It’s no secret that the role of Wonder Woman is one of the most coveted in Hollywood, and it seems another talented actress has thrown her hat (or perhaps tiara?) into the ring. Egyptian-Palestinian actress May Calamawy can be counted among the many Hollywood stars who would likely jump at the chance to don the legendary god-forged Bracelets of Submission.
The revelation came recently at Comic-Con France, where Calamawy was a special guest. During a fan Q&A session, she was directly asked about her interest in portraying the Princess of Themyscira. "If they want me to play Wonder Woman, I’ll play Wonder Woman," shared Calamawy. Her enthusiasm was palpable, showcasing her willingness to step into the iconic role.
Interestingly, Calamawy has not seen Gal Gadot’s performances as Wonder Woman, only catching a few snippets of "Wonder Woman 1984." "I wouldn’t want to take anything from [Gadot’s] or, like, anyone else’s performance," she said, emphasizing her respect for the previous portrayals. "I don’t even know, I haven’t really thought about what I would do as Wonder Woman." This candid admission reflects her humble approach to an iconic character that has been portrayed by Gadot since 2017.
Calamawy is best known for her role as Layla El-Faouly, also known as Scarlet Scarab, in Marvel Studios’ "Moon Knight," which premiered in March 2022. She has also appeared in Ridley Scott’s "Gladiator II" in an uncredited cameo and is currently filming Lee Cronin’s reboot of "The Mummy," scheduled for release in April 2026.
As for the future of Wonder Woman in the DC Universe (DCU), the most likely place for the character to turn up is in the "Paradise Lost" TV series for HBO, which is said to be heavily inspired by "Game of Thrones." James Gunn announced this project back in January 2023 when he rolled out the full DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate.
During the slate announcement, Gunn stated, "Paradise Lost is the story of Paradise Island, usually known as Themyscira, which is the birthplace of Wonder Woman. It’s almost like 'Game of Thrones,' with Westeros, but with all of the inhabitants of Paradise Island." This description paints a picture of a politically charged drama set in the rich lore of the Wonder Woman universe.
In a recent social media post, Gunn expressed his desire to see Diana appear in more animated projects. "We’re working on getting Wonder Woman into more animation. I agree that there hasn’t been enough of her in that area and was one of the first things I brought up to the animation folks," he tweeted. However, the "Paradise Lost" series is said to explore the origins of Themyscira, indicating that it might take place long before Diana is born.
Moreover, the "Paradise Lost" series will draw inspiration from three significant comics: "Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons," "Wonder Woman: Paradise Lost (New Edition)," and "Wonder Woman: Paradise Found (New Edition)." This foundation suggests a deep dive into the mythology surrounding Wonder Woman and her homeland, potentially setting the stage for her eventual emergence in the DCU.
With the DCU officially kicking off in December 2024 with the animated "Creature Commandos" movies, fans are eagerly anticipating how Wonder Woman will fit into this new cinematic landscape. Gunn’s Superman movie, starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, is scheduled to arrive in July 2025, followed by the return of "Peacemaker" in August. Additionally, "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" is set for release in theaters in 2026, adding to the excitement surrounding the DCU’s expansion.
As for Calamawy, her interest in playing Wonder Woman adds another layer of intrigue to the casting possibilities for the character. While the role has not yet been officially cast in the DCU, her willingness to embrace the iconic superheroine could resonate with fans eager for fresh interpretations of beloved characters.
In summary, May Calamawy’s bold expression of interest at Comic-Con France has sparked conversations about the future of Wonder Woman in the DCU. As the franchise evolves under Gunn’s direction, the potential for a new Wonder Woman portrayal remains an exciting prospect for fans. With the "Paradise Lost" series on the horizon and a commitment to expanding Wonder Woman’s presence in animation, it seems that the legacy of this iconic character will continue to thrive.
As the DCU prepares for its upcoming releases, the anticipation for how Calamawy or another actress might embody Wonder Woman is palpable. The journey of this beloved superheroine is far from over, and fans are eager to see where it leads next.
