Barbie days away from becoming first solo female-directed film to join $1 billion club
The hit movie was still playing to sold-out crowds during its second week of release and is on its way to hitting a major milestone.
Presenter introduces Barbie star Margot Robbie
Barbie is quickly on its way to becoming the second movie of the year to earn over $1 billion at the global box office.
It’s already climbing to $800 million after its second weekend, scoring a total of $775m total as of Monday.
Directed by Greta Gerwig, it’s on its way to becoming the first movie solo-directed by a woman to earn over a billion, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Based on Mattel’s iconic line of dolls, Margot Robbie stars as the titular heroine opposite Ryan Gosling as her boyfriend/accessory Ken.
Boosted by its same-day release as Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, Barbie had one of the biggest openings of the year.
So far, The Super Mario Bros Movie is the only 2023 film to earn 10 figures, but the Nintendo blockbuster might not remain on its throne for long.
Barbie has already set the record for the biggest opening for a film that’s not a sequel, remake or based on a superhero.
After two incredible weekends at the box office, Barbie is now tracking to join the $1 billion club by this weekend, if not sooner.
This would knock Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman off the top spot as the highest-grossing film directed solely by a woman.
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All other films in the billion-dollar club helmed by female filmmakers, such as Captain Marvel, have been co-directed by men.
Plus, if Barbie earns over $1.4 billion, it will knock Frozen II off its perch as the highest-grossing film directed by a woman in any capacity - both Disney flicks were directed by both Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.
The Warner Bros hit’s North American earnings only fell by 43 percent in its second weekend, one of the smallest drop-offs for a film ever.
This was even less overseas, falling just 32 percent after its first week in theaters.
It’s now Warner Bros’ second-biggest movie in North America of all time behind Joker, shooting past the likes of the Harry Potter franchise and Batman v Superman.
Meanwhile, Oppenheimer is also surprising box office buffs with the biggest second weekend ever for an R-rated movie.
While it’s not expected to join the billion-dollar club with Barbie, it’s still looking strong with over $400 million globally heading into its third week of release.
Barbie is in theaters now.
