Female Directors to Look Forward To In The DC Universe

For one of my film classes in college, our professor decided to perform a small experiment. He brought up on the projection screen several movies. The likes of Legally Blonde, Not Another Teen Movie, another fairly “girly” film, and the Hurt Locker. He then asked the class to point out which films we thought were directed by a man and which ones were directed by a woman? Naturally, the whole class chose the Hurt Locker as the “manly” film and the others obviously had to be directed by all women. We were wrong. Very wrong. Because of our preconceived notions, we were completely wrong because The Hurt Locker was in fact, the only movie directed by a woman on his list. The Hurt Locker, which starred Jeremy Renner and is hailed as one of the best wartime movies in the 21^st century.

Patty Jenkins

As we step into a new era of superhero films, we need to bring diversity into those not only on screen, but those involved in the filmmaking as well. And why shouldn’t studios take notice to the want and need for female directors? Did they not see how wildly successful Wonder Woman was? Patty Jenkins, the woman behind Wonder Woman; has been idolized and looked up to almost as much as Gal Gadot herself. I mean, there’s even cosplayers dressing up as Jenkins at conventions.

Ava DuVernay

Another female director to keep your eye on, is Ava DuVernay. Responsible for movies like Selma and a Wrinkle in Time, as well as tv shows like Scandal, DuVernay is working on a film based around DC’s New Gods. Considering everything Ava DuVernay touches is absolute gold, New Gods will be nothing short of another success for female directors.

Cathy Yan

Breaking barriers, Yan will become the first female, Asian director to head a superhero film. Her upcoming Birds of Prey movie is already wildly talked about and anticipated, with Marget Robbie’s Harley Quinn at the center. A lot of faith is being put on Yan, as most of her prior films have been mostly indie ones, but that’s okay. Having fresh eyes looking at Birds of Prey is a good thing, as the DCEU needs a new era of talent.

We will no doubt have a couple more great female directors to add to this list as Warner Bros. is currently looking to hire female directors for its Supergirl and Batgirl films

Reference: Deadline

Tia Fabi

A girl with too many fandoms to count.