“Exploring the Burden of Expectations on Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman Franchise”

Nobody owes Gal Gadot another Wonder Woman sequel – DC fans need to get out of this mindset

Recently, it was reported that DC Studios has unexpectedly scrapped plans for a third installment of the Wonder Woman franchise starring Gal Gadot. This news has left fans disappointed, and has also brought up old grievances surrounding the treatment of Henry Cavill, who was replaced as Superman. However, it is important for fans to reflect on what they are truly complaining about and to recognize the sense of entitlement that has developed in franchise filmmaking.

Franchise filmmaking and the expectation of reward

In franchise filmmaking, there is an increasing sense of entitlement among fans that an actor who has dedicated their time and effort to a particular movie series deserves to be rewarded with their own showpiece project. While this sometimes happens, such as with Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow or Margot Robbie’s Birds of Prey, it is important to remember that these roles are jobs, not handouts.

Movie studios are not charities, and actors are not owed anything beyond their agreed-upon compensation. While it is understandable that fans want to see their favorite actors succeed and be given the opportunity to shine in a leading role, it is crucial to not lose sight of the fact that these actors are professionals and that their work is part of a larger commercial product.

The case of Gal Gadot and Henry Cavill

Gal Gadot has already fronted two Wonder Woman films, both of which were well-received by audiences. Similarly, Henry Cavill portrayed Superman in several DC films, including Justice League and Batman v Superman. However, just because fans enjoyed their performances does not mean that they are entitled to more films featuring these characters. It is ultimately up to the studios to decide the direction of their franchises and who they want to cast in lead roles.

It is worth noting that while many fans defended Cavill’s portrayal of Superman, the decision was made to replace him with David Corenswet for the forthcoming film Superman: Legacy. Fans may be disappointed, but it is important to respect the choices made by the studio and understand that actors are not owed the opportunity to redeem themselves from less successful projects.

The danger of entitlement in franchise filmmaking

The entitlement complex among fans reached a peak in 2021 with the release of the “Snyder Cut” of Justice League. This alternative version of the film, produced following a fan campaign, was seen as a way to give director Zack Snyder the opportunity to showcase his original vision. However, it ultimately became little more than a curiosity, with limited critical acclaim and mainstream audience reception.

This entitlement mentality perpetuates a cycle where fans continuously order more of the same product, hoping that the next installment will be better. However, movie studios are in the business of making money, and their decisions are driven by commercial interests rather than satisfying the demands of entitled fans.

Editorial and advice

The reported abandonment of Wonder Woman 3 is undoubtedly disappointing for fans of the franchise, as well as for director Patty Jenkins, who has become one of Hollywood’s most prominent female blockbuster filmmakers thanks to her work on Wonder Woman. However, it is important to remember that this third film was not an artistic passion project, but rather a commercial product aimed at generating profit.

Fans need to recalibrate their expectations and understand that actors and filmmakers are professionals who are not entitled to specific projects or opportunities. It is essential to appreciate and support their work, but also respect the decisions made by studios and the commercial realities of the film industry.

Instead of lamenting the loss of specific projects, fans can focus on celebrating the existing films and creating a supportive and inclusive community around their favorite franchises. By embracing this mentality, fans can alleviate the pressure on actors and studios and help foster a healthier and more balanced relationship between filmmakers and their audience.