In one of the fastest turnarounds in recent memory, Warner Bros. has found a new director for its standalone Wonder Woman movie. Mere days after Michelle MacLaren exited the project, Monster helmer Patty Jenkins has now been locked in to direct.
Warner Bros.’ decision to secure a new director implies its eagerness to push forward. Since Wonder Woman was first announced last year, the matter of who would usher the iconic warrior to the screen has remained at the forefront of industry chatter. MacLaren’s appointment was met with universal glee, as the experienced TV showrunner displayed zest and enthusiasm in her approach to the character. Her take apparently steered the beloved Amazonian away from her traditional comic backstory and into a new direction, and thus, the creative differences reason was cited in the majority of reports on her departure.
This news comes directly after a report signaling Angelina Jolie’s involvement hit the web. Mere hours before, Jolie was said to be in the crosshairs for two major comic book movies: Wonder Woman and the upcoming female-led Captain Marvel over at Marvel Studios. With Jenkins now attached to the former, it seems as if Jolie’s choice has been confirmed. The actor-turned-director was previously linked to the Captain Marvel director role earlier this year, so it’s not an entirely unexpected development. Especially as last year she starred in Maleficent for Disney, Marvel’s parent company.
Directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman opens in theaters on June 23, 2017.