Why You Won’t See the Original Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter, in the New Wonder Woman Movie

Before there was Gal Gadot (see our cover interview with her here), there was Lynda Carter, who rocked the star-spangled leotard on TV from 1975 to 1979. We spoke to the first female superhero.

GLAMOUR: What was it like playing Wonder Woman in the seventies?

LYNDA CARTER: At the time, there were no pretty women in leading roles on TV, just funny women like Carol Burnett and then Laverne and Shirley. The producers said, “Now, you understand women aren’t going to like you because you’re sexy.” But I tried to play the part for real. This is what her life is—she’s just trying to do the right thing. I loved everything about playing her, and I never once thought she’d remain iconic for 40 years!

GLAMOUR: What were some of the challenges?

LC: The dumbing-down that the producers wanted me to do of Diana Prince, Wonder Woman’s alter ego. I mean, she’s still Wonder Woman! I look back now and think, God, I was so hard on myself about every five pounds—but I looked good.

GLAMOUR: Which of Wonder Woman’s accessories would you most want in real life?

LC: I’ve lived in Washington, D.C., for more than 30 years, and the Lasso of Truth would come in so handy. I do think Wonder Woman would be all for the first female president!

GLAMOUR: What do you think about all the other female comic-book superheroes out there today?

LC: It’s time for a new generation to have a smart and powerful woman be part of their experience—and the reemergence of characters like Supergirl and Wonder Woman means that time has come.

GLAMOUR: What was your reaction when you heard about Wonder Woman’s cinematic debut?

LC: I’m glad to see that a woman, Patty Jenkins, is going to direct [the Wonder Woman movie, out in 2017]. I was talking to Patty about maybe playing Wonder Woman’s mother, but because of my singing career and the upcoming tour dates, it didn’t come together. But I wish both she and Gal the very, very best!

GLAMOUR: What makes a modern Wonder Woman?

LC: Embracing your goddess within—and not making yourself smaller so that other people can handle you.

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