Dwayne Johnson Wants ‘Wonder Woman’ Director Patty Jenkins for ‘Jungle Cruise’
Patty Jenkins came this close to directing Thor: The Dark World before parting ways with Marvel over “creative differences.” But whatever problems she encountered with Marvel weren’t an issue at Warner Bros., who hired Jenkins to helm this summer’s Wonder Woman — which marks the director’s first feature film project since her acclaimed 2002 debut Monster. It seems that Jenkins’ skills have impressed more than just the folks at WB because Dwayne Johnson is singing her praises as well, and he wants her to direct one of his upcoming blockbuster projects.
There’s a lot riding on Wonder Woman: Not only does Warner Bros. need a win for their DC Extended Universe, which has so far produced lackluster (but profitable) superhero films, but its success would go a long way toward validating women directors in Hollywood — women who have long been passed over for big franchise projects and blockbusters in favor of men; some of whom are less-talented or experienced, or merely just competent enough to do a decent, but maybe not great job.
Although it’s been 14 years since Jenkins’ first — and only — feature theatrical release, she’s continued to direct the occasional television episode for shows like The Killing and Arrested Development. As she explains in a new AP profile, Jenkins felt comfortable transitioning from TV to big-budget filmmaking because “It’s the same job, just on a larger scale,” which is why “so many men have crossed over.” Jenkins says, “A pilot that you shoot in nine days for $10 million ends up being a very big parallel to this,” referring to Wonder Woman, which is reportedly on the higher end of things, cost-wise.
Thankfully, we probably won’t have to wait 14 more years for another film from Jenkins, who has caught the attention of prolific blockbuster superstar Dwayne Johnson. The actor and producer is heavily involved with the creative direction of most of his films, and he wants Jenkins for one of his upcoming films: Jungle Cruise, a big-budget Disney adventure flick based on the theme park ride of the same name.
Says Johnson:
Patty has that really cool edge. I felt like she could be a really cool choice for a movie like ‘Jungle Cruise.’ Plus, you know what? I’m just a big fan.
He adds that Jenkins may not yet be aware that he’s interested in having her direct Jungle Cruise, for which Johnson & Co. have only just started to put together a shortlist — one that will likely include Jenkins.
Johnson’s interest is no small deal, either. The bigger studios typically only consider women to helm female-driven projects; even Johnson himself has yet to star in a film directed by a woman.