Greta Gerwig has now officially signed on to direct Warner Bros.' live-action Barbie movie, which will see The Suicide Squad star Margot Robbie breath life into the iconic fashion doll of the title.
Gerwig, who was nominated for an Oscar for Little Women, boarded the project as a writer back in 2019 along with Noah Baumbach (The Meyerowitz Stories), and rumors have been swirling since that she might also take the helm. Now, Variety has confirmed that the deal is done and she will indeed direct the film.
“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 Robbie back when the movie was first announced. “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 reportedly set to replace her before Robbie ended up nabbing the role.
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.
Robbie will also produce under her LuckyChap Entertainment banner. Shooting is scheduled to begin next year.