Musical biopics are some of the best-performing genres, and A Complete Unknown is no exception. The movie starring Timothée Chalamet has made over $53 million worldwide and has primarily rolled out in the United States. This total is expected to grow over the coming weeks, as the Bob Dylan biopic will expand its international rollout throughout January. While the movie’s focus makes it appeal mostly to an American audience, the total will still grow as more people get to see the film.

The film’s director, James Mangold, is no stranger to the music biopic. He previously narrated the life of Johnny Cash in the acclaimed 2005 film Walk the Line. The movie earned multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor, a category in which A Complete Unknown is likely to be a strong compeтιтor. Barring further disruptions, the Oscar nominations are set to be announced on Thursday, January 23, revealing the fate of A Complete Unknown and other films at the most coveted ceremony of the year. For now, though, the movie continues its box office momentum with a new record.

A Complete Unknown Has Made James Mangold One Of The Highest-Grossing Directors

He Beat Out Joss Whedon To Do So

A Complete Unknown‘s box office numbers have now made Mangold one of the highest-grossing directors at the domestic box office, and he even beat out Joss Whedon for the honor. An award-winning producer and director, Whedon saw his biggest box office when he made his MCU debut in 2012 with The Avengers, which was followed by Avengers: Age of Ultron in 2015. Also, the executive producer for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, Whedon is considered a definitive voice in the sci-fi genre.

Mangold has beaten Whedon in one regard, however, as A Complete Unknown has now positioned the director within the top 40 highest-grossing directors at the domestic box office. Per The Numbers, Mangold’s total domestic box office is now $1.127 billion, putting him at no. 39 to rank above Whedon and Meet the Parents helmer Jay Roach. This now kicks Whedon to the no. 41 slot.

Our Take On Mangold’s New Box Office Record

Mangold Doesn’t Need Superheroes To Succeed

Unlike Whedon, whose record is mostly attributed to his two Avengers movies, Mangold has a more diverse background of films that have put him in this spot. While his top three highest-grossing movies domestically are all IP projects, his next two are Walk the Line and Ford v. Ferrari, both biopics. With A Complete Unknown being the latest addition to Mangold’s personal domestic box office top 10, the director has further proven the versatility of his box office viability.

Source: The Numbers