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Greta Gerwig was once deemed “too indie” for Hollywood’s blockbuster scene. Yet, she defied expectations, moving from mumblecore storyteller to studio powerhouse. According to Box Office Mojo, her Barbie phenomenon amassed an astounding $1.47 billion globally, surpassing Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which earned $975 million. From her early days in low-budget gems to becoming a filmmaking force, Gerwig’s journey proves that indie roots can triumph on cinema’s grandest stage.
From Indie Underdog to Box Office Queen
Greta Gerwig’s journey from small-scale storyteller to Tinseltown heavyweight is remarkable. Back then, she was a mumblecore maven, churning out low-budget gems as an actress. For instance, Hannah Takes the Stairs and Nights and Weekends are two.
Her breakout solo directorial debut, Lady Bird in 2017, a $10 million coming-of-age gem, earned critical acclaim and Oscar nods. Little Women followed in 2019, a $40 million adaptation showcasing her ability to reimagine classics. Yet, skeptics doubted whether her introspective style could translate to studio blockbusters.
I also think Greta Gerwig has had one of the most ideal ascensions in the industry that I’ve ever seen, starting her solo directing career w/ a $10 million coming-of-age indie, next taking on a $40 million adaptation of a classic novel, & now helming a $145 million blockbuster. https://t.co/bVwfTE3vhB pic.twitter.com/cSZLOvmTMS
— zoë rose bryant (@zoerosebryant) July 22, 2023
