Imagine going from being aWall Street Journalreporter in New York to making your directorial debut at Sundance, to then go on to become the first Asian woman to helm a movie in the DC film universe. Well that, my friend, is exactly whatBirds of PreydirectorCathy Yandid. Coming off the success of her indie filmDead Pigs, Yan joinsPatty JenkinsandAva DuVernayas the third female director in the DC Universe which shows that Warner Bros.’ push for more diversity and inclusion is not just on the screen but it is behind the camera as well!
Written byChristina Hodson,Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)takes place after the events ofSuicide Squadand findsMargot Robbie’s Harley Quinn trying to bounce back from her devasting breakup with the Joker. When the villainous Black Mask (Ewan McGregor) gets words she is on her own now, he sets out on a mission to take her down, which leads her to form a gang of badass women, including Black Canary and Huntress, to bring him and his goons down.
After seeing the film, I had the chance to sit down with Yan to discuss her new project. We talked about the advice she got from other indie directors who have made the jump to helming a blockbuster film, if Joker was ever considered to have a prominent role in the movie, what it was like working with Warner Bros., if there were any deleted scenes, her favorite moments on set, working with Margot Robbie as an actor and producer, howChad Stahelskihelped on the film, and if she has any ideas for a sequel.
Check out what she had to say in the video above, and below is exactly what we talked about. Also, verify to check out our review of the filmhere!Birds of Preyis now in theaters.
Cathy Yan:
Here’s the official synopsis for the film:
Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is a twisted tale told by Harley herself, as only Harley can tell it. When Gotham’s most nefariously narcissistic villain, Roman Sionis, and his zealous right-hand, Zsasz, put a target on a young girl named Cass, the city is turned upside down looking for her. Harley, Huntress, Black Canary and Renee Montoya’s paths collide, and the unlikely foursome have no choice but to team up to take Roman down.
