SUMMARY
- Greta Gerwig becomes the first solo female director to spearhead a billion-dollar film with the success of "Barbie."
- This triumph marks the first billion-dollar milestone for Warner Bros. Discovery since their merger in 2022.
- The "Barbie" sensation reaffirms the audience's interest in blockbuster films, with theaters experiencing record ticket sales in July.
Warner Bros. Discovery and Mattel's cotton-candy hued sensation, "Barbie," is on the cusp of stepping into the prestigious billion-dollar circle this Sunday. The movie's global ticket sales are projected to hit the billion-dollar mark by the weekend's end, as forecasted by the studio. The final count is set for release on Monday.
Being in the billion-dollar league is no ordinary feat, a milestone that only around 50 films have reached to date. "In this stride towards the billion-dollar mark, 'Barbie' steps into what has evolved into an incredibly exclusive group in recent years," voiced Shawn Robbins, the leading analyst at BoxOffice.com. The triumph gains even more significance as acclaimed filmmaker Greta Gerwig etches her name in history, becoming the first solo female director to steer a billion-dollar blockbuster.
Gerwig now finds herself in the company of Anna Boden, the co-director of Disney’s “Captain Marvel,” making them the only women to have directed a billion-dollar film. Data from Comscore reveals that “Captain Marvel” made just under $1.13 billion in its 2019 theatrical run.
The success of "Barbie" also sets a precedent for Warner Bros. Discovery, marking their first billion-dollar film since the merger in 2022. It is only the second film of 2023 to achieve this feat, trailing behind Universal’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” that raked in $1.3 billion since its debut in April.
The film's soaring success not only displays the harmonious marriage of various aspects of filmmaking but also rekindles faith in blockbuster-budgeted films at a time when they have struggled to attract audiences. However, “Barbie” proves that the lure of quality films and distinctive collective experiences still can draw audiences away from the comforts of home. With movie theaters experiencing record ticket sales in July, the future of the pink powerhouse seems robust, particularly with little direct competition looming.
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