Pushing back against the recent reports surrounding her diminishing slate of upcoming projects, director Patty Jenkins has issued a statement denying the current narratives surrounding her exit from Wonder Woman 3 and the status of her Star Wars spin-off film, Rogue Squadron.
According to The Hollywood Reporter‘s unofficial announcement of the film’s cancellation, the decision to pass on Jenkins’ treatment for WW3 was made because it “did not fit in with the new (but still unfolding) plans” that newly appointed DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran had for Warner Bros. Discovery’s comic book properties.
But on December 9th, this story would be undercut by fellow entertainment news outlet The Wrap.
Reporting on information allegedly relayed to them by their insiders sources, the outlet claimed that rather than amicably accepting the studios’ decision, Jenkins actually responded to the news by voluntarily exiting the project.
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“[She let Warner Bros. Pictures co-chairs and co-CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy] know that they were wrong, that they didn’t understand her, didn’t understand the character, didn’t understand character arcs and didn’t understand what Jenkins was trying to do,” quoted The Wrap of their source.
“She just doesn’t want to allow [Gunn or Safran] to have a seat at the table to have an opinion on something new that she might come up with,” the insider added.
Adding fuel to the fire, during a December 8th appearance on John Rocha’s The Hot Mic podcast, The Ankler reporter Jeff Sneider divulged, “I’ve heard some things about Patty Jenkins.”
“I’ve heard she’s a nightmare,” he asserted. “I’m sorry. I hate to be the guy who’s calling the woman a name, but I get it. Oh my god. But listen, I’ve said that about countless male directors too.”
“So I’ve heard everything she turned in with Wonder Woman 3 was like a mess,” he continued. “I heard the Star Wars thing was a mess.”
He finished the segment saying, “I don’t know what you want me to say, folks. That’s what I’ve heard.”
However, it seems that none of these whispers line-up with Jenkins’ own recollection of events. Taking to Twitter on December 13th with a lengthy statement, the director informed the public, “I’m not one to talk about private career matters, but I will not allow inaccuracies to continue.”
Proceeding to present “the facts” as she believed them to be, Jenkins began with her potential outing in a galaxy far, far away, positing, “I originally left Rogue Squadron after a long and productive development process when it became clear it couldn’t happen soon enough and I did not want to delay WW3 any further.
“When I did, Lucasfilm asked me to consider combing back to RS after WW3, which I was honored to do, so I agreed,” said the director. “They made a new deal with me. In fact, I am still on it and that project has been in active development ever since.”
“I don’t know if it will happen or not,” she claimed. “We never do until the development process is complete, but I look forward to its potential ahead.”
Turning to Themyscira, Jenkins explained, “When there started being backlash about WW3 not happening, the attractive clickbait false story that it was me that killed it or walked away started to spread.”
“This is simply not true,” she bluntly declared. “I never walked away. I was open to considering anything asked of me. It was my understanding that there was nothing I could do to move anything forward at this time. DC is obviously buried in changes they are having to make, so I understand these decisions are difficult right now.”
RELATED RUMOR: Star Wars: Rogue Squadron Film Delayed Due To “Creative Differences” Between Director Patty Jenkins and Lucasfilm
From there, Jenkins moved to thank those who supported her throughout her time at the helm of Diana’s DCEU escapades, noting, “I do not want what has been a beautiful journey with WW to land on a negative note.”
“I have loved and been so honored to be the person who got to make these last two Wonder Woman films,” said the Wonder Woman 1984 scribe. “She is an incredible character. Living in and around her values makes one a better person every day. I wish her and her legacy an amazing future ahead, with or without me.”
Giving specific praise to the actresses behind the Amazon, Jenkins opined, “Walking side by side with Lynda Carter, an absolute legend and beacon of goodness and light, has been a thrill.”
“I have learned so much from her and will cherish her as a friend and mentor, always,” continued the director. “My crew has been like family and fought every day to give the world the best films they could.”
RELATED: Old Republic Era Movie Rumored To Be In The Works With Patty Jenkins’ ‘Rogue Squadron’ Delayed
“And Gal…Gal Gadot,” she directed her attentions toward the latest woman to wield the Lasso of Truth.
“Where do I even begin?” the director asked. “Gal is the greatest gift I have received in this whole journey. A cherished friend, inspiration, and sister. There are no words I can use to convey how magical she is.”
“She is the walking embodiment of Wonder Woman in real life and a better person than the world can imagine,” beamed Jenkins. “Never once in the millions of moments I have spent with her did I see anything less. She is a gift to this world, and even more so, to me.”
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Drawing her statement to a close, Jenkins ultimately offered her gratitude to the fans, declaring, “Lastly, but mostly importantly, THANK YOU to the incredible WW fans, and for all of your love and support.”
“Wonder Woman fans are often not the most visible in the media and online, but I want you to know that we have always seen and celebrated you and your importance,” she then bizarrely posited, despite the Amazonian being the most popular and recognizable female super hero of all time. “You were first and foremost in our minds every day we made the last two films. You are the best and most loving people and I look forward to always celebrating you.”
“Thank you ALL for this wonderful journey,” Jenkins eventually concluded. “Keep up the Wonder Woman spirit. Any day that you face struggles, try asking: What would Wonder Woman do? I hope her beacon of love, truth, and justice is always there to lead the way for you, as she has done with me.”
Notably, just a short time after the director published her tweet, Gunn himself replied, “I can attest that all of Peter and my interactions with you were only pleasant and professional.”
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