Comic book fans are getting a clearer and clearer look at what Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment have in store with Batman V Superman, but the future of Wonder Woman is still fairly unclear. Actress Gal Gadot will bring the superheroine to life opposite Batman and Superman, but her solo film series has undergone some serious shake-ups of its own: most notably, the departure of director Michelle MacLaren.

With the loss of one director comes an entirely new creative approach (something WB is apparently embracing with their movie universe), and the first sign of new director Patty Jenkins' vision may have arrived. According to a new report, Star Trek star Chris Pine has emerged as the apparent frontrunner to play Wonder Woman's chief love interest and co-star, Steve Trevor.

The news comes courtesy of Variety, claiming Pine has entered negotiations for the part despite the lack of any recent word concerning potential casting. The previous rumor that actor Scott Eastwood (Fury) had landed the part for an introduction in Suicide Squad turned out to be off the mark, with Eastwood passing on the opportunity to test for the role along with the likes of Liam Hemsworth and Alexander Skarsgård.

It would seem that with Jenkins at the helm - and the potentially problematic creative differences set aside - Warner Bros. is going after a certified franchise-leading actor instead.

The bad news: those hoping to see Pine join the DC Movie Universe as Green Lantern Hal Jordan may have to start looking for a runner-up.

Wonder Woman Movie Chris Pine Steve Trevor

For now, take this news with a grain of salt; if the Green Lantern rumor proves anything, it's that conversations with a studio can be easily misunderstood. But if it truly is WB's intention to pair Chris Pine with Gal Gadot as the leads in a solo Wonder Woman series (and the universe crossovers that makes possible), then the studio's decision to cast an established star known for more than blockbuster fare could prove telling.

Though Pine hasn't proven able to take any franchise to success (Jack Ryan), his recent scene-stealing turn in Horrible Bosses 2, and the indie Z for Zachariah show he's eager to achieve more than box office results. The direction taken with J.J. Abrams' Star Trek series may not please every fan, but Pine is rarely cited as even a minor problem with the franchise (despite offering just the second spin on a beloved sci-fi icon). Add in a performance as a CIA analyst-turned-operative, and surprising comedic chops, and Pine has every obvious aspect of Steve Trevor's character more or less covered.

Some more official details will be needed before fans can discuss which version of the character will be adapted - and Pine's potential romantic chemistry with Gadot - but for now, Pine seems to be the kind of actor who could make Steve Trevor a household name among comic book movie fans. Not to mention giving a boost to Gadot's relatively thin big screen resume.

Wonder Woman Movie Steve Trevor Actor

Are you pleased to hear that Pine may wind up helping to anchor a series in the DC Movie Universe? Or do you have your doubts that Steve Trevor is the proper superhero role for an actor of Pine's calibre? Sound off in the comments.

-

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice will be in theaters on March 25th, 2016; Suicide Squad on August 5th, 2016; Wonder Woman - June 23rd, 2017; Justice League - November 17th, 2017; The Flash - March 23rd, 2018; Aquaman - July 27th, 2018; Shazam - April 5th, 2019; Justice League 2 - June 14th, 2019; Cyborg - April 3rd, 2020; Green Lantern - June 19th, 2020.

Source: Variety