'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' director Rian Johnson explains why 'Wonder Woman' worked as a film
It's safe to say 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' director Rian Johnson isn't on the same page as James Cameron when it comes to analyzing Patty Jenkins' smash hit "Wonder Woman."
Jenkins' female-led superhero flick gave Warner Bros. and DC Comics its first real taste of commercial and critical success in the DC Extended Universe, earning over $821 million worldwide since it's Jun. 2 release date. "Wonder Woman" cost $100 million less than Zack Snyder's widely panned "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," so what explains its success?
Debating a fan on Twitter, Johnson was adamant that "Wonder Woman's" appeal isn't just a product of a well-known character standing on the shoulders of a massive franchise.
Love this, @andmichaelgreen on movie franchises and universe building. pic.twitter.com/1ukIhJdvYK
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) October 14, 2017
That’s, um, exactly what he said
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) October 14, 2017
(And yes, I'm aware Superman is the DCU and not the MCU)
— Steven M. Booth 🦅 (@StevenMBooth) October 15, 2017
We’re talking film franchises. If you’re using Superman as an example, perfect. Donner’s film spawned a series because it was a good movie.
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) October 15, 2017
Y...es, but that’s not what we’re talking about. We’re talking about what makes film franchises work. Not what gets them greenlit.
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) October 15, 2017
No. WW was a movie that connected with audiences, because the movie worked. No property/character/world is a self working magic trick.
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) October 15, 2017
When it comes to successful franchises, we'll let the guy attached to "Star Wars" make the calls.
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" opens Dec. 15.
