Barbie, the iconic fashion doll created by Ruth Handler in 1959, has come a long way on her journey to the big screen. It has taken over 50 years for Barbie to make her debut in a feature film, and along the way, there have been many ups and downs, with various writers, directors, and stars attached to the project.
In 2009, Mattel, the makers of Barbie, signed a deal with Universal Pictures to make a film about the beloved doll. However, that deal fell through, and it wasn’t until 2014 that Sony acquired the rights to Barbie. The project went through several writers, including Jenny Bicks, the writer of Sex and the City, and Diablo Cody, the Oscar-winning writer of Juno. Cody struggled with the concept of Barbie as a feminist heroine, as it conflicted with the doll’s iconic image. She also faced challenges as The Lego Movie had already successfully explored meta storytelling, making it difficult for her to come up with fresh ideas.
In 2016, comedian Amy Schumer was tapped to star in the live-action Barbie film and even took a shot at co-writing the script with her sister, Kim Caramele. Their vision for the film was a fish-out-of-water tale, where Barbie, played by Schumer, gets kicked out of Barbieland for not being perfect enough. However, Schumer eventually dropped out of the project due to creative differences. She wanted to portray Barbie as an ambitious inventor, but the studio had a different vision and even suggested that Barbie’s invention be a high heel made of Jell-O. Schumer felt that the studio didn’t understand her perspective and decided to move on.
Anne Hathaway briefly joined the project in 2017 along with writer Olivia Milch and director Alethea Jones. However, this version of the film also fell apart. The rights to Barbie then shifted to Warner Bros. in 2018, and in 2019, Margot Robbie was announced as the new Barbie and co-producer of the film. Robbie credited Patty Jenkins’ success with Wonder Woman for helping get Barbie greenlit. In 2021, Greta Gerwig, known for her critically acclaimed film Little Women, joined the project as the director, and Noah Baumbach, the writer of Fantastic Mr. Fox, joined as the co-writer.
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The script for Barbie went through several iterations, with Gerwig and Baumbach citing influences from Reviving Ophelia, The Red Shoes, and Planet of the Apes. The story revolves around Barbie and Ken leaving their Barbieland utopia and embarking on a journey of self-discovery in the real world. Principal photography took place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in England, and in 2022, the first image of Robbie as Barbie and the casting of Ryan Gosling as Ken were revealed. The anticipation for the film grew as fans got their first glimpse of the iconic characters in live-action.
By 2023, Barbie was completed at a cost of $145 million. Warner Bros. launched a major marketing campaign, partnering with various companies like Airbnb and Xbox, spending at least $70 million in promotions. As the film premiered, the initial reactions and subsequent reviews were overwhelmingly positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film earned a 90 percent critic and audience score, with many praising Gerwig’s clever and humorous take on the Barbie universe.
Greta Gerwig’s direction showcased her ability to navigate the corporate world of filmmaking while injecting her unique brand of storytelling. Barbie became more than just a toy brought to life; it became a commentary on the societal pressures faced by women and the contradictions of our sexist society. The film delighted audiences with its witty dialogue, meta references, and its celebration of Barbie’s enduring legacy.
Barbie’s journey to the big screen may have taken a winding road, but it finally arrived with style and grace. The film’s success not only solidified Barbie’s status as a cultural icon but also proved that even after 60 years, she continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of fans. As Barbie continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times, it’s clear that she will always remain a symbol of empowerment, creativity, and endless possibilities.
