In 2019, Warner Bros. announced that they were developing a new film based upon the beloved Mattel toy, Barbie. To heighten excitement, they also came forward to say that Margot Robbie would be starring. A couple of weeks later, Greta Gerwig (“Lady Bird”, “Little Women”) came forward as a producer on the project. It is now official: Gerwig will direct the film, based upon a script that she wrote with her long-time romantic and writing partner, Noah Baumbach (“The Squid and the Whale“, “Frances Ha”).
Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel, had this to say about the project, at the time of the announcement:
“Barbie is one of the most iconic franchises in the world and we are excited to partner with Warner Bros. Pictures and Margot Robbie to bring her to life on the big screen. We look forward to building on this collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures as we tell the stories of our beloved brands. Mattel Films is on a path to demonstrate the enormous potential of our brand portfolio. As we continue to execute on our strategy of transforming Mattel into an IP-driven, high performing toy company.”
When will Barbie begin production?
Not much else is known about the project at this time, as all of the plans for the Amy Schumer-led Sony Barbie have been scrapped. The film will begin production immediately after Baumbach’s newest feature White Noise, is finished, which Gerwig is also involved in.
Although the idea of a theatrical Barbie movie doesn’t exactly get me excited… the team involved certainly interests me. Margot Robbie has proven that she is the definition of a Hollywood leading lady. Her casting here for Barbie makes a lot of sense. Baumbach and Gerwig’s involvement certainly means that we are not going to be getting a straight-forward, generic adaptation of the doll.
Barbie will hit theaters in the Summer of 2023.
Source: Variety
