"Barbie" is closing in on topping $1 billion at the global box office, with just under $100 million left to reach the coveted milestone.
The Warner Bros and Mattel collaboration has already amassed an impressive $916.1 million heading into the weekend, and it's anticipated to surpass $1 billion before Monday.
This achievement marks a significant moment for both "Barbie" and its director, Greta Gerwig.
As the film joins the billion-dollar box office club, Gerwig becomes the first solo female director to achieve this feat, according to Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at BoxOffice.com.
Previously, Anna Boden, co-director of Disney's "Captain Marvel," was attached to a billion-dollar film, as "Captain Marvel" reached nearly $1.13 billion during its theatrical run in 2019.
With "Barbie" crossing the billion-dollar mark, it also becomes the first film to do so under the newly merged Warner Bros. Discovery, which came together in 2022.
Amidst the struggles studios have faced in connecting with moviegoing audiences, "Barbie" emerges as a standout success.
Many adult-oriented blockbusters have underperformed in recent months, leading to questions about changing consumer tastes in the film industry.
However, "Barbie" has demonstrated that audiences are still eager to leave their homes for quality films and unique communal experiences.
Movie theaters, both large and small, have reported record ticket sales in July, as theaters filled with pink-clad audiences.
With limited competition for the remainder of the summer season, "Barbie" is expected to continue attracting moviegoers to cinemas, showcasing the enduring appeal of the beloved character on the big screen.
