I did not see this coming!
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Two critically praised independent filmmakers in Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) and Noah Baumbach (Frances Ha, The Squid and the Whale) are teaming up with Margot Robbie to finally bring to life a Barbie film for Warner Bros. based on the iconic Mattel doll. The duo will write the script while Gerwig is said to be eyeing the director’s chair.
Robbie is set to star in the film and will also serve as a producer alongside Tom Ackerley under their LuckyChap production flag. Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner will oversee production for the toy company.
A Barbie film has been in the works since 2018 with a couple different stars attached at different points. Originally, Sony tagged Amy Schumer to take the lead as someone who gets thrown out of the world of Barbies for not being “perfect” enough. Then Anne Hathaway was going to set to star. At one point Wonder Woman‘s Patty Jenkins was going to direct; however, none of those visions were ever formalized and the project eventually moved over to WB.
Having powerhouse talents such as Robbie, Gerwig and Baumbach behind this latest iteration is more than intriguing, it’s a legitimate excuse to get excited. The studio clearly believes in this project and wants to make something special.
Baumbach was nominated for an Academy Award for his The Squid and the Whale screenplay back in 2006. Gerwig garnered similar Oscars love for both writing and directing the critical darling Lady Bird. The two have collaborated on several occasions in the past, including Mistress America and Frances Ha. Additionally, Gerwig starred in Baumbach’s Greenberg and Frances Ha.
Gerwig is currently at work on her star-studded Little Women adaptation in which Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Saoirse Ronan all play the March sisters. Meanwhile, Baumbach is wrapping up his latest gig for Netflix, an untitled divorce dramedy starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson.
What do you make about Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach all getting together for a Barbie film? Does this make you any more hopeful that the final product will be something all its own? Sound off in the comments below and let me know your thoughts on this surprising news!
movieminutes.net 