BARBIE Movie Moves Forward At Warner Bros. With Margot Robbie Confirmed For The Lead Role
Late last year, we found out that Warner Bros. was developing a live-action Barbie movie with Suicide Squad star Margot Robbie is early talks to star, and now it's been confirmed that the deal is done...
Despite being in development for years at Sony Pictures, Barbie recently found a new home at Warner Bros., and Margot Robbie (Suicide Squad, I, Tonya) has now officially signed on to star in the title role.
According to Variety, WB and Mattel have solidified their partnership, with Robbie also on board as co-producer via her LuckyChap Entertainment banner.
“Playing with Barbie promotes confidence, curiosity and communication throughout a child’s journey to self-discovery. Over the brand’s almost 60 years, Barbie has empowered kids to imagine themselves in aspirational roles from a princess to president,” said the Academy Award-nominated actress in a statement. “I’m so honored to take on this role and produce a film that I believe will have a tremendously positive impact on children and audiences worldwide. I can’t imagine better partners than Warner Bros and Mattel to bring this film to the big screen.”
At one point, Amy Schumer was on board to play Barbie in what was said to "a contemporary spin with an emphasis on feminism and identity," but the I Feel Pretty actress was forced to drop out due to a scheduling conflict. TDKR's Anne Hathaway was set to replace her at one point, but obviously that's not happening now.
Whether the premise of the movie will stay the same remains to be seen, but since Robbie more closely resembles the classic interpretation of Barbie, there's a good chance the original pitch has been reworked.
There's no director attached just yet, but last we heard Wonder Woman's Patty Jenkins was "circling" the project.