The DC Universe is currently a blank canvas, and fans are holding the brushes. In the digital age, casting news doesn’t always start with a press release from a studio; it starts with an Instagram notification. When James Gunn, the architect of the new DCU, follows an actor, the internet doesn’t just notice—it builds a shrine to the possibility.
The latest subject of this digital detective work? Adria Arjona.
Rumors have been swirling that the Hit Man and Andor breakout star is the frontrunner to pick up the lasso of truth. Given Gunn’s penchant for working with frequent collaborators and Arjona’s meteoric rise, the Adria Arjona Wonder Woman rumor has become more than just “fan-casting”—it’s a conversation about the future of representation in the most iconic female role in comic book history.
The “Instagram Incident”: James Gunn Sets the Record Straight
The fire started with a single “Follow.” Fans noticed Gunn had added Arjona to his Instagram feed, and the conclusion was immediate: Diana of Themyscira has been found. However, Gunn, ever the transparent communicator, recently sat down with Extra to throw some cold water on the immediate timeline while simultaneously stoking the flames of Arjona’s potential.
“I follow Adria on Instagram, but everybody came out and thought, ‘He just followed her, that means she’s Wonder Woman,’” Gunn explained with a laugh. “She’d be a great Wonder Woman, by the way.”
That last sentence is the one fans are tattooing on their hearts. While Gunn clarified that he and Arjona have been friends since they worked together on the 2016 horror-thriller The Belko Experiment (which Gunn wrote and produced), he didn’t close the door. In the DCU, a “no, not yet” is often a “yes, eventually.”
A Bond Forged in Horror: The Gunn-Arjona Connection
To understand why this rumor has such legs, you have to look back at The Belko Experiment. In a cast full of talent, Arjona stood out for her ability to balance vulnerability with a fierce, survivalist grit. This is a trait Gunn clearly values; he has a history of bringing back actors who “get” his specific blend of heart and high-octane action.
Arjona herself hasn’t been shy about her gratitude toward Gunn. In an interview with CinemaBlend earlier this year, she noted, “I love James Gunn. He gave me my first movie ever… I owe him a lot.” When asked if the social media follow meant she was dusting off her Amazonian armor, she simply crossed her fingers and said, “I don’t know.”
This humility, paired with her undeniable screen presence in recent hits like Hit Man opposite Glen Powell, makes her the perfect candidate for a “Gunn-style” lead: someone who is incredibly talented but hasn’t yet been pigeonholed by a massive franchise.
Representation as Power: Why a Latina Wonder Woman Matters
This is where we get into the heart of why this casting matters beyond just “cool rumors.” For a long time, the film industry has operated under a narrow definition of what a superhero looks like. While Gal Gadot’s portrayal was groundbreaking and beloved, the opportunity to cast a Latina woman in the role of Wonder Woman—one of the most recognizable figures in human mythology—is a massive step toward “incision” and true diversity.
Adria Arjona, who is of Puerto Rican and Guatemalan heritage, represents a version of Diana Prince that reflects the world we actually live in. Ultimately, the world should see themselves in film, and for a long time, the superhero genre has acted as a gatekeeper rather than a gateway.
Wonder Woman is an Amazon. She is a diplomat. She is a warrior. She is a woman of the world. By casting someone like Arjona, the DCU can lean into the Mediterranean and global roots of the character, moving away from a Eurocentric standard and toward something that feels truly universal. Inclusion isn’t just about a checklist; it’s about the richness that a different cultural perspective brings to a character who is, at her core, about bringing the whole world together.
The DCU Roadmap: Where Does Diana Fit In?
While we are all waiting for the Adria Arjona Wonder Woman rumor to become fact, we have to look at where the character stands in the “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” slate.
Currently, the DCU is kicking off with the animated Creature Commandos, followed by David Corenswet’s Superman in 2025. But the most intriguing piece of the puzzle is Paradise Lost, the upcoming HBO series. Described as a Game of Thrones-style political drama set on Themyscira before the birth of Diana, this show will lay the foundational lore for the Amazons.
Casting a Wonder Woman now would allow that actress to potentially appear (even in a flash-forward or cameo) to anchor that series to the larger cinematic world. If Arjona is the choice, her ability to play “regal yet dangerous” would make her the perfect bridge between the ancient politics of the Amazons and the modern-day heroics of the Justice League.
The Legacy of the Lasso
Whoever takes the role is following in massive footsteps. Gal Gadot defined the character for a generation, bringing a grace and warmth that hadn’t been seen since Lynda Carter. But every era needs its own champion.
The DCU is about a “new legacy.” We see it in the casting of David Corenswet as a younger, more optimistic Superman. We see it in the shift toward serialized storytelling across film and TV. Adria Arjona fits that “new legacy” perfectly. She has the physicality for the fight scenes (as seen in Andor) and the comedic timing required for Gunn’s scripts.
But more importantly, she has the “it” factor—that intangible quality that makes you believe she could actually stand toe-to-toe with a god.
Is the Rumor the Reality?
While James Gunn says “nothing is in motion,” his high praise for Arjona tells a different story. In the world of high-stakes Hollywood casting, sometimes the best way to test the waters is to let a rumor simmer.
Adria Arjona as Wonder Woman wouldn’t just be a win for the DCU; it would be a win for every fan who wants to see a more inclusive, vibrant, and diverse version of the heroes we love. If film has historically not allowed everyone to see themselves on screen, this is the moment to fix the lens.
What do you think, DC fans? Is Adria Arjona your pick for the next Wonder Woman, or is there another actress you think has the Amazonian spirit? Let us know in the comments below!
