Barbie (film)

Teaser poster.

***Barbie*** is a 2023 comedy film. Based on the American fashion doll line created by Ruth Handler, this film marks the first live-action movie based on the Barbie franchise. It is Co-Financed by Universal and Warner Bros. Pictures.

## Cast

* Margot Robbie as Barbie
* Ryan Gosling as Ken
* America Ferrera
* Simu Liu as another Ken
* Kate McKinnon
* Ariana Greenblatt
* Alexandra Shipp
* Emma Mackey
* Will Ferrell as the CEO of Mattel
* Issa Rae as another Barbie
* Michael Cera
* Hari Nef as another Barbie
* Kingsley Ben-Adir
* Rhea Perlman
* Ncuti Gatwa as another Ken
* Emerald Fennell
* Sharon Rooney
* Scott Evans
* Ana Cruz Kayne
* Connor Swindells
* Ritu Arya
* Jamie Demetriou
* Marisa Abela

## Production

### Development

In September 2009 it was announced that Mattel had made a deal with Universal Pictures to develop a live-action film based on the Barbie toy line. With no release date, Laurence Mark was set to produce the film. Rob Hudnut, who was VP of entertainment for Barbie, and Richard Dickson, who was the Barbie general manager, were set to executive produce.

Sony Pictures and Mattel later attempted to develop a comedic live-action Barbie movie with Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald as producers and Jenny Bicks as a writer. The film was to be released under Mattel Playground Productions, with Julia Pistor, who was in charge of the division, attached as another producer. Production was set to begin before the end of 2014. It would've marked the second film collaboration between Mattel and Sony, after the development of a film based on *Masters Of The Universe*. On March 4, 2015, it was announced that Diablo Cody had been hired to do a rewrite of the script. Diablo later explained in April 2018 that she never produced an initial draft for the film due to being overwhelmed at the time.

In December 2015, it was announced that Sony would hire three different writers to write scripts and that they would choose the best one. The first was by Lindsey Beer, the second by Bert Royal; and a third by Hilary Winston. They eventually chose Winston to write the script. On August 5, 2015, Sony Pictures set the release date as June 2, 2017. On December 2, 2016, *The Hollywood Reporter* reported that Amy Schumer had been cast as Barbie. Plot details also emerged for the film which would've been centering on a Barbie, who after she is exiled from a world full of Barbies, enters the real world where she discovers that being unique is an asset. Schumer alongside her sister Kim Caramele were also rewriting the film's script. On March 23, 2017, *The Hollywood Reporter* confirmed that Schumer had dropped out of the project due to scheduling conflicts. On March 9, 2022, it was later revealed that Schumer dropped out of the project due to the many creative differences that made her not want to proceed with the film. Schumer and Caramele wrote a script about an 'ambitious inventor', but the studios couldn't agree on the idea.

In July 2017, it was announced that Anne Hathaway would star as the titular character and that up-and-coming director Alethea Jones would helm it, who Hathaway hand picked. The film was now aiming to be released on June 29, 2018 and was then pushed back to August 8, 2018. It was announced in January 2018 that the film was pushed back again to May 8, 2020.

### Pre-production

With a revived film division, Mattel Films, a Barbie film was considered one of two of the division's first projects, scrapping the emerged film concept. In October 2018, it was announced that Warner Bros. would distribute and that Margot Robbie was in talks to play the titular character, following Hathaway's departure from the role while rumors of Patty Jenkins briefly circling the director position. It was also announced that a revised script was written by Olivia Milch and that none of the producers previously with *Barbie* at Sony are attached (which was Amy Pascal, Laurie Macdonald and Walter Parkes). In early January 2019, Mattel closed the deal with Robbie to star and Warner and Robbie's production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, to co-produce. In July 2019, it was announced that Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach would write the script with Gerwig also in talks to direct. In July 2021, it was announced that Gerwig had officially signed on to direct the film and that production would begin at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden in early 2022 for a theatrical release sometime in 2023. During the same announcement, David Heyman was announced to produce the film alongside LuckyChap’s Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara and Mattel’s Robbie Brenner and Ynon Kreiz.

During production and development of the film, the executives at Mattel gave Gerwig free range to do what she wanted with the film.

#### Casting

In October 2021, it was announced that Ryan Gosling would play Ken. In February 2022, it was announced that America Ferrera, Simu Liu, and Kate McKinnon joined the film in undisclosed roles. In March 2022, it was announced that Ariana Greenblatt, Alexandra Shipp, and Emma Mackey joined the film in undisclosed roles. In April 2022, it was announced that Will Ferrell, Issa Rae, Michael Cera, Hari Nef Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Ncuti Gatwa, Emerald Fennell, Sharon Rooney, Scott Evans, Ana Cruz Kayne, Connor Swindells, Ritu Arya and Jamie Demetriou joined the film in undisclosed roles. In July 2022 it was announced that Marisa Abela joined the film in an undisclosed role.

### Filming

On February 18, 2022, it was announced during the 2022 Mattel Analyst Meeting by Robbie Brenner that principal photography for the film was set to begin in March, with the film being shot in London, England. Filming also occurred in Los Angeles in June 2022. On the days the film was shooting, filming lasted for about twelve hours. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Liu said that the film's aesthetic is vibrant and full of life.

Principal photography of the film wrapped on July 21, 2022 with a few cast members posting behind the scenes images on their respective social medias that they wrapped filming their parts a few days before.

## Music

On April 29, 2022, *Variety* reported that the song "Barbie Girl", a pop-culture song about Barbie and Ken, by the Danish dance-pop group Aqua will not be in the film.

In early September 2022, it was confirmed that Alexandre Desplat was to be scoring the film. Desplat previously worked with Gerwig on the film, *Little Women*.

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## Marketing

A first-look at *Barbie* was revealed at Warner Bros. presentation at CinemaCon 2022 on April 27, 2022. The first-look saw a photo of Barbie seen in the aforementioned pink convertible, flashing a megawatt smile and donning a polka dot headband behind the wheel. Another photo, released on June 15, 2022, saw Ken sporting six-pack abs, bleach blonde hair and a spray tan. More than a year before the release of the film, several internet memes involving promotional shots of the characters and other images begin to spread on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok.

During São Paulo’s CCXP in December 2022, a booth based on the film was setup at Warner Bros. Discovery's booth, which allowed attendees to be immersed into the world of the film. Replicas of settings and objects were included, including a pink convertible and a summer themed set with beach chairs and slide descending into a water-esque ball pit.

### Trailer

A teaser trailer first debuted during Thursday night screenings of *Avatar: The Way of Water*, featuring a parody of the opening sequence in the film *2001: A Space Odyssey*. The teaser trailer, alongside a poster, was released to the public the following day on December 16, 2022.

## Release

A test-screening of the film was meant to occur on Saturday, December 10, 2022 in the West Coast of the United States, but was cancelled. *Barbie* is scheduled to be released in theaters in the United States on July 21, 2023, which was announced on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 during the Warner Bros. presentation at Las Vegas’ CinemaCon. The film will take over the date previously occupied by *Coyote vs. Acme*, another Warner Bros. film. It was previously set for release on June 2, 2017 but was pushed back due to scheduling conflicts with the initial star. It was moved to June 29, 2018 and then pushed back to August 8, 2018. The film was delayed again for an initial release of May 8, 2020 before being pushed to 2023. It will be the first film released by Mattel Films.

## Gallery

### Stills

Released as a first-look during the Warner Bros. presentation at Las Vegas’ CinemaCon, Barbie is seen in the aforementioned pink convertible, flashing a megawatt smile and donning a polka dot headband behind the wheel.Released as the second official still of the film, Ken is seen sporting six-pack abs, bleach blonde hair and a spray tan.
### Behind the scenes

#### Filming

##### June 22, 2022

The photos in this gallery were released to the public on June 22, 2022 by various outlets. Due to the amount of photos released, not all behind the scenes images of this day are reflected in this gallery.

Margot Robbie, as Barbie, stepping on Los Angeles set in bell-bottomed pants.Ryan Gosling (as Ken) stepping on set in a cowboy outfit.Margot Robbie (as Barbie) on set with director Greta Gerwig.Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling stand side-by-side near cameras as they prepare to walk into frame.In between takes, Margot Robbie (as Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (as Ken) practice their struts.Margot Robbie (as Barbie) taking a break on set after filming.Margot Robbie (as Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (as Ken) stand side by side on set.Margot Robbie (as Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (as Ken) on set.
##### June 27-28, 2022

The photos in this gallery are from People.com although various images centered around this day were released to the public between June 27-28, 2022 by various outlets. Due to the amount of photos released, not all behind the scenes images from this day are reflected in this gallery.

Margot Robbie (as Barbe) skating alongside America Ferrera's character.Margot Robbie (as Barbe) roller skating alongside Ferrera's character.Margot Robbie and Her Stunt Double on set.Ryan Gosling and His Stunt Double on set.Margot Robbie (as Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (as Ken) laugh in between takes on set.Margot Robbie (as Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (as Ken) skating on set.Margot Robbie (as Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (as Ken) high five.Will Ferrell's character on rollerblades.In between takes, Will Ferrell was spotted chatting with director Greta Gerwig.
## Impact

### Trend

Prior to the film's release a year before, the aesthetics of the film made a notable cultural impact in the summer of 2022 due to the release of early stills from onset and of Margot Robbie as "Barbie". The popularity of the color pink, which was predicted to be a fashion trend, rose to prominence in fashion thanks to the discussion of the film, leading it to be dubbed as "Barbiecore". This trend also involves design and makeup.

## Trivia

### Cast

* Everyone in the cast had to audition except Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
* For the film, Margot Robbie was paid was paid $12.5 million (in the U.S. which is equivalent to $18.1 million in Australia), making her the highest-paid female actor in Hollywood. Robbie's co-star, Ryan Gosling, was paid the same amount.
* In an interview with Empire Magazine, Emma Mackey revealed that the cast took part in a sleepover before filming began.

### People

* The costume designer for the film is Jacqueline Durran, who previously collaborated with Gerwig on the film *Little Women* (2019).
* Saoirse Ronan was intended to appear as a cameo in the film due to her living in London, where some filming occurred for the feature, but couldn't appear due to schedule conflicts with *The Outrun*. Ronan was going to portray another Barbie.

## Videos

### Trailer

Barbie - Teaser TrailerBarbie - Teaser Trailer 2
### Behind the scenes

Barbie by reta Gerwig 2023 movie stars Margot Robbie and Ryan gosling on set!!!Margot Robbie and America Ferrera on set of Greta Gerwig's 2023 movie Barbie!!!
## Sequel

While speaking with *Variety* at the Academy’s Governors Awards on November 19, 2022, Gerwig expressed excitement if the film was to begin a film series, despite being unsure if it will be turned into a series.

## References

1. ↑ Barbie movie adds Will Ferrell to its cast
2. ↑ Simu Liu Joins Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ Film For Warner Bros.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie’ Sets 2023 Release Date, Unveils First-Look Photo
4. ↑ Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ Has Budget of $100 Million August 24, 2022 Retrieved November 19, 2022
5. ↑ Sex Education's Emma Mackey talks Margot Robbie comparisons and Barbie's "unexpected" tone September 2022 Retrieved September 18, 2022
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 'Barbie' Will Feature Multiple Versions of Barbie and Ken Including Simu Liu and Issa Rae
7. ↑ Will Ferrell Joins Margot Robbie in Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’
8. ↑ Will Ferrell Plays an ‘Insensitive’ Mattel CEO in ‘Barbie,’ Calls Film the ‘Ultimate Example of High Art and Low Art’ November 21, 2022 Retrieved November 27, 2022
9. ↑ Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ Adds ‘Industry’ Actor Marisa Abela
10. ↑ Barbie’s a Living Doll at Universal with Big Screen Plans
11. ↑ Sony Pictures Teams With Mattel To Fashion Film Franchise Based On Barbie Toyline
12. ↑ Sony Pictures Entertainment And Mattel Announce Plan To Bring The Iconic Character Of Barbie To Life On Screen
13. ↑ Sony’s ‘Barbie’ Movie Draws Diablo Cody for Rewrite
14. ↑ Diablo Cody “Failed So Hard” On ‘Barbie’ And Explains The Situation Behind Script Debacle
15. ↑ ‘Barbie’ Movie: Sony Trying Three Poses With Three Scripts
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Amy Schumer exits live-action *Barbie* movie
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Sony Pictures Dates 16 Films Through 2019!
18. ↑ Amy Schumer in Talks to Star in ‘Barbie’ Movie From Sony
19. ↑ Amy Schumer walked away from live-action Barbie movie due to creative differences, says studio 'didn't want to do it the way I wanted to do it'
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Anne Hathaway in Talks to Replace Amy Schumer in ‘Barbie’ Movie
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Sony Sets Dates for ‘Spider-Man’ Spinoff ‘Silver & Black’ and ‘Sicario 2’
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Anne Hathaway’s ‘Barbie’ Moved Back Two Years to 2020
23. ↑ Mattel's New CEO Starts Movie Unit to Jump-Start Film Franchises
24. ↑ ‘Barbie’ Zooming From Sony To Warner Bros; Margot Robbie In Early Talks
25. ↑ Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach to Tackle Margot Robbie-Produced ‘Barbie’ Movie
26. ↑ Greta Gerwig to Direct ‘Barbie’ With Margot Robbie, Filming to Start in 2022
27. ↑ Greta Gerwig Says She Was “Terrified” That ‘Barbie’ Might Be “A Career-Ender” November 25, 2022 Retrieved November 27, 2022
28. ↑ Ryan Gosling To Play Ken Opposite Margot Robbie In ‘Barbie’ Movie From Warner Bros, LuckyChap & Mattel
29. ↑ America Ferrera Joins Cast of Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ Film
30. ↑ Simu Liu Joins Margot Robbie in Warner Bros.’ ‘Barbie’ (Exclusive)
31. ↑ ‘Barbie’: Kate McKinnon Latest To Join Margot Robbie In Warner Bros, Mattel And LuckyChap Film
32. ↑ ‘Barbie’: Ariana Greenblatt Joins Margot Robbie In Warner Bros., Mattel And LuckyChap Pic
33. ↑ ‘Tick, Tick … Boom!’ Star Alexandra Shipp Joins Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ (EXCLUSIVE)
34. ↑ Sex Education's Emma Mackey 'lands her biggest role yet starring opposite Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the Barbie live action movie'
35. ↑ ‘Barbie’: Will Ferrell Latest To Join Margot Robbie In Warner Bros, Mattel And LuckyChap Film
36. ↑ Issa Rae and Michael Cera Join Cast of Margot Robbie's Upcoming Barbie Movie
37. ↑ Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie’ Casts ‘And Just Like That’ Actor Hari Nef (EXCLUSIVE)
38. ↑ ‘Barbie’: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Emerald Fennell, Scott Evans, More Round Out Cast Of Warner Bros, Mattel And LuckyChap Pic
39. ↑ Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ Adds ‘Industry’ Actor Marisa Abela
40. ↑ Mattel Films Segment From The 2022 Mattel Analyst Meeting
41. ↑ Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie match on set of ‘Barbie’ movie
42. ↑ Simu Liu teases Margot Robbie's *Barbie* movie as 'vibrant and full of life'
43. ↑ Mattel CEO says ‘Barbie’ movie production wrapped Thursday, exactly a year before release date
44. ↑ Barbie Movie Stars Wrap Filming In New Behind-The-Scenes Images
45. ↑ Aqua’s ‘Barbie Girl’ Song Won’t Appear in the Margot Robbie ‘Barbie’ Movie
46. ↑ Alexandre Desplat is Scoring ‘Barbie’ September 5, 2022 Retrieved September 6, 2022.
47. ↑ First look: Margot Robbie's 'Barbie,' Timothée Chalamet's 'Wonka' reimagine classic characters April 27, 2022 Retrieved December 16, 2022
48. ↑ Ryan Gosling is a real-life Ken doll with abs in first character photo from Barbie movie June 15, 2022 Retrieved December 16, 2022
49. ↑ Not out for another year, Barbie is already a meme machine June 29, 2022 Retrieved December 16, 2022
50. ↑ The ‘Barbie’ Movie Memes Overtaking Twitter Are Funnier Than the Film Could Ever Be July 5, 2022 Retrieved December 16, 2022
51. ↑ ‘Barbie’ Movie Booth at CCXP Invites Fans to Live a Fantastic Life on Plastic November 30, 2022 Retrieved December 6, 2022
52. ↑ First 'Barbie' Trailer Is Playing Before Screenings of 'Avatar: The Way of Water' December 15, 2022 Retrieved December 16, 2022
53. ↑ 'Barbie' Trailer: Margot Robbie Is Larger Than Life as the Iconic Doll December 16, 2022 Retrieved December 16, 2022
54. ↑ Greta Gerwig’s Barbie’ Test-Screening This Weekend December 7, 2022 Retrieved December 10, 2022
55. ↑ If You’re Looking For ‘Barbie’ Test-Screening Reactions … December 12, 2022 Retrieved December 14, 2022
56. ↑ ‘Barbie’ Heads To Summer 2023 – CinemaCon
57. ↑ EXCLUSIVE: Barbie meets Ken! Ryan Gosling joins Margot Robbie on set for first time as they get dolled up in matching cowboy hats and pink neckerchiefs in LA
58. ↑ Every Photo From the Barbie Movie Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling
59. ↑ A New Era of Barbiecore Fashion Is Upon Us June 1, 2022 Retrieved September 14, 2022.
60. ↑ What Is Barbiecore? Everything to Know About the Viral Fashion Trend Inspired by Barbie August 1, 2022 Retrieved September 14, 2022.
61. ↑ Simu Liu is dancing his way from Shang-Chi to Barbie
62. ↑ Margot Robbie's MASSIVE Barbie movie salary of $12.5million is leaked as she is named the highest paid female movie star in Hollywood
63. ↑ 'Barbie': Emma Mackey Shares Details From Cast Sleepover
64. ↑ Margot Robbie’s Viral ‘Barbie’ Costumes Are Created by Oscar-Winning ‘Little Women’ Costume Designer
65. ↑ Saoirse Ronan Is 'Gutted' She Couldn't Be in Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' Due to Schedule Conflict September 14, 2022 Retrieved September 14, 2022.
66. ↑ ‘Barbie’ Director Greta Gerwig Teases Ryan Gosling’s Ken Costumes: ‘There’s a Lot’ Fans Still Haven’t Seen November 20, 2022 Retrieved November 21, 2022