The Wonder Woman character first appeared in a DC comic more than 75 years ago. Now, a new movie based on the fearless and strong superhero is blowing up and smashing records.
Wonder Woman blasted into theatres this weekend, clearing $100 million in domestic ticket sales – which is a new record for a movie directed by a woman.
Fifty-two per cent of the movie’s audience were women, which is unusually high for a superhero movie.
Wonder Woman fan Becky Dingwell says she’s waited years to see her comic book hero on the big screen.
“I think you kind of take ownership in a way, like, she's mine,” says Dingwell.
For Dingwell, and many fans like her, Wonder Woman is one of the few superheroes they can relate to. Fans are taking to social media, calling the movie “empowering” and saying "representation matters.”
“I think if it didn't go well, people would be saying it's because people don't care about female superheroes,” says Dingwell. “But no one would ever say that if the next Thor movie didn't do well.”
While the movie is a superhero summer blockbuster, for many fans it represents so much more.
“There’s this weird notion in Hollywood that people don't want to see female fronted action movies, which, based on the opening weekend of this, it's obviously not true at all. People really are hungry for it,” says Dave Howlett, comic book store manager.
The surge in popularity surrounding Wonder Woman has led to many fans discovering, or even rediscovering, the original comics.
“That's one of the good effects of these kinds of movies, is that people get a taste of it, and it's like, there's more out there, I don't have to wait for the next movie,” says Howlett.
Beyond comics, toys, action figures and Wonder Woman accessories are also flying off the shelves.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Emily Baron Cadloff
