When Warner Brothers announced Barbie was undergoing a modern-day makeover in a new live-action film, no would expected Margot Robbie would be cast in the role. While it seems like an obvious fit aesthetically, it doesn’t scream revolutionary.
In the past, the Barbie doll has garnered widespread criticism for projecting unrealistic body ideals onto young girls, so with the news of a film, we presumed the doll would be reinvented for a progressive, 21st century audience.
But don’t panic just yet. There’s still hope.
Ladybird’s Greta Gerwig has confirmed she’ll be joining forces with her long-term partner Noah Baumbach to co-write the script, with the screenwriter in talks to direct the film too. And if there’s one thing guaranteed with Greta, it’s a female-led film with strong feminist messaging. Oh yes.
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“For us, the Barbie movie should definitely have a message of female empowerment, and that you can dream and be anything you want,” she asserted.
Interestingly, Amy Schumer was originally signed up to play the role of Barbie but was forced to pull out due to conflicting schedules. At the time, she said of her decision: “The film has so much promise, and Sony and Mattel have been great partners. I’m bummed, but look forward to seeing Barbie on the big screen.” A couple of years later, Margot was confirmed to take her place.
“Playing with Barbie promotes confidence, curiosity and communication throughout a child’s journey to self-discovery,” said the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood star.
Unfortunately, the film’s release date has been pushed back to 2020 with Greta working on the upcoming film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson and Timothée Chalamet, and Noah busy directing an untitled Netflix film starring Scarlett Johansen and Adam Driver.
Now, let the guessing games commence on who will take on the role of Ken.
