Image Credit: Jordan Strauss/WireImage.com; Sylvain Gaboury/PR Photos; Sara De Boer/RetnaIf it’s not the hottest female role for next fall, it’s certainly among the top five: NBC and Warner Bros. are currently on the lookout for an actress who’s popular, tough, gorgeous, and sympathetic enough to play the classic comic-book character in the network’s much-anticipated reboot. Easy peasy: One on every corner of Hollywood, right?
Not exactly.
ABC didn’t make it any easier by locking up three twentysomething beauties for its redo of Charlie’s Angels – another project that demands leads that are both likable and strong enough to carry such an important franchise. It’s unclear whether David E. Kelley will go with an unknown to play the dual role of Wonder Woman/Diana Prince, though he’s definitely found success in the past with relative no-names. Calista Flockhart wasn’t exactly a household name when she landed Ally McBeal. In contrast, well-known gals like Teri Polo and KaDee Strickland weren’t enough to save Kelley’s 2007 dud The Wedding Bells.
One thing’s for sure: Kelley’s take on the superheroine could be a hoot to play. EW obtained a copy of his first draft from December, and, as promised, it not only features her signature golden lasso and pays homage (albeit oh-so-briefly) to Lynda Carter, but it should satiate those fans of Kelley’s memorable soapbox moments from Boston Legal and The Practice: At one point, Diana gives one helluva speech on Capitol Hill. And, Melinda Clarke, call your agent: The script features the juicy role of Diana’s nemesis that seems custom-written for a fortysomething hottie like Lady Heather herself.
EW polled a few great casting minds to find out who seems ripe for the picking — assuming they’d want to take on such a high-profile gig (one that, if not careful, could come with lots of ridicule). Every year, there are names of film stars that pop up for TV, but we’re going to guess that playing Wonder Woman on the small screen may not fly with gals like Amanda Peet, Zooey Deschanel, and Mandy Moore. And rule out Sarah Michelle Gellar and Kristen Bell: CBS and Showtime just scooped them up for pilots. From what we hear, the search is still wide open.
Here are some actresses that seem up to the task:
Anna Friel. She was adorable in ABC’s Pushing Daisies, though not so much in the dreadful remake of Land of the Lost.
Jennifer Love Hewitt. The star of Ghost Whisperer was single-handedly responsible for the success of that Friday-night show on CBS, and she remains immensely popular (as evidenced by the impressive ratings for her appearance in Sunday’s Hallmark movie on CBS, The Lost Valentine).
Becki Newton. As James Hibberd just reported, the Ugly Betty alum is in play, now that Love Bites seems to be all but dead.
Taylor Schilling. She was just about the only good thing about NBC’s low-rated medical drama Mercy.
Katie Cassidy. She was the rare bright spot in CW’s low-rated Melrose Place. But would she want to tackle another reboot?
Kate Mara. Recognize her from 127 Hours, Entourage, and 24?
Malin Akerman. Yep, films are keeping her busy, but the costar from Watchmen has already demonstrated how excellent she looks in tights.
Keri Russell. Remember her swinging the nunchucks in Mission: Impossible III with Tom Cruise? She’d be good with a lasso, too.
Ten to one it will be canceled halfway through season one anyway.
Katie Cassedy for the win. She’s got it all, beauty, athleticism, wit and charm to spare. And she looks hot as both a blonde and a brunette.
Sarah Lancaster should be written off “Chuck” and cast as Wonder Woman. Her character doesn’t really have much to add to the show anymore so NBC should just transfer her from one show to the other.
All of you are WRONG – Bridget Regan is the obvious and only choice, unless she is offered the role of Lois Lane in the new Superman, which she should take over this
Sarah Silverman
Bridget Regan! Google her!!!
Bridget Regan is the prototype for Wonder Woman, easily the best and obvious choice
I really liked Bridget on Legend of the Seeker. She would be a good fit.
I am not a big fan of fair haired people going dark to fit a character. Something about the skin tone makes it look unnatural and fake. Example: Malin Akerman in Watchmen – something was just not right.
Katie Cassidy would absolutely need breast implants. She is a 30 right now. She’s practically inverted.
Bridget Regan is a great suggestion – she really would be perfect – gorgeous, hint of goody-goody, strong.
Sarah Lancaster. There’s even a photoshopped picture of her with the original costume. She looks like she could be Linda Carter’s daughter. And she looks much better with the dark hair on “Chuck” than she did with blonde hair on “Scrubs”.
My vote also goes for Katie Cassidy. I’ve loved her since I saw her on Supernatural. She can act, she’s gorgeous and I can see her pulling this off with ease!
While I agree Bridget looks the part, she’s too soft. She was never quite the badass Amazon WW requires. However, sure she’s blonde, but Tabrett Bethell (the Mord-Sith Cara) would be MUCH more badass, sexy and fierce.
Jamie Murray (AKA Dexter’s one time British girlfriend who played Lila. There’s actually a picture of her in a wonder women custome and I’m saying this as a straight girl (she looks amazing!). Not to mention she really made the character in Dexter come to life.
My first choice would be Emily Deschanel. She dressed as Wonder Woman for a Halloween Party in a BONES episode. Looked fantastic. Of course, it not realistic, because the fans expect Bones to go for at least another ten years! So, my second choice is Keri Russell even though she’s a very petite cutie~~~
I too agree that Sarah Lancaster would be the perfect fit. She’s 5’8″, a dancer which gives her mobility and flexibility for stunts just as it did for Lynda Carter and Jennifer Garner, and most of all she’s a dead ringer of Lynda Carter.
Yes, I would have to join the Bridget Regan crusade for WW because she would indeed be the perfect choice. However, I would also not be against Tabrett Bethell playing the part as well because both ladies are gorgeous and statuesque and could very well do WW justice.
This is a loaded questions … you can basically eliminate anyone who does not have boobs!
When I picture a new Wonder Woman, I see Nadia Bjorlin from Days of Our Lives, and vice versa. Look her up.
She may LOOK the part…but she’s not a very good actress.
No offense, but Nadia Bjorlin looks like a ho and she truly is an awful actress. The rest of the list consists of tiny ladies… and i don’t just mean boobs. Bridget Regan is truly the only choice!
Lets cancel One Tree Hill and cast Sophia Bush!
Yes…Nadia Bjorlin is perfect! She can act, just give her the chance.
She certainly has the looks!
she is the one for this she is wonder woman .!!!!!!!.
Before the first commercial.
Hillary Clinton.
YES!
Like
ugly betty.
with any of these actresses it’ll surely get canceled. they should try for a movie version again and Sarah Shahi should play her.
No, it can only be SARAH LANCASTER, who plays Ellie Bartowski pn “CHUCK”.
She is funny, sweet, looks like both Lynda Carter AND Wonder Woman.
Sarah Lancaster is pregnant and due this summer. I doubt she would leave “Chuck” and I doubt she would be able to audition for the role of Wonder Woman.
Actually Shari Shahi is a good choice. That show she is in now is awful.
Sarah Shahi is too short.
:::::sigh:::::
Sarah Shahi….
I agree. Sarah Lancaster has the perfect look for Wonder Woman.
joan rivers daughter.
jennifer lopez=NOT
Sarah Michelle Gellar would have been perfect for sure!
Gellar is TINY. I love her to death, but she’s not Wonder Woman.
I agree. You need statuesque with curves–SMG isn’t exactly that.
Chris I agree man. She would be perfect…
Gellar would have been amazing. I think she should kill herself to do this part. And as far as being tall-who cares-they can make Diana Prince the runt of the island. I watched Buffy for 7 years and never thought 1X that she was too short to do anything
No boobs.
Mila Kunis
I can see that. She’ll have to hit the gym thou.
She’ll need to hit the gym? She is already tiny, plus WW is supposed to have at least some curves. If Mila “hit the gym” more she would be way to skinny to play WW. Besides, she would never take this role – too much movie stuff going on for her.
I think “hitting the gym” meant getting more muscular, not tinier. Kunis would be okay, but I would rather see her as Lois Lane in the Superman reboot.
Love Mila, but she is way too short. Plus, I doubt you’ll see her in another TV role anytime soon.
Mila’s already “on” a current series, but it probably only takes 10 minutes per week out of her time to voice Meg Griffin…
I think Olivia Wilde or Blake Lively would be great
I also think on your list Kate Mara is interesting, and Anna Friel is good in all her roles.
Olivia Wilde – I can see that.
No to Blake Lively in anything. Cannot stand her constant mumbling.
@AngieLam18
AGREED! There’s a reason I call her mush mouth. But she would LOVE the opportunity to show her boobs in every episode.
Man, you are being generous.
RuPaul would make a kick-a*s Wonder Woman! See him/her twirl!
LOL
she would ROCK.
Evengiline lilly BAYBAY
i agree
Megan Fox
Not if Keri Russell was the one! She’s an amazing actress, perfect for the role!
I agree with Jeremy – Lancaster is wasted on “Chuck” anyway; has the right look and presence.
My vote is for Bridget Regan also. She looks the part, has the action experience, just needs a shot.
What about Rose Mcgowan, Shannen Dorety, or,lacey Chabert? Also, have the original Wonder Woman on the show, thus, stepping down, and, handing the reins, to a younger replacement, similar to her daughter? Did the original Wonder Woman military love interest? Writers: Think of this as a storyline!
Nadia Bjorlin should play WONDER WOMAN…… Hands down!!!!!!
Nadia Bjorlin from Days Of Our Lives
Sophia Bush
Ooooh, Chloe from Days could definitely do it…good idea!
YES for Sophia Bush! Perfect, Done! Lets get her in this thing!
She would be incredible. Aside from the fact that she hasn’t been in anything, but One Tree Hill.
Sophia Bush would be great!
NOOOOOOO! While she may look the part, she is such a wooden actress.
Just NOOOOOOO!
Miracle Laurie!
NO! I’m sorry, but have you seen Dollhouse? She cannot act.
Agreed. She’s pretty, and it was refreshing to see someone with her figure getting to play the romantic opposite of someone who looks like Tahmoh Penikett, but she is a horrendous actress.
That’s who I’d like to see! Miracle would be great!!
Miracle Laurie!
That girl who plays Kate on White Collar.
Ooh! that would be good!
Seriously. That was the worst casting ever. She and Matt had anti-chemistry.
Oh that was painful to watch. Those two on the screen was really bad.
Hilarie Burton? Actually, I like her!
Different character. She has AMAZING chemistry with Matt Bomer. The girl who played Kate, on the other hand? Not a single spark. And it’s MATT FREAKING BOMER for crying out loud! How could anyone NOT have chemistry with him? (Okay, maybe I overused the caps lock there, but… seriously.)
Days of our Lives’ Nadia Bjorlin!
Lots of great actresses up there in that poll, but Nadia’s got the talent -and- the look!
Nadia? Talented?
Agreed. Nadia is as talented as Chloe is virtuous.
Bridget Regan!
I agree. Second pick would be Keri Russel, who already played WW in an animated film.
That’s what I was going to say!
Keri Russel is like 5’3″. She is way too short.
I ‘third’ Bridget Regan. She’d be awesome as Wonder Woman.
Bridget Regan is the ONLY choice here! We already know she could handle the probable a$$ kicking scenes!
yes!
Totally! Best suggestion yet.
Yes, please! I miss Legend of the Seeker and she’d be perfect for this – beauty & brawn!
If Wonder Woman comes to either the small or big screen, Bridget Regan would be the perfect choice to play her. On the other hand, I don’t want her involved with this David E. Kelley reboot, because I think it’s going to suck.
Agree, and agree (much as it pains me to say the show will suck…I think it will).
Bridget Regan is the ONLY choice.
WORD. She’s always been the best choice.
THIS!
Totally agree!
BRIDGET REGAN!! Best choice ever.
I think she would be awesome, she looks the part too.
BRIDGET REAGAN ALL THE WAY!!!
couldnt agree more! shes the perfect fit for WW!
THIS! Bridget Reagan!!
Eliza Dushku. Duh.
…or maybe Charisma Carpenter.
I 100% agree on Charisma. Seeing her in the costume would probably cause me to burst into flames.
Eliza? No because she proved what an underwhelming actress she is in Dollhouse. Charisma? Circa 10 years ago…maybe.
Love Charisma, but I think she’s too old.
Eliza was the first that i though of. But, sadly, her shows always get cancelled….
how about eliza AND summer glau?! the show will totally be safe.
I totally agree with Charisma
I like the idea of Charisma Carpenter. For those who say she is too old, it doesn’t indicate ANYWHERE that WW ought to be in the 18-25 age group, and seeing how I’ve hit 40, it would be nice to see someone who is not 18-25 starring in a superhero series. I don’t think Lynda Carter was a spring chicken when she did WW, I liked that she brought a mature elegance with her to the show that helped to balance the yummy cheesiness.
OK, so let’s go with the idea that the show is a hit and goes for 7 years…. 7 years from now she’ll be 48 (um, no). 30-35 seems to be the target age…..
I think Eliza would be perfect for the part. The Charisma Carpenter throw in…….. I dont think so. Maybe 10-15 years ago. Kim Kardash has the curves an the hair but the acting she doesn’t.
Dollhouse made me hesitant about Eliza Dushku as a lead on a show where she’s playing not-Faith. I love Charisma but she’s too old. If we’re talking Angel alum, Stephanie Romanov would be great but is also too old and Amy Acker is too skinny, but maybe Alexa Davalos?
Alexa Davalos came to mind for me too. She’s gorgeous, curvy, can act and kick ass. I also like Olivia Wilde.
Not Eliza. She’s great at playing tough girl roles and that’s about it. Her acting range is very limited.
Bridget Regan from Legend of the Seeker!
Rachel Bilson, we already know she looks great in the costume.
Hear, hear! Or Megan Fox. At least she’ll look the part.
Team Bilson!
Not with those thumbs!!
I’m for Rachel Bilson.
Yes!! Rachel Bilson, I keep remembering her super hero alter ego from the OC, totally could see her in the part.
Forget Rachel Bilson. Brooklyn Decker would be a perfect fit. Has the height that Bilson doesn’t have and has the better body to play an Amazon Super Hero
Bridget Regan from Legend of the Seeker would be perfect!
Yup, i always think this when i see WW news…
Cast some teenager because the script looks geared for Twilight crowd and is likely to alienate the real fanbase of the character. According to the script leaked, it looks like the Princess will be a pajama wearing, hair brush singing, Carrie from Sex in the City type. I love David Kelly but his take insults the character. Casting this should be easy, let’s not go for anything that actually looks like Diana.
I read a review of the leaked script, and holy sh*t it looks terrible. It’s like an Ally McBeal’d Wonder Woman and it totally is insulting. I hope it goes through some major editing, or that the leaked script is a prank and isn’t the real one.
Evangeline Lilly.
Seconded.
For real.
Not curvy enough.
You would be amazed at what adding a few smart calories to your diet can do for some curves.
THIS is the greatest idea ever, evangeline has the look and is a great actress
Interesting casting idea…I think I like it.
That’s what I was thinking.
Hell yes for evangeline Lilly
Definitely Evangeline!
Sure!
I love Evangeline Lilly and I loved her on Lost, and I’ll admit that she has good muscles. But she’s so small. Wonder Woman is an Amazon – I kind of think they really need to find an actress who’s actually tall and solid, which means they’ll probably need to find an unknown, given the biases in Hollywood for super-skinny petite ladies.
I also love Evangeline Lilly, but I think she would be better as Lois Lane. But I miss seeing those actors every week and it would be great to see her as Wonder Women. But then again, she is probably what, 5 5 and quite thin, so I don’t know of she would be big enough.
Bridget Regan!!
’nuff said
AMEN, she’d be perfect for the role!
Why do I get the feeling Bridget Regan’s parent’s are on this site?
No, but she seems to be the best choice in a sea of AWFUL choices (bad casting can kill a movie; the script was mediocre too, but a 22 yr. old blonde anorexic Lois Lane in Superman Returns with a 5 year old kid was beyond jarring)
Cancel that crapfest Perfect Couples and cast Oliva Munn as Wonder Woman.
Agreed!
No thanks. She is terrible in everything I’ve seen her in.
Strong veto on Olivia Munn. She takes her I’m-hot-but-I-don’t-take-myself-seriously act way too seriously, and she poisons every scene she’s in. I feel Jon Stewart’s pain every time she has a segment on “TDS.”