One ofWonder Woman’s most underrated allies may finally be making her live-action debut, thanks to James Gunn, who recently made promising comments about the character and what he has in store for the DCU. So who is this hero? None other than Wonder Woman’s fraternal twin sister.
On June 28, 2025, James Gunn sat down with Pay or Wait to discusshis upcomingSupermanmovie, which has since been released as of July 13, 2025. However, the conversation didn’t remain solely on the Man of Steel.
When asked about other characters he hoped to bring into the DCU and if he had plans specifically for Nubia, the current queen of the Amazons, Gunn responded in the affirmative. He said,“I am very aware of Nubia.And yes, we are very much talking about that,and I want to have all sorts of people represented in the DCU, and yeah, you might be very happy in the distant future.”
Who Is Nubia? Wonder Woman’s Long-Lost Twin Sister & Queen of the Amazons
A Brief Overview of the History of Nubia
The fact that Gunn confirmed he is“very aware of Nubia”and suggested that the interviewer would likely be happy in the future is a strong indication that theQueen of the Amazons will eventually appearin the DCU.While Nubia has a loyal fanbase, she is still relatively unknown among casual fans.So, who is Nubia exactly, and what is her history in DC Comics?
Historically, Nubia was DC Comics’ first Black female superhero, making her a particularly notable figure in the publisher’s history. She first appeared inWonder Woman#204 (1973) by Robert Kanigher and Don Heck,introduced as Diana’s long-lost fraternal twin and Queen of the Floating Island.She went on to appear intermittently throughout Wonder Woman’s Bronze Age adventures.
Nubia’s origin is essentially the same as Diana’s. Both were created by Queen Hippolyta at the same time, withDiana being formed from white clay and Nubia from black clay. Aphrodite brought both to life. However, Nubia was kidnapped by Ares shortly after her creation, which caused her to become Diana’s long-lost sister.
Today,Nubia is more often depicted as one of Diana’s closest allies and the Queen of the Amazons.In addition to ruling Themyscira, she played a central role in Josie Campbell’ssix-issue mini-seriesAmazons Attack!(2023–2024), which focused on the persecution of Amazons around the world. This conflict was also a key element in Tom King’s currentWonder Womanrun.
How Will James Guinn Introduce Nubia to the DCU?
Paradise Lostvs.Wonder Woman:Which One Would Work Best for Nubia’s Live-Action Debut?
Nubia’s evolving role has made her an important figure in both Wonder Woman’s mythology and the broader DC Universe. With Gunn expressing interest inbringing more characters into the DCU and ensuring a wider range of representation, it only makes sense that Nubia would be considered for a future appearance, even if her debut remains a ways off.
The question of how Nubia will be introduced to the DCU still remains.With two Wonder Woman-related projects already confirmedby Gunn, it is likely she will appear in one of them. Gunn recently confirmed that aWonder Womanmovie is in development, which could easily serve as the live-action debut for Nubia.
As DC’s first Black female superhero, Nubia undoubtedly deserves a place in the new DCU.
However, it is perhaps even more likely that Nubia will first appear in the upcomingHBO Max seriesParadise Lost.This prequel series is set long before Diana’s time andfocuses entirely on Themyscira and its legendary Amazons. The story will explore themes of power, betrayal, and ancient conflicts within Amazonian society.
Gunn has describedParadise Lostas a fantasy dramain the style ofGame of Thrones. With its focus on Amazons outside of Diana,the show would be the perfect opportunity to introduce Nubia.If DC adapts her original origin story, the series may take place before her time, but it would be easy to make adjustments that allow her to appear.
What Has Nubia Been Up To in Recent DC Narratives?
DC’s First Black Female Superhero More Than Deserves Her DCU Debut
Since the end ofAmazons Attack!, Nubia has had limited involvement in ongoing DC narratives.She did play a role in the recentAbsolute Powercrisis event, where she allowed theheroes of the DC Universe to take refuge on Themyscirawhile Amanda Waller’s power-stealing robots were hunting them. Still, this was a relatively small role.
A live-action debut could be exactly what Nubia needs to return to prominence. Such an appearance would likely renew fan interest and open the door for the character to play a larger role in DC’s comics. This makes her introduction into the DCU not just exciting, but potentially transformative.
James Gunn has consistently shown respect for DC Comics canon in his filmsand shows. If he takes the same approach with Nubia, it would delight longtime fans and ensure her live-action debut honors the source material.
As DC’s first Black female superhero,Nubia undoubtedly deserves a placein the new DCU. The only remaining question is when she will appear. While Gunn’s comment about the “distant future”suggests her debut will not happen right away, it is clear that she is on his radar and that he is actively working toward bringing this underratedWonder Womanhero to life.
