The Seven Reasons Why Cobie Smulders Was The Perfect Wonder Woman (That Never Happened)
The persistent rumor that Cobie Smulders was almost cast as Wonder Woman continues to captivate fans of both the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). As of late 2025, while the DC Universe (DCU) undergoes a major reboot under James Gunn and Peter Safran, the story of Smulders' near-casting is a fascinating piece of superhero film history, confirming that the actress was indeed considered for the iconic Amazonian princess long before Gal Gadot took the mantle.
This deep dive explores the complete history of why the former *How I Met Your Mother* star was a front-runner for Diana Prince, her actual role in the DC universe, and her recent career moves, including her return as Maria Hill in Marvel's *Secret Invasion* miniseries, proving her enduring status as a powerhouse in the superhero genre.
Cobie Smulders: Full Biography, Profile, and Key Filmography
Jacoba Francisca Maria "Cobie" Smulders is a Canadian-American actress and former model, widely recognized for her versatility across comedy and action genres.
- Full Name: Jacoba Francisca Maria Smulders
- Born: April 3, 1982, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian-American
- Spouse: Taran Killam (married 2012)
- Notable Awards: Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut in *Present Laughter* (2017)
Selected Filmography & Television Roles (Entities)
Cobie Smulders has built a robust career spanning decades, with her most famous roles becoming pop culture staples. Her extensive work demonstrates the range and physicality that made her a compelling candidate for Wonder Woman. Here is a list of her most relevant works, including recent and upcoming projects:
- Television:
- *How I Met Your Mother* (2005–2014) as Robin Scherbatsky
- *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.* (2013–2015) as Maria Hill
- *Friends from College* (2017–2019) as Lisa Turner
- *Stumptown* (2019–2020) as Dex Parios
- *Secret Invasion* (2023) as Maria Hill
- *Accused S2* (2024) (Series)
- *One Last Sin* (2025) (Series)
- Film:
- *The Avengers* (2012) as Maria Hill
- *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* (2014) as Maria Hill
- *The Lego Movie* (2014) as Wonder Woman (Voice Role)
- *Avengers: Age of Ultron* (2015) as Maria Hill
- *Jack Reacher: Never Go Back* (2016) as Major Susan Turner
- *Avengers: Infinity War* (2018) as Maria Hill
- *Spider-Man: Far From Home* (2019) as Maria Hill
- *Ocean's 8* (2018) as Herself
- *Ward w Shokolata* (2025) (Movie)
The True Story: Cobie Smulders Was Joss Whedon's Wonder Woman
The connection between Cobie Smulders and the Amazonian princess is not a mere fan theory; it is a documented piece of Hollywood history tied directly to one of the biggest names in the superhero genre: director Joss Whedon.
The Canceled Whedon Project
In the mid-2000s, before the launch of the MCU and the DCEU as we know them, Joss Whedon was attached to write and direct a live-action *Wonder Woman* film for Warner Bros.
Whedon, who would later go on to direct *The Avengers* and cast Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, had his eye on the actress for the lead role of Diana Prince.
The project, unfortunately, never materialized, eventually being shelved in 2007 due to creative differences and script issues. This cancellation closed the door on Smulders becoming the live-action Wonder Woman at that time, but it clearly established her as a top contender in the minds of major studio creatives.
The Marvel vs. DC Crossover
Whedon's belief in Smulders' ability to handle a major comic book character led directly to her casting in the MCU.
After the *Wonder Woman* project failed, Whedon recommended Smulders to Marvel Studios, where she secured the role of S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Maria Hill, a character she has portrayed across multiple films and television series, including *The Avengers* and the recent Disney+ series *Secret Invasion*.
This unique career path means Smulders is one of the very few actors to be a central figure in both the Marvel and DC worlds, even if one of her roles was a near-miss.
Cobie Smulders' Actual Wonder Woman Role and Her DC Future
While the live-action role eluded her, Cobie Smulders did, in fact, officially portray the Amazonian warrior in a major motion picture, solidifying her place in the character's legacy.
The Voice of Diana Prince
In 2014, Smulders voiced Wonder Woman in the critically acclaimed animated film *The Lego Movie*.
In this role, she joined a star-studded cast, lending her voice to a humorous, yet heroic, version of Diana Prince, proving she could embody the character's spirit even without the costume.
When discussing the character, Smulders has expressed a deep respect for the icon, stating, “Wonder Woman is such an amazing character,” showing her appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the hero’s history.
The DCU Reboot and Fan Casting
With the new DCU slate beginning under co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, the conversation about new casting for iconic roles like Superman and Wonder Woman is constant.
Although Gal Gadot has been the face of the character for years, a new actress is expected to be cast for the upcoming DCU film *Paradise Lost* and the next main *Wonder Woman* movie.
Despite her age and current MCU commitments, Cobie Smulders' name continues to surface in fan-casting discussions, with some users suggesting her for a future role in the DCU as late as 2025.
Given her established rapport with Joss Whedon, her experience as a superhero agent (Maria Hill), and her proven ability to handle both action and dramatic roles, it’s easy to see why the fan interest remains high. Her natural on-screen authority and physical presence make her a perennial favorite for any major comic book role, whether it's the MCU's Agent Hill or the DCU's Diana Prince.
For now, Cobie Smulders is firmly rooted in the Marvel universe, but her history with the Wonder Woman character remains one of Hollywood's most intriguing "what if" scenarios.
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