After reports surfaced last week that Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 3 was on the chopping block, James Gunn asked fans for patience.
So. As for the story yesterday in the Hollywood Reporter, some of it is true, some of it is half-true, some of it is not true, & some of it we haven’t decided yet whether it’s true or not.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 8, 2022
His tweet seemed to end the frenzy on social, but in a surprise post late Tuesday evening, Jenkins responded with an open letter to fans.
Here are 5 takeaways from Patty’s Wonder Woman 3 letter
The original document is an image file.
Rogue Squadron is still in development
Yes, it’s true. Clearly intended to address backlash online regarding Wonder Woman 3, the open letter also gave fans insight into the status of Star Wars Rogue Squadron, which Jenkins says she isn’t sure will happen or not—adding that the film is still developing and her attachment to Wonder Woman 3 impacted Squadron’s progress.
“I originally left Rogue Squadron after a long and productive development process when it became clear it couldn’t happen soon enough and I did not want to delay WW3 any further. When I did, Lucasfilm asked me to consider coming back to RS after WW3, which I was honored to do, so I agreed. They made a new deal with me. In fact, I am still on it and that project has been in active development ever since. I don’t know if it will happen or not. We never do until the development process is complete, but I look forward to its potential ahead.”
Jenkins was willing to stay on for Wonder Woman 3
In what was an otherwise positive and thankful message to her fans, Jenkins broke rank to ensure her followers knew she didn’t walk away from Wonder Woman 3.
“When there started being backlash about WW3 not happening, the attractive clickbait false story that it was me that killed it or walked away started to spread. This is simply not true. I never walked away. I was open to considering anything asked of me. It was my understanding there was nothing I could do to move anything forward at this time. DC is obviously buried in changes they must make, so I understand these decisions are difficult right now.”
A very Shaggy way to say, “it wasn’t me.”
Jenkins loves Wonder Woman the character
We often forget that directors and filmmakers are human beings like us. Their attachment to their characters and high expectations of themselves can affect their mental health and well-being throughout the process. Jenkins wants fans to know that Wonder Woman was different; this one made her a better person.
“I do not want what has been a beautiful journey with WW to land on a negative note. I have loved and been so honored to be the person who got to make these last two Wonder Woman films. She is an incredible character. Living in and around her values makes one a better person every day. I wish her and her legacy an amazing future ahead, with or without me.”
Gal Gadot is a real-life Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot isn’t the type of person that spends her time thinking about ways to get in front of a camera off-screen. The low-key award-winning superstar rarely makes unnecessary appearances, but Patty says she’s an extraordinary human being.
“Gal Gadot. Where do I even begin? Gal is the greatest gift I have received in this whole journey. A cherished friend, inspiration, and sister. There are no words I can use to convey how magical she is. She is the walking embodiment of Wonder Woman in real life and a better person than the world can imagine. Never once in the millions of moments I have spent with her did I see anything less. She is a gift to this world, and, even more so, to me.”
Jenkins is grateful for fans’ support
Jenkins is no doubt emotionally attached to Wonder Woman. Spending so much time with the character, how could she not? But Jenkins also gave a shout-out to fans expressing her affinity for the people who enjoy her work, personally.
“Lastly, but most importantly, THANK YOU to the incredible WW fans, and for all of your love and support. Wonder Woman fans are often not the most visible in the media and online, but I want you to know that we have always seen and celebrated you and your importance. You were first and foremost in our minds every day we made the last two films. You are the best and most loving people and I look forward to always celebrating you.”
What does it all mean?
What’s strange about the Wonder Woman 3 letter, however, was James’ response moments later.
I can attest that all of Peter and my interactions with you were only pleasant and professional.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 14, 2022
It’s hard to know precisely what Gunn is responding to (the Wonder Woman 3 letter is all the context we have from Jenkins). But we can’t help but wonder whether one line triggered it.
In a short but to-the-point sidebar to the whole of the letter, Jenkins slides in a sliver of context, stating, “I was open to considering anything asked of me. It was my understanding there was nothing I could do to move anything forward at this time.”
This line sticks out for an open letter with an otherwise positive tone. But it shouldn’t break Twitter. We need to move on. Jenkins is grateful for her experience and we should be too. Wonder Woman was fantastic and Jenkins’ contributions to the franchise will always be revered among comic book movie fans. Again, it wasn’t her call.
In any case, it looks like the big whodunnit is over. Gunn is the new CO-CEO of DC Studios and wants to go in a new direction. Jenkins took it on the chin, and Gunn praised her professionalism. The best thing for both of them, honestly.
What did you think about how Jenkins handled her Gunn-Gadot shock?