Following the massive debut of the Barbie movie, director Greta Gerwig is speaking out about the film’s success, criticism, and the possibility of a sequel. In an interview with The New York Times, Gerwig shared her thoughts on the future of the franchise. She explained, “At this moment, it’s all I’ve got. I feel like that at the end of every movie, like I’ll never have another idea and everything I’ve ever wanted to do, I did. I wouldn’t want to squash anybody else’s dream, but for me, at this moment, I’m at totally zero.”
Gerwig’s comments come after the Barbie movie had a record-breaking debut weekend, earning $162 million at the North American box office. Not only did the film achieve one of the top openings since the pandemic, but Gerwig also broke the opening weekend record for a female director. She expressed her awe and gratitude for the movie’s success, stating, “It’s been amazing to walk around and see people in pink. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine something like this.”
However, along with the praise and excitement surrounding the film, there have been critics who have bashed it as being “woke.” Some conservative pundits even reportedly burned their Barbie dolls in protest. Gerwig addressed this unexpected reaction, saying, “Certainly, there’s a lot of passion. My hope for the movie is that it’s an invitation for everybody to be part of the party and let go of the things that aren’t necessarily serving us as either women or men. I hope that in all of that passion, if they see it or engage with it, it can give them some of the relief that it gave other people.”
The director also discussed the disagreements she had with Mattel, the company behind Barbie, during the filming process. It was previously reported that the president of Mattel argued with Gerwig and star Margot Robbie over a scene he felt was off-brand. Gerwig clarified that the interaction was not as dramatic as it seemed, stating, “They were coming anyway, so it wasn’t like, ‘Stop everything, we all have to go to London!'” She explained her reasoning behind the controversial scene and how she wanted to address the criticisms against Barbie in a thoughtful manner.
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As Gerwig continues to celebrate the success of Barbie, she shared a humorous anecdote about her 4-year-old son’s reaction to all the Barbie mania. He made a pink cake with a ‘B’ on it and said, “This is how we say goodbye to Barbie.” Gerwig jokingly remarked, “I thought, ‘Oh, you’re done.'”
Barbie is currently playing in theaters, providing an inclusive and empowering experience for audiences of all ages. The film has sparked meaningful conversations about sexism, female empowerment, and self-determination while captivating viewers with its vibrant storytelling. Gerwig’s directorial vision has resonated with audiences, breaking records and creating a sense of unity among moviegoers. While the future of the franchise remains uncertain, Barbie’s success has solidified Gerwig’s place as a talented and influential filmmaker.
