Much to everyone’s surprise (including the studio’s), Wonder Woman not only broke box office records, but also became the first critically acclaimed DC Extended Universe movie. During its second week in US theaters, it mauled The Mummy, keeping its number one spot at the box office. All evidence indicates that it won't drop more than one place in its third weekend.
The movie’s plot was self-contained and had few connections to the larger shared universe, but it did serve to set up some upcoming movies. Read on for more information, but keep in mind that there are spoilers here!
Doctor Posion (The Verge)
The conclusion of Wonder Woman - with Diana flying in the distance after presumably hearing a Boom Tube - might mark the beginning of Justice League. But there’s an additional loose thread that could be explored in future DCEU movies, or even in the Wonder Woman sequel.
Diana resisted Ares' temptation and spared the life of Doctor Poison/Dr. Maru (Elena Anaya). The evil scientist then disappeared into the smoke of the battlefield, and we don't know what happened to her after that.
Anaya recently told The Verge that she’s signed a multi-picture contract with the studio, although she didn't say whether her character will return:
Yes, yes, yes. But I have no answer for that. As you know, when these movies are made, they ask you basically to marry them for the rest of your life [Laughs]. I'd be so happy to be back, to be able to be evil again. It's so good, it's so fantastic.
Of course, it isn't unusual for an actor to sign a multi-picture contract to appear in a shared universe. While we don’t know when, we believe that Dr. Poison will return.
Patty Jenkins said that she'd like to set the sequel in the present day (post Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, we assume), but this could be problematic, because Maru isn't immortal. And since Ares is no longer there to inspire her to create another potion to keep her young, she won't appear in the sequel.
Elena Anaya (Broad Sheet)
However, plans do change, and we hope that Patty Jenkins returns to make another Wonder Woman period piece.
Elena Anaya could return in future DCEU movies, especially if those Bane rumors/fan theories have any basis in truth.
