Patty Jenkins on Warner Bros. comes as Hollywood continues to react to the reported Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. The Wonder Woman director recently addressed the situation while attending a Tribeca and Chanel event in Manhattan.
Jenkins joined Halle Berry, Regina King, Misty Copeland and other industry figures at Locanda Verde for the Through Her Lens luncheon. The event came roughly 24 hours after reports indicated that the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal was essentially complete. The development has generated uncertainty across the entertainment industry.
Patty Jenkins on Warner Bros. Turmoil
Jenkins has maintained a longstanding relationship with Warner Bros., particularly through her work on the Wonder Woman franchise. However, she said she has intentionally avoided following the latest developments surrounding the studio.
“I didn’t even look at it, frankly. I’ve been tuning all of that out,” “Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins tells Variety of the news. “It’s such chaos. I think the studio system is in such bad shape that I’m kind of tuning it out.”
Her comments reflect her decision to step away from the ongoing industry developments rather than closely follow the changes taking place at the studio.
Jenkins Is Open to Working With Warner Bros. Again
Despite her concerns about the current state of the studio system, Jenkins has not ruled out working with Warner Bros. again. When asked whether she would make a movie with Warner Bros. under David Ellison’s leadership, Jenkins gave a cautious response.
“You never know.”
She continued:
“I never say no to anything because so many people have different projects. Something may come along, and they’ve been making some great films, and who knows.”
The Patty Jenkins on Warner Bros. comments therefore do not close the door on a future collaboration. Instead, Jenkins appears open to the possibility if the right project comes along.
Jenkins Sees New Opportunities for Filmmakers
Jenkins also discussed the changing opportunities available to filmmakers. She believes emerging directors can now create films independently in ways that were more difficult when she was starting her career.
Jenkins pointed to projects such as Backrooms and Obsession as examples of filmmakers working with very small budgets and finding audiences.
“People are able to make their own films and it’s a game-changer,” she says. “I see it coming and I’m so excited about it — the democratization of being able to get your films to your audiences.”
Her comments highlight the growing importance of independent production and alternative distribution models.
Jane Rosenthal Offers a Different View
Tribeca boss Jane Rosenthal offered a different perspective on the industry’s current challenges. Rosenthal argued that young filmmakers face more obstacles today than when she entered the business.
“The business is really kind of a mess,” she says, while noting that streaming has contributed to an increase in the number of films being produced.
She also addressed the uncertainty surrounding the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal.
“Who knows what this merger is gonna do,” Rosenthal said.
However, Rosenthal also sees potential opportunities in the changing distribution landscape.
New Distribution Models Could Help Independent Films
Rosenthal pointed to the possibility of new approaches to independent film distribution. She referenced AMC’s recently announced independent distribution venture as an example of how companies outside traditional studio structures could influence the market.
“You see what AMC is doing, let’s see what that really means,” she says.
The changing theatrical and streaming landscape could create new ways for independent filmmakers to reach audiences. At the same time, the impact of these emerging models remains uncertain.
Through Her Lens Supports Emerging Filmmakers
The luncheon also marked the beginning of this year’s Through Her Lens program. The initiative supports emerging filmmakers through workshops, mentorship opportunities and industry conversations. Five filmmaking teams will participate in the program before presenting live pitches to a jury.
One team will receive full financing to produce its short film with support from Tribeca Studios. The other four teams will receive development grants. Berry, King and Meg Ryan were announced as this year’s jury members alongside cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, known for Sinners, and Sterling Point actress Ella Rubin.
Filmmakers Look Toward a Changing Industry
Emmy Rossum also attended the event to support the initiative. Rossum emphasized the importance of giving talented filmmakers opportunities to reach audiences. She said she “just wants the best people to tell stories” and added that she wants those stories “to be seen by lots of people in theaters and on streaming.”
The comments from Jenkins, Rosenthal and Rossum highlight different perspectives on Hollywood’s rapidly changing landscape. For Jenkins, the current studio turmoil is something she has chosen to tune out for now. However, the Patty Jenkins on Warner Bros. discussion also makes clear that she remains open to future opportunities with the studio.
Meanwhile, the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal and the changing distribution market continue to raise questions about how Hollywood will operate in the years ahead.
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Ambily S