Wonder Woman Director Shortlist Includes Kathryn Bigelow and Julie Taymor

Posted by on October 24th, 2014   Filed under: Action, Books/Comics, Rumours
Source: Forbes

wonderwomandirector

Earlier this month, Warner Brothers revealed their upcoming line-up of DC superhero movies through to the year 2020. Both of the 2016 movies on the list, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad, already have directors locked down in Zack Snyder and David Ayer. However, the next movie in chronological sequence is Wonder Woman, coming in 2017, and that project does not yet have a filmmaker attached. Yesterday, THR reported that WB was searching for a female director to take the reins, which seems appropriate although sadly, it also limits their options somewhat. Hit the jump to find out the current candidates they have in mind for the job.

According to Forbes, Warner Brothers currently has five female directors on their radar as possible directors for Wonder Woman:

  • Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty, The Hurt Locker, Point Break)
  • Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight, Lords of Dogtown)
  • Mimi Leder (Deep Impact, The Peacemaker)
  • Karyn Kusama (Girlfight, Aeon Flux, Jennifer’s Body)
  • Julie Taymor (Across the Universe, Frida, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark)

They also mention TV directors Michelle MacLaren (Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones) and Tricia Brock (The Walking Dead) as possibilities. I think everyone agrees (including the studio) that Kathryn Bigelow would be the ideal choice, but she’s also the one that seems the least likely to be interested. Bigelow has not made a studio blockbuster in quite some time and these days she seems much more interested in directing action movies based on real events. Which of these directors would you prefer to see take on Wonder Woman? Who else would you like to see on the shortlist?



  • Lori Cerny

    “… WB was searching for a female director to take the reins, which seems appropriate… ”

    Sean, why do you think that? I don’t see why they are specifically seeking out a female director. It should be, whichever sex, that can strike the correct balance between action and drama without sexualizing the lead ala Michael Bay.

    Someone like James Cameron with “Aliens” and “Terminator” or even “The Abyss” because the character of Lindsey who chose to die. The only problem is, he’s sooooo busy with those Avatar sequels.

  • devolutionary

    If anything the gender identification in roles seems reversed between James Cameron and his ex Kathryn Bigelow. She tends to glorify the machismo of her male characters while Jimmy C tends to enhance the identities of his female leads.

  • T. Heilman

    I’m surprised their marriage failed as they both share aesthetic similarities, a propensity for overblown set pieces, risable dialogue and blue hued visuals.
    Either are suitable for disposable comic book adaptations.

  • Sean

    This being the first major female-led superhero movie in the current wave of comic book movies, it just seems like a progressive step to let a woman direct it. It doesn’t mean they’ll do a better job necessarily… it’s not like a Wonder Woman movie necessarily needs a female point of view, but it can’t hurt.

    Maybe it’s just a PR move, but if it gets someone directing one of these blockbusters who might not normally get a chance, I’m all for it.

  • Tommy

    What happened to the lady who directed Punisher: Warzone? That was rad.

  • Brittany Gresang

    They’re all better than Zack Snyder. There I said it.

  • Xander

    I think Taymor would be an exciting but risky choice. Her films (and stage plays) are always visually arresting but don’t always “work” (kind of like Snyder). Similar to Brannagh’s choice for Thor, she is a Shakespeare vet who would bring a high art sensibility to the work that could be great or could be a disaster.

  • ECONOMYpolitica

    Why not James Cameron or Christopher Nolan? Does it have to be a woman? Talk about sexist.

  • theo

    Linda Hamilton was married to him, as well as Gale Ann Hurd. He’s been married4 times, and from what I understand…. he’s a bit of an asshole. So don’t be too surprised.

  • Kenneth Serenyi

    ?I’m just a Bigelow and everywhere I go

    People know the movies I’m Directin’

    The Hurt Locker, Blue Steel, or The Miraculous Year

    Ooh, and they’re sayin’

    There will come a day when comicbook movies will pass away

    What will they say about me?

    When the end comes, I know

    They was not for the Bigelow

    Wonder Woman will go on without me?