The internet has a funny way of making things true just because we want them to be. Lately, if you spend any time on Threads or Reddit, you’ve probably seen the name Monica Barbaro attached to a certain golden lasso. It’s the kind of casting that just clicks in your brain. You see her as Phoenix in Top Gun: Maverick, commanding a cockpit with that "don't mess with me" glare, and you think: Yeah, she could definitely punch a god in the face.
But here’s the reality check. As of early 2026, Monica Barbaro has not been cast as Wonder Woman.
I know, it’s a bummer. We all want that official press release from James Gunn to drop, but the DC Universe (DCU) is currently playing a very long game. While the rumors are flying faster than an Invisible Jet, the seat of Diana Prince is technically still empty.
The Origins of the Monica Barbaro Wonder Woman Buzz
Why her? Why now? It isn't just random.
Basically, it started with the fans. Fancasting is a sport these days, and Barbaro is a heavyweight contender. After her breakout in Maverick, people noticed she has that rare "Old Hollywood" face—classic, strong, and deeply expressive. Then came her role as Joan Baez in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. That movie proved she has the dramatic range to handle the "fish out of water" gravitas that a character like Diana requires.
💡 You might also like: Charlize Theron Sweet November: Why This Panned Rom-Com Became a Cult Favorite
Honestly, she’s got the resume for it.
- She can handle high-intensity action (see: FUBAR with Arnold Schwarzenegger).
- She has the physical presence (5'7", though fans argue about whether Wonder Woman needs to be a 6-foot giant).
- She is currently at that "sweet spot" in her career where she's a known name but not yet tied to a massive superhero contract.
What James Gunn Has Actually Said (and Not Said)
James Gunn is famously active on social media, often debunking rumors before they can even sprout legs. In late 2025 and even into January 2026, he’s been swatting away "confirmed" casting leaks like flies.
One big rumor suggested the new Wonder Woman would be announced this month to appear in the Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow (slated for 2027). Gunn’s response? A very blunt "Nope."
He’s been pretty transparent about the process. He wants the script for the solo Wonder Woman project—currently being penned by Ana Nogueira—to be rock solid before they even look at a casting couch. Nogueira is the same writer behind the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow script, which gives us a hint that the DCU’s take on Diana will likely be more mythic and perhaps a bit more "warrior-first" than we've seen before.
📖 Related: Charlie Charlie Are You Here: Why the Viral Demon Myth Still Creeps Us Out
There is also the HBO series Paradise Lost. This is a Game of Thrones-style prequel set on Themyscira long before Diana is born. Because that show is in "active development," many people (wrongly) assume the lead actress has already been picked behind closed doors.
The "Age" Factor and the Competition
If Barbaro does get the call, she’s up against some stiff competition. The "shortlist" in the minds of the internet is basically a list of the most talented women in Hollywood right now.
- Adria Arjona: A massive fan favorite who has the look and the "it" factor.
- Melissa Barrera: Simu Liu recently went on record saying she’d be his pick, though at 5'7", she faces the same "height" debates as Barbaro.
- May Calamawy: Her performance in Moon Knight put her on everyone’s radar for a powerhouse warrior role.
The big sticking point is age. James Gunn and Peter Safran are building a ten-year plan. Barbaro is in her mid-30s. While she looks incredible and can easily play younger, the studio might be looking for someone in their early 20s to carry the franchise until 2035. That’s the brutal math of Hollywood franchise building.
What’s Next for Monica Barbaro?
While we wait for DC to make up its mind, Monica isn't exactly sitting by the phone. She’s booked solid. She’s starring in the high-concept comedy One Night Only, directed by Will Gluck, which hits theaters in August 2026. She’s also got Crime 101 on the horizon.
👉 See also: Cast of Troubled Youth Television Show: Where They Are in 2026
If she doesn't get the lasso, she’s still on a trajectory toward becoming a massive A-lister. But for those of us who see her as the perfect Amazonian, the dream isn't dead yet. It’s just... on hold.
How to Track Real Casting News
If you want to stay ahead of the curve and avoid the clickbait, keep an eye on these specific sources:
- James Gunn’s Threads account: He is the primary source of truth for the DCU.
- Trade Publications: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Deadline are the only places where "confirmed" actually means confirmed.
- Production Weekly: This industry trade tracks when filming actually begins, which is usually when casting is finalized.
The Monica Barbaro Wonder Woman conversation is a testament to how much she’s resonated with audiences lately. Whether she ends up on Themyscira or continues her streak of prestige dramas and action hits, she’s clearly one of the most interesting actors to watch in 2026.
Keep your expectations in check. Follow James Gunn on social media for direct updates and avoid "leaks" from unverified Twitter accounts that claim to have "insider" knowledge without a paper trail.