In a story filled with news of dreary box office reports, Wonder Woman was the shining beacon of hope that kept the industry afloat during one of the darkest summers in recent memory. While many suspected that the female-led superhero film would be a hit, few expected such a groundbreaking sensation from Warner Bros. and DC in the wake of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad, two films that were widely seen but also widely despised. But Wonder Woman broke through the noise to become a genuine sensation, grossing $410 million in the US to date and currently standing at a stellar $816 million worldwide. And while credit should go to stars Gal Gadot and Chris Pine, as well as screenwriter Allan Heinberg, the main reason for Wonder Woman's success is director Patty Jenkins. The first woman to direct a major superhero film, Jenkins injected Diana Prince's story with a sense of pure optimism and an old-school craftsmanship that was delightful to watch. Jenkins broke out with Monster in the early 2000s, but Wonder Woman certified her as possibly the most powerful female filmmaker on the planet.
To many, including myself, ensuring Jenkins' return for the inevitable Wonder Woman 2 was truly an essential move for Warner Bros. Many assumed that the studio would sign her up immediately, but the deal-making process dragged on for months, leading some to assume that Jenkins would bolt for an even bigger project- something like Star Wars: Episode IX. But according to Variety's Justin Kroll, the deal is done, and it is a magnificent step forward for diversity behind the camera. In a report earlier today, Variety confirmed that Jenkins will be back for the sequel, directing and co-writing Wonder Woman 2 with DC mastermind Geoff Johns. Her contract is reportedly around $8 million, which makes Jenkins the highest paid female filmmaker in history. This is a big step forward, and while it doesn't solve the industry's gender disparity, the fact that Jenkins is being rightly rewarded for her incredible work is a great sign of progress. And maybe Wonder Woman's success will convince the studios to change their ways and give more opportunities for women behind the camera. Regardless, this is a major deal, and I can't wait to see what Jenkins does with this hotly anticipated sequel.
Wonder Woman 2 will hit theaters on December 13, 2019.
Image: IMDB/WB
To many, including myself, ensuring Jenkins' return for the inevitable Wonder Woman 2 was truly an essential move for Warner Bros. Many assumed that the studio would sign her up immediately, but the deal-making process dragged on for months, leading some to assume that Jenkins would bolt for an even bigger project- something like Star Wars: Episode IX. But according to Variety's Justin Kroll, the deal is done, and it is a magnificent step forward for diversity behind the camera. In a report earlier today, Variety confirmed that Jenkins will be back for the sequel, directing and co-writing Wonder Woman 2 with DC mastermind Geoff Johns. Her contract is reportedly around $8 million, which makes Jenkins the highest paid female filmmaker in history. This is a big step forward, and while it doesn't solve the industry's gender disparity, the fact that Jenkins is being rightly rewarded for her incredible work is a great sign of progress. And maybe Wonder Woman's success will convince the studios to change their ways and give more opportunities for women behind the camera. Regardless, this is a major deal, and I can't wait to see what Jenkins does with this hotly anticipated sequel.
Wonder Woman 2 will hit theaters on December 13, 2019.
Image: IMDB/WB
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