Kristen Wiig to Play ‘Wonder Woman’ Villain Cheetah

Last month, rumors started circulating that Saturday Night Live alum Kristen Wiig was cast in opposite of Gal Gadot in the upcoming sequel to Wonder Woman. Today, the news was confirmed on Twitter by the film’s director, Patty Jenkins.

“So excited to confirm the most thrilling news,” Jenkins shared in a tweet earlier today. “Yes! It’s true! So incredibly lucky to welcome the sensationally talented Kristen Wiig to our Wonder Woman family. Can’t wait to finally work with one of my favorites. And SO excited by what we have planned. #Cheetah!!! @GalGadot”

So excited to confirm the most thrilling news. Yes! It’s true! So incredibly lucky to welcome the sensationally talented Kristen Wiig to our Wonder Woman family. Can't wait to finally work with one of my favorites. And SO excited by what we have planned. #Cheetah!!! @GalGadot pic.twitter.com/Gn0jICiIAH

— Patty Jenkins (@PattyJenks) March 9, 2018

Wonder Woman herself, Gal Gadot, chimed in to share her excitement over the casting decision on Twitter, “I’m SO excited welcome on board Kristen! This is going to be WONDERful!”

I’m SO excited welcome on board Kristen! This is going to be WONDERful! https://t.co/FqQ191m1s0

— Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) March 9, 2018

Wiig is the best known for her comedic work in movies such as Bridesmaids and the 2016 reboot of Ghostbusters. However, the comedian has also played serious roles in movies like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Welcome to Me.

Cheetah was originally introduced in the DC Comics universe in 1943 by Wonder Woman creator William Moulton Marston. Over 40 years later, the most popular version of the villain, whose alter ego is Dr. Barbara Ann Minerva, appeared in comics thanks to writer Len Wein and artist George Perez. While Cheetah has appeared in a variety of comics and animated series, the villainous role has had several alter egos over the years. At this point, it’s anyone’s guess as to which version of Cheetah Wiig will play in Wonder Woman 2.

While few details have been revealed about the Wonder Woman sequel, reports indicate the movie will be set during the 1980s in the midst of the Cold War. Wonder Woman 2 is slated to hit theaters on November 1, 2019.