Editor’s Note: Patty Jenkins has since gone on record to clarify yesterday’s sequel chatter, stressing that there is no confirmation just yet; rather, she is “excited and hopeful” for the future of Gal Gadot’s Immortal Warrior.
Hey All. Thanks for the excitement but that wasn't a confirmation. Just talking about ideas and hopes. But still excited and hopeful 😉 #WW2 https://t.co/oaFZcPrRWl
— Patty Jenkins (@PattyJenks) June 30, 2017
Original Story: Almost immediately upon the release of Wonder Woman, the question was being asked: Would Patty Jenkins return to helm the inevitable sequel? It was testament to both the quality of that first film, and the talent of its director that such a query even gained among audiences – but such a unique and outstanding movie inspired a unique and outstanding response. Until now, there’s been little indication from either Warner Bros. and DC, or the filmmakers involved, as to whether fans would get their wish – but Jenkins herself seems to have put concerns about Wonder Woman 2 to rest.
Speaking at a Q & A session at Women In Film, accompanying a screening of Wonder Woman, Jenkins explained that she came to terms with directing the yet-to-be officially announced sequel after a moment of clarity.
“I had an epiphany about Wonder Woman 2. I was like, you don’t have to do this. It doesn’t have to be a foregone conclusion that you do Wonder Woman 2. But then as I was falling asleep I had an epiphany. I was like, Wait a minute. You have the greatest character of all time that you love dearly, with a cast that you love sitting at the palm of your hand at this day and age — you can do whatever you want with them — are you crazy? And then I suddenly realized, it’s not more, it’s another movie. It’s its own movie. And it’s got to be great.”
Patty Jenkins – who previously directed Monster and led Charlize Theron to a Best Actress Oscar – has broken records and changed the game with her movie Wonder Woman. Not only is it the first ever live-action film led by the iconic comic book character, but it’s also the first big-budget studio comic book adaptation (in either the DC Extended Universe, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the X-Men universe, the Spider-Man Universe, or beyond) to be directed by a woman. It also became the highest grossing opening weekend for a film directed by a female.
The reason Wonder Woman has been such a success is the fact that Jenkins – armed with a script by Allan Heinberg, Geoff Johns, and Zack Snyder – delivered a movie that struck the ideal tone, with a perfect understanding of the title character. The entire project has resonated with audiences in a way that has far exceeded expectations. That being the case, returning for a sequel would surely bring even greater pressure – with the bar having now been set so high. Jenkins has now set our minds at rest about that, too, however – explaining that she already knows the direction in which the follow-up film is going to head.
“It’s a continuation of the same character, but there’s a great, entirely different story to be told. With this character in our – in the world – that’s fun, because now she exists, just funny, and also says something profound about the world we’re in right now.”
A momentary slip there – referring to “our world,” before correcting herself to say “the world,” would seem to suggest that Wonder Woman 2 will be set in the modern day. It makes sense, given the format of Wonder Woman, and makes for an exciting prospect in terms of character arc possibilities. Whichever form it takes, though, we’re just glad that Patty Jenkins will now be setting yet another record – as the first woman to return to helm the big budget studio sequel to her own comic book movie.