Princess Diana of Themyscira continues to break all kinds of records and exceed expectations. Well, not my expectations — I always knew that Wonder Woman was the greatest hero in the pantheon of DC Comics, but now I’m glad that the rest of the world knows too. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wonder Woman is on track to break yet another record at the box office.
Director Patty Jenkins’ film will soon eclipse the $609.8 million earned worldwide by Phyllida Lloyd’s adaptation of the Broadway hit Mamma Mia! back in 2008 to become the top-grossing live-action film of all time from a female director (not accounting for inflation). Wonder Woman also has a very good chance of passing up Kung Fu Panda 2‘s $665.7 million to become the top-grossing film of all time from a female filmmaker as a solo director. Jennifer Yuh Nelson was behind the 2011 animated sequel. Right now, the sky is the limit.
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This is important for several reasons, most notably that this is an action/superhero film, a genre that many don’t believe a female director can tackle, much less make tackle with such incredible skill. Look at the other films which broke box office records directed by women — Twilight, Fifty Shades of Grey, and Pitch Perfect — all movies that would be considered heavily female-skewing, and therefore, “safe” for a woman to direct. Wonder Woman’s success has shattered all those preconceived notions.
Here’s hoping that Warner Brothers gives Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot a big fat raise for Wonder Woman 2, and that DC Films and Geoff Johns have Jenkins at least consulting on the rest of the DC film slate. And if they want to give Jenkins the chance to direct a Man of Steel sequel? I wouldn’t hate that, either. But just make sure she does a Wonder Woman sequel first. Priorities.
Are you as stoked as we are for Wonder Woman’s massive success? Be sure to let us know down below in the comments!
Images: Warner Brothers