Patty Jenkins confirms Kristen Wiig will play Cheetah in Wonder Woman 2

Although many of us are hesitant to see a fortified comedian take on the role of Cheetah, we can see what Patty Jenkins is going for in Wonder Woman 2.

As rumored, Kristen Wiig will play Dr. Barbara Ann Minerva/Cheetah in Wonder Woman 2. Even if you trust Patty Jenkins wholeheartedly, Wiig still seems like a strange choice for the character.

So far, we know the film will take place around the ’80s and follow a “Cold War narrative.” With Jenkins returning to direct and solid footing following the reception of the first film, we think it’s safe to say that she’ll follow a similar tone in the sequel. This means Wonder Woman 2 won’t suddenly become a comedy.

Moreover, it won’t necessarily adhere to any of the continuity we saw in Justice League, where Wonder Woman was slightly lackadaisical, for lack of a better word. Let’s just assume the Wonder Woman standalones just exist on their own.

So, what does Patty Jenkins plan to do with Kristen Wiig as Cheetah? Well, upon seeing this tweet, there are some subtle hints.

This picture is a little darker. It’s not a glamorous red carpet photo. What if Patty Jenkins wants a comedian because it’ll be easier to sell Dr. Minerva’s duplicity? Part of what makes Wonder Woman and Diana Prince so fascinating and compelling is that she really tunes into people and makes them feel seen. For example, remember how she reassured Charlie and asked him to stay with the group when he second-guessed himself?

Perhaps, Wonder Woman won’t be able to sniff out Cheetah because she’s so thrown off by her lighthearted and funny exterior. Wiig makes a great (albeit dorky) friend next door. As the Cheetah, she obviously harbors a dark secret.

Plus, Gal Gadot seems excited, too:

Given Jenkins’ strength with character building, we should trust the director to give Wiig enough room (but not too much, just in case she fumbles) to flesh out some quieter and darker moments. I guess it kind of seems like a re-hash of Ares and his civilian identity. On the flipside, Wiig could also go full Pennywise and be a smiling, child-eating psycho.

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Either way, I’m willing to give Patty Jenkins the benefit of the doubt. Sure, there was a point in time when she might’ve overlooked even Gal Gadot. However, Wonder Woman 2 could really surprise us.