6th August 2023, Mumbai: Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ Sets Box Office Record
Greta Gerwig’s directorial venture ‘Barbie’ has achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the highest-grossing debut for a solo-woman director globally. The film garnered a staggering $337 million at the box office, surpassing ‘Captain Marvel’ and ‘Wonder Woman’.
Historic Collections
‘Barbie’ broke records by earning $155 million during its opening weekend in the US alone. Greta Gerwig becomes the first solo woman director to achieve this milestone, leaving behind the previous record held by ‘Captain Marvel’.
Toppling Prior Records
The record of the highest opening weekend was previously held by ‘Captain Marvel’, co-directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, with earnings of $153 million. ‘Barbie’ takes the crown with its exceptional performance.
Wonder Woman’s Reign Ends
Patty Jenkins’ ‘Wonder Woman’ was the reigning record holder for a movie solely directed by a woman, with a $103 million debut in 2017. ‘Barbie’ now claims this distinction with its remarkable box office success.
More Records Broken
‘Barbie’ achieved additional box office milestones, including the title of the biggest opening weekend of the year, surpassing ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’, which earned $146 million.
Budget and Production
With a budget of $145 million, excluding marketing expenses, ‘Barbie’ capitalized on a well-executed marketing campaign. Greta Gerwig, known for ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Little Women’, co-wrote the film’s screenplay with Noah Baumbach.
Global Triumph
On a global scale, ‘Barbie’ earned $182 million from 69 territories, contributing to a remarkable $337 million global debut weekend. The film triumphed over ‘Oppenheimer’ in both the US and international markets.
Star-Studded Cast
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling portray the iconic characters of Barbie and Ken, embarking on a journey of self-discovery beyond Barbieland. The ensemble cast includes Issa Rae, Dua Lipa, Simu Liu, and other renowned names.
Greta Gerwig’s Hollywood Milestone
Greta Gerwig’s accomplishment with ‘Barbie’ marks a significant milestone in Hollywood’s history, highlighting her prowess as a director and the industry’s progress towards recognizing and celebrating women in filmmaking.
Empowering Female Directors
‘Barbie’ showcases the potential of female directors to helm successful and groundbreaking projects. Greta Gerwig’s achievement paves the way for more opportunities for women in the film industry.
Impact on Representation
The success of ‘Barbie’ resonates beyond the box office, as it contributes to diversifying representation in cinema. The film’s popularity underscores the audience’s appetite for diverse and inclusive storytelling.
A Story of Self-Discovery
Beyond its box office triumph, ‘Barbie’ tells a tale of self-discovery and exploration, as the characters transition from their fictional world into the complexities of the real world.
Collaborative Excellence
Greta Gerwig’s collaboration with co-writer Noah Baumbach and the talented ensemble cast has resulted in a film that not only shattered records but also resonated with audiences on multiple levels.
Setting New Industry Standards
‘Barbie’ sets a new benchmark for success, proving that female directors can create commercially successful and critically acclaimed films that captivate global audiences.
A Win for Creativity
Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ triumph serves as a reminder that creative storytelling, innovative direction, and dedicated performances can lead to remarkable achievements, regardless of gender.
‘Barbie’ marks a groundbreaking moment in cinema, proving Greta Gerwig’s directorial prowess and reshaping industry norms. The film’s box office success and cultural impact reflect the growing influence of diverse voices in Hollywood. As audiences continue to embrace inclusive storytelling, the future holds even greater opportunities for filmmakers of all backgrounds.
-by Kashvi Gala