In just 17 days following its release, The Barbie movie has achieved a remarkable milestone by crossing the billion-dollar mark at the global box office, as reported by Warner Bros., the film's distributor. Over the weekend, the film is set to conclude with an impressive $1.03 billion (£808 million) in ticket sales.
This achievement is significant not only for its financial success but also for marking Greta Gerwig as the first female director to independently attain such a milestone. Warner Bros. hailed this as a groundbreaking moment.
Jeff Goldstein, the President of Domestic Distribution in the US, commented that Greta Gerwig's unique vision brought the iconic character and her world to life in an engaging and emotional narrative, effectively enveloping the entire globe in a vibrant pink-hued tale.
Goldstein also pointed out that the film's popularity, evident through long queues at theaters and repeated viewings, serves as evidence of the revitalization of the cinema industry post-pandemic lockdowns and amidst competition from streaming platforms.
While several other female directors have contributed to films surpassing the billion-dollar mark, Greta Gerwig's solo directorial accomplishment stands out. Previous instances include the animated hits Frozen and its sequel, co-directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, as well as Captain Marvel, which garnered over $1.1 billion and was co-directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck.
The film, adorned with its signature pink tones, has garnered praise from critics and triggered numerous selfies at doll box installations in UK cinemas. Featuring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the film has already achieved $459 million domestically and an impressive $572 million internationally.