Lynda Carter portrayed Wonder Woman in the 1975-79 television series, winning the coveted role after approximately 2000 actresses were considered. Now, another search is on for someone to fill Wonder Woman’s shoes – er boots, and this caused me to wonder about who should play the iconic superheroine in director Joss Whedon’s upcoming Wonder Woman film.

Several names have been bandied about, including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sandra Bullock, Lindsay Lohan, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Katie Holmes and Kate Beckinsale. A recent Denver Post article reported that American Idol finalist Katharine McPhee might even be in contention for the part. While McPhee is certainly beautiful and statuesque enough for the role, her acting chops haven’t been tested yet -- so I’m reserving judgment on her candidacy. I do, however, have the following suggestions to offer, especially since favorites Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sandra Bullock have been deemed too old (!) for the part:

BILLY CRUDUP. Okay, so he’s not a woman, but Crudup looked fabulous when made-up as one in Stage Beauty. And we know he can play any role convincingly (disclaimer: I haven’t seen Trust the Man yet), so he’s my pick if Whedon is up for nontraditional casting here.   

ZIYI ZHANG. Another casting departure to consider. Who wouldn’t like to see more action from this House of Flying Daggers dynamo? 

MARISKA HARGITAY. Surprisingly, this Emmy-winning actress (for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) hasn’t been mentioned in the list of Wonder Woman possibilities. However, with her no-nonsense attitude, physical beauty and splendid acting ability, Hargitay should be one of the top contenders.

JENNIFER GARNER. No explanation necessary: Garner’s work in TV’s Alias speaks for itself.

MIA MAESTRO.  Maestro is another terrific Alias actress who would look smashing in Wonder Woman garb.

LEELEE SOBIESKI. The tall and gorgeous Sobieski fits this role in terms of its physical characteristics -- and she can also act up a storm (see The Glass House, My First Mister and Here on Earth).

KRISTEN BELL. Granted, this actress is small in physical stature, but her performance in Veronica Mars proves she can project strength and courage BIG TIME. Why not use CGI to make her look taller -- or have the actors around her stand in holes like studios did for Alan Ladd back in days of yore?

DAKOTA FANNING. No one can say Fanning is too old to be Wonder Woman! So what if Whedon has to put off making the film until she’s just the right age? It would be worth the wait. This talented youngster owns the screen.

You’re welcome, Mr. Whedon.

(Wonder Woman poster: © Warner Bros.)