What Simu Liu Saw During Melissa Barrera's Stunt Training That Screams Wonder Woman

When a Marvel superhero who fought his way through one of the most acclaimed action sequences in recent cinema says an actor has Wonder Woman written all over them, that carries weight. And Simu Liu just made the strongest case yet for why Melissa Barrera should become the DCU's next Diana Prince.

The endorsement came during an interview with JoBlo while promoting their new Peacock spy thriller, The Copenhagen Test. But what makes Liu's comments stand out is not the endorsement itself. It's what he witnessed firsthand during their stunt training sessions together. And frankly, this kind of firsthand professional testimony matters infinitely more than thousands of Twitter polls and Reddit threads combined.

The Moment Liu Saw Wonder Woman

"There were a couple of moments during stunt training where I was like 'That's Wonder Woman-esque,'" Liu revealed. Coming from someone who performed most of his own stunts in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, this is not casual praise. This is a trained martial artist recognizing something specific in another performer's movements.

The two stars trained together extensively for The Copenhagen Test, a high-octane espionage series that premiered on Peacock in late December 2025. The show follows a hacked intelligence analyst who must maintain a performance around the clock while unknown enemies watch through his eyes. It's physical, intense work that requires actors to sell believable combat. And based on what we've seen in the series, Barrera delivers exactly that kind of grounded, visceral action that modern audiences demand.

Liu continued his praise with pointed directness. "James Gunn or anybody else out there, I think she really pushes herself," he said. Then came the kicker: "I don't know who's watching or listening to this interview but I just think she's a total badass."

That last line matters. Liu knows exactly who might be listening. DC Studios, under James Gunn's leadership, is actively writing Wonder Woman right now. Screenwriter Ana Nogueira, who penned Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow for the DCU, has been tapped to write the script. A director has yet to be hired, and casting won't begin until Gunn approves the screenplay.

The timing of Liu's comments is perfect. This is exactly when these conversations need to happen, when names need to get into casting directors' heads before the official process begins. Whether intentional or not, Liu just handed Barrera a golden ticket into those early discussions.

Why Liu's Opinion Carries More Weight Than Fan Campaigns

Here's the reality that most people miss about superhero casting, and it's something Hollywood insiders understand but rarely say out loud: fan campaigns on social media generate noise. They create trending hashtags and viral posts. But a co-star endorsement from someone with Liu's credentials carries actual influence in casting rooms.

Liu isn't just another actor vouching for a friend. He's someone who trained intensively for one of the most physically demanding roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Before landing Shang-Chi, Liu had worked as a stuntman and possessed a background in martial arts and gymnastics. When he speaks about someone's physical capabilities for an action role, he's speaking from professional expertise that casting directors actually respect.

The actor has admitted in previous interviews that he exaggerated his martial arts experience to land the Shang-Chi role, then spent months training with legendary fight choreographers to deliver what many consider the best action sequences in MCU history.

That humility and work ethic make his endorsement even more credible. He knows what it takes to transform into a believable superhero on screen because he's lived it. He understands the gap between looking athletic and actually executing complex fight choreography at a professional level.

When Liu says he saw "Wonder Woman-esque" moments during Barrera's training, he's describing specific physical skills. The ability to sell power in movement. The presence that makes fight choreography feel dangerous rather than rehearsed. The stamina to repeat takes until the sequence looks effortless on camera. These aren't vague compliments. They're professional observations.

These are not qualities visible in audition tapes or screen tests. They emerge during the grueling process of stunt preparation, when actors are exhausted, frustrated, and pushed beyond their comfort zones. That's when you see who has the physical intensity and mental resilience required for a franchise cornerstone like Wonder Woman. And honestly, that's worth more than any amount of "she looks like Wonder Woman" comments from fans who've never seen her throw a punch.

What The Copenhagen Test Reveals About Barrera's Range

The Copenhagen Test itself serves as an extended audition for Barrera's action credentials, whether DC Studios realizes it or not. The series, executive produced by horror maestro James Wan, features both Liu and Barrera in a tech-noir thriller that demands sustained physical performance.

According to reviews, the show includes a brutal fight sequence in episode seven that required significant preparation. TV Insider specifically highlighted how Liu and Barrera trained for this confrontation, with stunt coordinator James Mark praising the elevated expectations for television fight choreography. "Fights on TV aren't what they used to be," Mark noted, referencing the rising bar for action sequences in streaming content.

He's absolutely right. The days when TV action could be serviceable but not spectacular are over. Streaming platforms have raised the bar to near-theatrical levels, and actors who can't deliver get exposed immediately. Barrera clearly passed that test.

The series premiered on December 27, 2025, and quickly climbed to number one on U.S. streaming charts. For Barrera, the success represents another step in rebuilding her career after being fired from Scream 7 in late 2023. The controversy stemmed from social media posts about the Israel-Hamas conflict in October and November 2023 that production company Spyglass Media interpreted as antisemitic.

Spyglass released a statement saying they had "zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech."

Barrera had posted statements calling the situation in Gaza "genocide" and "ethnic cleansing," and made a comment about Western media coverage that some interpreted as invoking antisemitic tropes about Jewish control of media. Barrera later released a statement condemning both antisemitism and Islamophobia while maintaining she would continue speaking on human rights issues.

The fallout was severe and, in my opinion, disproportionate. Barrera described feeling like her "life was over" in the aftermath. Major studios steered clear of her for over a year. But she continued working on projects already in the pipeline, including Your Monster and Abigail, both of which received positive reception.

The Copenhagen Test marks her return to high-profile work. It's also, perhaps unintentionally, a showcase for the physical skills that make her a legitimate Wonder Woman candidate. If James Gunn is smart, he's already watching.

Barrera's Thoughtful Response Shows She Understands the Role

What separates Barrera from other fan-cast candidates is not just physical ability but her understanding of what the role represents. And this, more than anything else, convinces me she deserves serious consideration. In an interview with A Shot Magazine in April 2025, she addressed the Wonder Woman speculation directly with a maturity that most actors twice her age couldn't muster.

"I think it's nice because of what the character represents," Barrera said when asked about being fan-cast. She hasn't been contacted by DC Studios ("Of course not!" she confirmed with a laugh), but her thoughts on the potential casting reveal a perspective on superhero stardom that Hollywood desperately needs more of.

"I think whoever gets the role, I just hope that they can embody the essence of the character because I think that those movies, whether they're Marvel or DC, their reach is so big," Barrera explained. "And because those artists that get those roles will inevitably get a built-in fanbase and have the eyes and the ears of so many people, I think that it would be nice if they did something actually positive with the influence that they have to at least be a good example of the kind of human being that you wanna be in the world, instead of just using it for self-serving purposes."

This statement matters more than most people realize, and it's exactly the kind of thing James Gunn should be paying attention to. It demonstrates that Barrera views the role through the lens of responsibility rather than opportunity. She's thinking about what Wonder Woman means to audiences, particularly young girls who see the character as a symbol of strength and justice. She's considering the platform that comes with the role and how it should be used.

This is precisely the mindset Gunn looks for when casting cornerstone DCU characters. Gunn has repeatedly emphasized that he wants actors who understand the weight these roles carry, who see them as more than career advancement. Barrera's comments suggest she already grasps this, even before being offered the part. That's rare, and it's valuable.

The Physical Requirements for Wonder Woman in the DCU

The DCU's Wonder Woman needs to deliver on multiple levels, and the physical demands alone eliminate most actors from consideration. She must be physically convincing as an Amazon warrior trained since childhood in combat. She must bring emotional depth to a character caught between two worlds. And she must anchor a franchise that will likely span multiple films and potentially crossover appearances in other DCU properties.

Gal Gadot's portrayal in the DCEU established certain expectations. She brought grace and charisma to the role, along with a background in military training that lent authenticity to some action sequences. However, and I say this with respect for what Gadot accomplished, her fight scenes often relied heavily on wire work and CGI enhancement. The practical, grounded combat that made Matt Reeves' The Batman or the John Wick franchise so visceral was largely absent.

That's not entirely Gadot's fault. The DCEU's approach to action skewed heavily toward spectacle over believability. But it also means the DCU has an opportunity to do something different, something more grounded and physically impressive.

James Gunn's DCU appears to be taking exactly that approach. The success of Superman (2025) has set a tone that balances spectacle with character-driven storytelling. Early reports suggest Gunn wants Wonder Woman to feel distinct from what came before, potentially leaning more into the character's mythological roots while maintaining the physical intensity audiences now expect from superhero action.

This is where Barrera's skill set becomes particularly relevant, in my view. Her background in horror films like Scream V and Scream VI required a different kind of physical performance than standard action movies. Horror demands visceral reactions, the ability to sell fear and desperation in ways that feel genuine.

These skills translate directly to the emotional intensity needed for Wonder Woman's more dramatic moments. Watch Barrera in the Scream films, and you see someone who commits fully to physical vulnerability while maintaining an underlying strength. That's exactly the balance Wonder Woman needs.

Meanwhile, her work on The Copenhagen Test demonstrates she can handle extended action sequences that go beyond simple choreography. The espionage genre requires precision and believability in a way that pure superhero spectacle sometimes doesn't. You can't hide behind CGI effects when you're supposed to be a highly trained intelligence operative executing realistic combat moves. Either you can do it or you can't. Barrera clearly can.

The Representation Question Nobody Wants to Discuss Honestly
Let's address something that hangs over this entire conversation, because ignoring it would be dishonest: representation. Melissa Barrera is Mexican, which would make her a Latina Wonder Woman. This matters, but not in the simplistic way it's often discussed, and I think both sides of this debate often miss the point entirely.

Wonder Woman is Greek in mythology, which technically makes her Mediterranean. Historically, Mediterranean peoples ranged widely in appearance, and ancient Greek artwork shows considerable diversity in how they depicted human figures. The idea that Wonder Woman must look a specific way is more about Hollywood convention than mythological accuracy. Anyone who's actually studied classical Mediterranean culture knows this.

What matters more, and what should matter to James Gunn, is whether the actor can embody the essence of the character. Diana Prince is a warrior princess raised on an island of women warriors, who chooses to enter a world of men to fight for justice and peace. She's an outsider navigating a society that often underestimates her. She's someone who refuses to compromise her values even when it would be easier to do so.

Barrera's recent career trajectory reflects some of these same qualities, whether she intended it or not. She spoke out on an issue she believed mattered, knowing it would cost her professionally. She refused to be silent even when silence would have protected her career. She's rebuilt from a very public cancellation through hard work rather than apologies or backtracking.

These experiences don't automatically qualify her for Wonder Woman. But they suggest she understands what it means to stand for something when it's difficult, to face consequences and keep moving forward. These are core Wonder Woman traits. And honestly, I'd rather have an actor who's lived through professional adversity for speaking her conscience than someone who's only ever played it safe.

Why This Could Actually Happen

Here's what makes Liu's endorsement potentially impactful, beyond just generating headlines: timing and context.

DC Studios is in the early stages of developing Wonder Woman. The script is being written, but no director has been hired and no casting has begun. This is the precise moment when industry chatter and word-of-mouth recommendations carry the most weight. Casting directors are compiling lists, having conversations, and gathering intelligence on who might work for the role.

When a respected actor with superhero experience specifically names someone and cites firsthand evidence from stunt training, that gets added to the file. It becomes part of the conversation in rooms where decisions get made. I've covered entertainment long enough to know this is how these things actually work, regardless of what official statements say.

Additionally, James Gunn has shown a willingness to cast unexpected choices, which is one of the things I respect most about his approach to the DCU. His Superman is David Corenswet, not exactly a household name before his casting. Milly Alcock was cast as Supergirl largely based on her work in House of the Dragon and her screen test, not because she was the fan-favorite choice. Gunn looks for actors who fit his vision for the character, regardless of whether they match conventional expectations.

Barrera fits this pattern perfectly. She's recognizable but not A-list, which means she brings talent without commanding blockbuster-level salary demands that could strain the budget. She has proven action chops and dramatic range. She's coming off a period where she was unfairly punished for exercising free speech, which could make casting her a statement about artistic freedom that Gunn might appreciate. And now she has a direct endorsement from a Marvel star who worked with her firsthand.

None of this guarantees she'll be cast. But it makes her a more serious candidate than most fan-casting exercises ever produce. And frankly, DC Studios would be foolish not to at least bring her in for a screen test.

The Counterargument: Does Controversy Matter?

Let's not pretend Barrera's firing from Scream 7 won't be a factor in DC Studios' decision-making. Hollywood is still a business, and studios worry about controversy affecting box office performance. This is the reality, whether we like it or not.

However, the context matters enormously. Barrera was not fired for illegal behavior, ethical violations, or harm to others. She was fired for expressing political opinions on social media that her employer deemed inappropriate. Whether you agree with her views or not, this is fundamentally different from actors fired for assault, harassment, or criminal behavior. Conflating these categories is intellectually dishonest.

Moreover, the public response to her firing was mixed at best. Many people, including industry figures, defended her right to speak on political issues. Her co-star Jenna Ortega left the franchise after Barrera's firing. While Ortega initially cited scheduling conflicts, she later confirmed in interviews that the controversy surrounding Barrera's dismissal influenced her decision not to return.

Director Christopher Landon also exited the project about a week after Barrera's firing, later revealing he received death threats and that "the whole script was about her," making the film no longer viable. The controversy didn't destroy Barrera's career so much as pause it temporarily. She's already bounced back with successful projects.

From a studio perspective, the question becomes whether the controversy would overshadow the casting announcement. Given that Wonder Woman herself is a character associated with justice, peace, and standing up for the oppressed, there's an argument that Barrera's willingness to speak on human rights issues aligns with the character's values. It could be framed as a feature rather than a bug, if DC Studios has the courage to own that narrative.

James Gunn himself has weathered his own controversies in the past, having been temporarily fired from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 before being rehired after industry-wide support. He may be more sympathetic to actors who face professional consequences for things said on social media. He understands that good people can say imperfect things and that cancellation culture often overreacts.

In my opinion, the Scream 7 controversy should not be a disqualifying factor. If anything, it demonstrates Barrera has principles she's willing to risk her career for. That's exactly the kind of person you want playing Wonder Woman.

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Ana Nogueira is currently writing the Wonder Woman script. Based on her work on Supergirl, which has not yet been released but reportedly takes a darker, grittier approach to the character, we can expect the DCU's Wonder Woman to be similarly complex and action-focused. If Nogueira's script is anywhere near as good as early reports suggest, it will demand an actor who can handle both the physical demands and the emotional weight.

James Gunn has stated that Wonder Woman will have a "very distinct take" compared to previous versions. He's also confirmed that casting won't begin until he's satisfied with the screenplay. This suggests we're still months away from any official announcements, which actually works in Barrera's favor. It gives her time to let The Copenhagen Test demonstrate her action credentials to a wider audience.

In the meantime, Melissa Barrera has gained a powerful advocate in Simu Liu. His comments were specific, credible, and timed perfectly to enter the conversation as DC Studios begins thinking seriously about casting. Whether he intended it as a strategic move or was simply being honest about what he observed, the result is the same. He gave Barrera's candidacy legitimacy beyond fan casting.

Whether that translates into an actual audition remains to be seen. But Liu did his part, and he did it well. He didn't just offer a generic endorsement or jump on a fan-casting bandwagon. He cited specific evidence from professional work they did together. He made a case based on her abilities rather than her popularity.

That's the kind of endorsement that casting directors actually pay attention to. And if DC Studios isn't paying attention, they should be.

She Should Get a Shot

I'll be direct: Melissa Barrera should audition for Wonder Woman, and DC Studios should seriously consider her. Not because of fan campaigns or social media trends, but because she has everything the role actually requires.

She has the physical capabilities, as evidenced by both her horror work and her performance in The Copenhagen Test. She has the dramatic range to handle the character's emotional complexity, which we've seen in films like Your Monster. She understands what the role represents and has thought seriously about the responsibility that comes with it. And she has a career story that actually aligns with Wonder Woman's values better than most actors considered for superhero roles.

The Scream 7 firing should not disqualify her. If anything, it demonstrates she's willing to risk her career for principles she believes in. That's a Wonder Woman quality, full stop. Diana Prince doesn't stay silent when she sees injustice. She speaks up, even when it costs her. Barrera did exactly that.

The bigger question is whether DC Studios has the courage to cast someone who comes with recent controversy. Hollywood tends to be risk-averse, preferring safe choices that won't generate headlines beyond the casting announcement itself. But James Gunn has never been particularly interested in playing it safe, which is why his DC work has been so refreshing compared to the mess that preceded it.

If Simu Liu's endorsement gets Barrera in the room for an audition, she'll have a real shot. And based on what Liu saw during stunt training, combined with everything we've seen in her recent work, she'll likely deliver exactly the kind of performance that proves she was the right choice all along.

The stakes are higher than just one casting decision. The DCU's Wonder Woman will set the tone for how female superheroes are portrayed in this new franchise. She needs to be powerful without being invulnerable, compassionate without being naive, and physically imposing without sacrificing femininity. That's a difficult balance, and it requires an actor with both the skills and the maturity to pull it off.

Melissa Barrera has both. DC Studios should give her the chance to prove it.

The Copenhagen Test is currently streaming on Peacock, giving everyone a chance to see what Simu Liu saw: an actor with the intensity, physicality, and presence to play an Amazonian warrior princess. Whether DC Studios is watching remains to be seen. But they should be. And if they're not, they're missing an opportunity to cast someone who could define Wonder Woman for a generation.