In just 17 days after its release, the Barbie movie has reached an impressive milestone by crossing the billion-dollar mark at the global box office. Warner Bros, the distributor, announced that the film is expected to end the weekend with a remarkable $1.03 billion in ticket sales worldwide.

This achievement is particularly significant because Greta Gerwig, the director of the film, has become the first woman to accomplish such a feat on her own. Warner Bros referred to this as a groundbreaking moment.

Jeff Goldstein, who oversees movie distribution in the US, praised Gerwig for bringing the beloved Barbie character to life in a heartwarming and humorous way, noting that her work has sparked worldwide interest.

The movie's success is a clear sign that people are returning to theaters after a tough period caused by pandemic-related lockdowns and competition from streaming services. The long queues outside cinemas and multiple viewings demonstrate the revival of the movie industry.

While other female directors have contributed to billion-dollar movies in collaboration with others, Greta Gerwig's achievement stands out as she directed the Barbie movie independently. Notable examples include the Frozen films, which were co-directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, as well as Captain Marvel, co-directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck.

The Barbie movie, with its distinctive pink theme, has not only earned praise from critics but has also sparked a trend of taking selfies with Barbie-themed displays in UK cinemas.

Featuring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the film has performed remarkably well, gathering $459 million in the US and an impressive $572 million internationally.