"Wonder Woman" has been breaking records here and there since it was released on June 2. In fact, the superhero film has become the first female-directed movie to earn over $100 million for its blockbuster opening in North America over the weekend. The Patty Jekins creation has surpassed Sam Taylor-Johnson's "Fifty Shades of Grey," which brought in $85 million for its weekend premiere.
'Wonder Woman' is making history
"Wonder Woman" changed the course for DC Comics movies this weekend. Despite the non-appearance of Batman or Superman in it, the Gal Godot-led film has managed to surpass (or should I say exceed) the expectations for a female-led superhero film.
Similarly, the fourth installment of the DC Extended Universe officially holds the title of the highest-grossing comic superhero film led by a woman. The short list of these female-led movies include Scarlett Johansson's "Ghost in the Shell" which earned $40.5 million, Halle Berry's "Catwoman" with $40.2 million, Jennifer Garner's "Elektra" with $24.4 million, and five others.
No wonder this industry has only produced nine female-led superhero films with these performances. This could also be one of the reasons why female superheroes have remained in the background in most superhero movies. But, Gal Gadot's newest film has obviously changed this notion after a successful haul.
Why women are proud of Wonder Woman/Diana Prince
More than the beauty and sexiness of Gal Gadot's titular role, viewers, mostly women, are happy with how the people behind this movie created a character that can empower the women of this generation. The fact that Wonder Woman/Diana Prince can protect herself and can lead the way is meaningful for women.
Unlike other female superhero films where romance has become the center of the story, Wonder Woman's relationship with Chris Pine's Steve Trevor is only icing on the cake. It was Gal Gadot's character who dominated the whole thing. It was her heroism that captured the audience (her overall looks was a plus factor, of course).
On top of its blockbuster success, the female-directed movie has reopened the controversial issue regarding the portrayal of women in films, which was recently mentioned by Jessica Chastain at a press conference for Cannes Film Festival. The actress, who was one of the judges for this year's event, said that the depiction of women in movies is "disturbing."
