A little over a week ago some surprising news broke that WONDER WOMAN 2 was looking to cast actress Kristen Wiig as the villain Cheetah in the sequel. Fans started scratching their heads over the news, as Wiig does not seem the likely choice for a role like this, more known for her work in comedy. No matter, because now it’s something we better start getting used to as director Patty Jenkins confirms Wiig is officially on board.
When Deadline broke the news at the end of February it included that Wiig had not officially signed on for the role, but that she was just “in talks.” Now Jenkins has taken to Twitter to confirm she is officially on the team, with the director expressing her excitement about working with her.
Cheetah is major, long-standing antagonist of Wonder Woman's (played by Gal Gadot), and the manlte of which has been passed down to four different characters. Word is Wiig will play the third incarnation, Barbara Ann Minerva, a British archaeologist who gains special powers after going on a trip to Africa.
The news about Wiig came out not long after it was reported actress Emma Stone was initially approached for the role, but eventually turned it down. Sarah Paulson also threw her name into the ring, but no word on if that led to any serious negotiations.
Wiig is certainly an unconventional choice, with her making her claim to fame in comedies and playing a wide variety of characters on SNL. But she has made great strides in the dramatic department in movies like WELCOME TO ME, THE SKELETON TWINS and even a serious part in THE MARTIAN (despite it being, very obviously, a comedy). I don't think they would go after Wiig if they didn't think she was perfect for the part, and I happen to be a big fan of Wiig's, so I'm excited to see how this all plays out. In other words, I'm ready to PAAAAAARRRRTYYYYYY!
WONDER WOMAN 2 is set for November 1, 2019