Wonder Woman: 10 Other Casting Choices

by Mary Anne Butler, Reporter/Photographer  There was “The Great NERDRAGE of 2013” when Ben Affleck was named the new Batman for the 2015 Zack Snyder headed Batman vs Superman, and the announcement of Gal Gadot as our favorite Amazonian warrior princess continued the gnashing of fandom teeth.  Do we know what storyline this film will follow?  NO IDEA.  What DO we know?  Henry Cavill will continue his tenure as the last son of Krypton, newly off his (MAN OF STEEL SPOILERS) killing of Zod, destruction of the Dubstep monsters and Metropolis.  The Batfleck….well, we don’t really know anything there.  The rumor mill has been hard at work throwing out possible Lex Luthors (Bryan Cranston being the name we hear over and over again), and speculation as to whom Joaquin Phoenix will play.  Or why they’re putting Wonder Woman in this film at all.  Nothing against Ms. Gadot, but she isn’t quite what I pictured when imagining a ‘new’ Diana Prince.  Here are some ladies who *I* think would have been perfect for the role:

10.    Emily Deschanel.  While not a fan of Bones, if we’re going purely on looks for this, I would say Emily has those striking blue eyes, and the Grecian height.  I’m not fully aware of her ability to wield heavy weaponry, but I would be curious to see her try. 9.   Keri Russell.  We got to HEAR Keri’s portrayal in the 2009 animated film, Wonder Woman.  And after watching the USA network’s The Americans I can honestly say I was impressed with her physicality.  I would love to see how she would stand up against the Supes and Bats. 8.  Luciana Carro.   I will first mention her character Cat from Battlestar Galactica, and follow up with Crazy Lee from Falling Skies.  Able to keep up with any number of militarized men with whatever weaponry at hand, her ability to play the controlled insanity would be fitting for a vengeful outcast Princess if that’s the route taken with this film. 7.  Katheryn Winnick.  Yes, she’s blond, (and other than Katee Sackhoff would be the ideal choice if there is ever a Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers in a film; yes, yes, I know, from DC to Marvel), but Lagertha Lothbrook shield maiden wife to Ragnar Lothbrook on the History Channel’s Vikings is a real life badass.  She has (according to my interview with her at WonderCon earlier this year) at least five black belts in various forms of martial arts, was a card carrying body guard for several years, and according to her twitter, teaches self defense intensives for the ladies on the set in Greenland.  We’ve seen her ability to go from emotionally heavy scenes, fighting on the beach along side the warlord men, and holding court while sitting on the Earl’s dais. 6.  Leah Cairns.  (Yes, you’ll notice I mention several BSG alums in this list because frankly, Ron D. Moore wrote some AMAZINGLY strong women characters who would not have been as impactful had they not been portrayed by the ladies who brought the roles to life.)  Racetrack was one of those no-nonense pilots who wouldn’t let anyone stand in her way of what she felt was right, and knowing Leah’s passion for fundraising and being a beacon of hope, she could shoulder the responsibilities well. 5.  Morena Baccarin.  JUST a pretty face?  Not so much.  We’ve seen her handle men in ‘control’ in pretty much everything she’s done to date, complete with a lizard head alien in her arsenal. 4.  Cote de Pablo.  Ziva from NCIS is departing the show, so she’ll be free for filming!  We’ve loved her mad MOSSAD black op skills, and her handling of her male counterparts with aplomb. 3.  Carrie-Anne Moss.  Trinity.  Would she trade in her trench coat and sunglasses for sta’dr shorts and bracers?  Who knows, but it’d be awesome to see! 2.  Michelle Forbes.  Admiral Cain, Maryann the Maenad, she has no shortage of strong women who make an art of locking horns and weapons with men.  Her intensity, her calm, her eyes!  C’mon, she would be an AMAZING choice.  I want to see the phone call between her WW and Batfleck. 1.  Xena.  She WAS our Wonder Woman during the 90’s, with her sword wielding warrior ways, bested only by her love and loyalty to her friends.  Lucy Lawless did so much to encourage ladies of the age to be more than just a pretty pretty princess, and helped re launch the badass ladies in media movement.  To this day she remains one of the icons of female strength.  I was lucky enough to sit down with Lucy face to face at DragonCon this year, and I swear to the Lords of Kobol she hasn’t aged a DAY.  Still my top pick after all these years.  OR AT LEAST HAVE HER BE QUEEN HIPPOLYTA!!   Fuel up that invisible jet, don’t forget your lasso of truth, and head back over to ComicsOnline for everything geek pop culture.