Wonder Woman 1984 has certainly been dividing both critics and audience reactions, but Warner Bros. clearly sees a future for Diana Prince, and soon. The studio is now announcing that co-writer/director Patty Jenkins and star Gal Gadot will return for a fast-tracked third outing.
The Wonder Woman sequel earned $85 million this weekend worldwide, despite many cinemas still being closed because of the pandemic, and Warners is also encouraged by the viewing figures on Stateside streaming service HBO Max, where is claims the film was viewed by nearly half of subscribers when it launched on Christmas Day (it arrives for PVOD rental in the UK on 13 January).
Jenkins is listed as writing and directing, with Gadot back as Diana. "As fans around the world continue to embrace Diana Prince, driving the strong opening weekend performance of Wonder Woman 1984, we are excited to be able continue her story with our real life Wonder Women – Gal and Patty – who will return to conclude the long-planned theatrical trilogy," said WB Pictures' chairman Toby Emmerich.
A big question here is Jenkins' schedule – she was announced during the big Disney investor day as writing and directing a Star Wars film, Rogue Squadron, which is planned for Christmas 2023. Looks like that might move, unless she can squeeze both movies in before then.