In one of the best pieces of casting news we’ve heard in quite some time, Kristen Wiig will be taking on the role of Wonder Woman‘s arch-nemesis The Cheetah in the sequel to last year’s smash hit.
It was rumoured last week that Patty Jenkins was considering the comedic actress for the role, and overnight, the director took to Twitter to share the official announcement, saying:
“So excited to confirm the most thrilling news. Yes! It’s true! So incredibly lucky to welcome the sensationally talented Kristen Wiig to our Wonder Woman family. Can’t wait to finally work with one of my favorites. And SO excited by what we have planned.”
Per last week’s reports, Warner Bros originally wanted Emma Stone for the role, and when she passed, Wiig was Jenkins’ personal pick.
So excited to confirm the most thrilling news. Yes! It’s true! So incredibly lucky to welcome the sensationally talented Kristen Wiig to our Wonder Woman family. Can’t wait to finally work with one of my favorites. And SO excited by what we have planned. #Cheetah!!! @GalGadot pic.twitter.com/Gn0jICiIAH
— Patty Jenkins (@PattyJenks) March 9, 2018
Gal Gadot later chimed in to say that the news was “WONDERful”, and yes, we see what she did there.
I’m SO excited welcome on board Kristen! This is going to be WONDERful! https://t.co/FqQ191m1s0
— Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) March 9, 2018
There have been several incarnations of The Cheetah in the Wonder Woman comics, although it’s thought that Kristen Wiig will be playing Dr Barbara Ann Minerva, a British archaeologist who takes on shape-shifting powers, superhuman speed and sharp claws after an ancient ritual gone-wrong.
No title has been announced for the next Wonder Woman, but it is due for release in December of next year, and Jenkins is returning to direct, commanding a rumoured eight-figure paycheck after the first, highly-successful instalment in the series.
