“Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins has not yet signed a deal for a sequel to the smash hit, two individuals with knowledge of the matter told TheWrap.
Jenkins doesn’t even have an option in place — a contractual safeguard that lets Warner Bros. call her back to duty, one insider said. Jenkins replaced original director Michelle McLaren.
Leading lady Gal Gadot has an option thanks to her overall deal with DC Films Universe, including the upcoming “Justice League.” Her reps are gearing up for a big renegotiation, the insider added.
One individual familiar with the deal also told TheWrap that Warner Bros. wanted hold off on negotiating for Jenkins to return, as well as green light for a sequel, until critical and fan reception rolled in for the first entry.
It is not uncommon for major movie franchises to hire a different director for individual films, though the superhero genre can find their helmers irreplaceable — like James Gunn, who pilots the $1.5 billion “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise. Gunn’s second Chris Pratt-Zoe Saldana film earned 54 percent more than its predecessor on opening weekend.
Given that the film has been praised heavily by critics and became the highest-grossing opener ever directed by woman with a $103.3 million debut weekend, it seems like a no-brainer for Warner Bros. to hire Jenkins for the sequel. However, the studio could be waiting for a script to fall into place before deciding which director is best suited for the job. After all, prior to Jenkins’ hit with “Wonder Woman,” she had directed just one movie: her 2003 film “Monster.”
Jenkins has been vocal about her ideas for a sequel, prompting many to believe her return was a sure deal. Speaking with Toronto Sun in April, she said that she “can’t wait to spring forward with who she is and have another great standalone superhero film.”
Warner Bros. declined to comment on the matter.
News of Jenkins’ deal was first reported by THR.