wonder Woman, focused solely on the Amazons of Themyscira. Importantly, based on the information available, this means Wonder Woman won’t be part of Paradise Lost - at least at first. Nevertheless, this sets up a long-term origin story for Wonder Woman, something neither Superman nor Batman is getting in their respective projects. The Brave and the Bold movie will showcase an older Batman as he trains his son, Damian Wayne, as the new Robin alongside other members of the Bat Family. Meanwhile, Superman: Legacy will also feature Superman as a fully established hero already.

Frankly, there is no need for Batman or Superman origins stories anymore - they’ve been done to death, so audiences are well aware that Bruce’s parents were murdered and Kal-El’s planet blew up. Batman’s success clearly proved this. However, Wonder Woman doesn’t necessarily share that quality. Paradise Lost can help establish her true origins within this new DCU by building up her culture and other characters that will play pivotal roles in her life. Importantly, Paradise Lost harkens back to “Paradise Island Lost,” which showcased a Themysciran civil war. In this case, Hippolyta, Diana’s mother, can be her proxy as the protagonist.

The DCU Can Delay Wonder Woman's Debut (Thanks To Paradise Lost)

Hopes persist that Gadot will continue playing Wonder Woman, yet showcasing a Themysciran story before Diana’s birth allows the DCU to make the right decision about casting. There’s no need to rush things, and Paradise Lost can be instrumental in laying strong foundations for Wonder Woman to flourish when her time comes. Aptly, Safran styled the series to Game of Thrones, which could signal their hopes not only for the series’ scope, visual and narrative quality but also its longevity. Logically, given the announcements, Wonder Woman won’t be arriving until well into Chapter 1, presumably after Swamp Thing. Therefore, Paradise Lost could potentially run beyond a single season.

Significantly, when it comes to Chapter 1’s title, "Gods and Monsters," Paradise Lost will be showcasing more of the former as it develops the powerful Amazons of Themyscira. As part of its exploration, should the show continue beyond its first season, it could still come to feature a young Diana and, thus, focus more and more on her upbringing. Such would then omit a need for flashback montages in a future Wonder Woman film, should they decide to begin completely anew for her. Additionally, by not yet featuring her, Paradise Lost could give attention to some of her supporting characters, including Queen Hippolyta, Nubia, and Artemis.

Paradise Lost Confirms Big Plans For Wonder Woman

Despite not appearing in the show, Paradise Lost is still setting Wonder Woman up as a key figure in the new DCU, and definitely as a member of James Gunn’s Justice League far down the line. The Authority might be the leading team in the beginning, but surely the Justice League will take its rightful spot at centerstage with Wonder Woman in tow. When that time comes and all goes to plan, she’ll find Paradise Lost had laid the foundations for her to excel in the DCU. They’re showing that Themysciran lore, culture, and history are all incredibly important to the health of the franchise.

The decision to go with Paradise Lost over a new Wonder Woman movie, in tandem with the other announcements, proves that the DCU is not trying to rush into things they’re not ready for. That’s something that plagued the original DCU with its second film inanely jumping directly to killing off Superman. Gunn and the DCU’s creative minds can take their time building up Themyscira and Wonder Woman so when she is at the center of the action and helping to lead the franchise, she’s as developed as she can be. All in all, Paradise Lost paints an unexpectedly bright picture for both Wonder Woman and the DCU alike.