Everything We Know About Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie’ Movie (2024)

High atop many movie fans’ list of most-anticipated projects for 2023 is the upcoming “Barbie,” starring Margot Robbie. Since news broke that the Oscar-nominee would produce and star as the iconic doll, fans have wondered what a live-action version of the Malibu princess’ world will look like.

After years of speculation, fans got their first glimpse at Robbie as Barbie, when Warner Bros. revealed a first look image at CinemaCon in April. The shot showed the star seated behind the wheel of a pink convertible, flashing a megawatt smile and donning a polka dot headband. It was just enough of a tease to satisfy a curious audience, but effectively gave away nothing about the movie’s plot. In June, Warner Bros. debuted an ab-tastic shot of Ryan Gosling as Ken, with the two-time Oscar nominee sporting bleach blonde locks, a spray tan and an open shirt to show off personalized boxers.

Related Stories

Donald Trump Reportedly Questions Taylor Swift’s Support for Joe Biden in Meeting With House Republicans: ‘Why Would She Endorse This Dope?’

Back in 2019, at the premiere of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Robbie explained why Barbie is a character worth bringing to life. “I think it’s a great opportunity to put some positivity out in the world and a chance to be aspirational for younger kids,” she told Variety’s Marc Malkin.

Directed by Gerwig, from a script the “Little Women” and “Lady Bird” filmmaker co-wrote with Noah Baumbach, the movie is a co-production by Warner Bros., Mattel and Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment banner. In an Aug. 2021 interview with British Vogue, Robbie teased that taking on Barbie simultaneously “comes with a lot of baggage … and a lot of nostalgic connections.”

“But with that come[s] a lot of exciting ways to attack it,” she told the mag. “People generally hear ‘Barbie’ and think, ‘I know what that movie is going to be,’ and then they hear that Greta Gerwig is writing and directing it, and they’re like, ‘Oh, well, maybe I don’t…’”

So here’s what we do know about Robbie and Gerwig’s take on the toy tale:

The cast is star-studded

If it seems like half of Hollywood has been tapped to join the cast, that assertion wouldn’t be much of an overstatement, as the movie’s call sheet has grown longer than the Mattel doll’s resume.

The ensemble is led by Robbie and Gosling as Barbie and her longtime boy toy Ken. And with classic couple in the mix, fans continue to speculate about which of their other plastic playmates will appear (What about Skipper? Christie?). It’s rumored that several Barbie and Ken characters factor into the plot, but no details from “Barbie” have been confirmed.

The film’s supporting cast includes Emmy-winning actors America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty, “Superstore”) and Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”), plus Marvel superhero Simu Liu (“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”) in yet-to-be-revealed roles.

Everything We Know About Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie’ Movie (3)

In a recent interview with GQ UK, Liu revealed that he decided to audition for the movie (via a self-tape) after a junior agent at his agency told him it was one of the best scripts he’d ever read.

“He literally said this verbatim,” Liu told the magazine. “He was like, ‘If I could stake my career on any one script, it’s the ‘Barbie’ script. I really think you should do it.’”

Other recent additions to the cast include Issa Rae, Michael Cera, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Sharon Rooney, Scott Evans, Ana Cruz Kayne, Ritu Arya and Jamie Demetriou. “Promising Young Woman” filmmaker Emerald Fennell will also appear, reuniting with Robbie after she produced the Oscar-winning movie under her LuckyChap banner. Plus, the movie features three “Sex Education” stars: Emma Mackey — who fans have often noted looks a great deal like Robbie — Ncuti Gatwa and Connor Swindells.

Variety exclusively revealed that trailblazing trans performer Hari Nef (“And Just Like That,” “You”) and “Tick, Tick … Boom!” star Alexandra Shipp have joined the cast in likewise unknown roles. The ensemble also features Ariana Greenblatt and Will Ferrell, who is rumored to play a toy company CEO.

Everything We Know About Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie’ Movie (4)

Production is underway

“Barbie” began filming at WB’s Leavesden Studios in London early this year, with a theatrical release set for July 21, 2023.

Other “Barbie” projects have been in the works

In addition to Barbie’s starring roles in her franchise of nearly 40 animated films, other live-action adaptations have been announced over the years. Amy Schumer and Anne Hathaway were both attached to play Barbie when the live-action adaptation was set up at Sony; “Juno” and “Young Adult” scribe Diablo Cody was among the writers tapped by the studio to pen the script.

Barbie’s planned ascent to the big screen ultimately coalesced after Mattel Films teamed up with Warner Bros. to produce the film, with Robbie, Gerwig and Baumbach boarding the project in 2018 and 2019, respectively. In addition to starring in the film, Robbie also produces alongside LuckyChap’s Tom Ackerley, Mattel’s Robbie Brenner and David Heyman for Heyday Films. LuckyChap’s Josey McNamara and Mattel’s Ynon Kreiz are executive producers.

Everything We Know About Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie’ Movie (5)

Everything We Know About Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie’ Movie (2024)

FAQs

Everything We Know About Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie’ Movie? ›

The Barbie movie includes a number of big stars in the cast, including Robbie as Barbie and Gosling as Ken. While the two play a couple, Robbie, who also served as a producer for the film, talked to PEOPLE about her character's G-rated relationship with Ken and how she and Gosling don't fully kiss in the movie.

What is the actual plot of the Barbie movie? ›

It stars Margot Robbie as the title character and Ryan Gosling as Ken, and follows them on a journey of self-discovery through both Barbieland and the real world following an existential crisis. It is also a commentary regarding patriarchy and the effects of feminism.

Was the Barbie movie Margot idea? ›

In a new Time cover story, the star and executive producer said that if Mattel hadn't gone with the idea of a multiplicity of Barbies, "I don't think I would have wanted to attempt to make a Barbie film." In accordance with the toy company's ethos that Barbie isn't restricted to one personality, body, or woman, Robbie ...

What's the big deal about the Barbie movie? ›

The movie isn't about a plastic doll. It's a satire about modern American society, using a plastic doll as a vehicle to create tension between flawed, idealized versions of what societies “should” look like and what happens when those ideas collide with reality.

What is the meaning behind the Barbie movie? ›

It's about a spiritual connection between women of different generations, passing down their hopes and dreams for a better world for those who come after them. By taking Ruth's hand, Barbie becomes another link in this infinite chain of mothers and children. She becomes human.

What is the issue with the Barbie movie? ›

It delved into many problems, such as women being objectified, society being dominated by one gender, and how Barbie has affected young girls' self-esteem, while also having witty jokes and comedic relief. However, the movie also shows how the patriarchy hurts everyone involved, including men.

What does the Barbie movie say about death? ›

The movie Barbie is about death anxiety. Specifically, it's about what irrepressible thoughts of death do to someone who has spent their entire lives fitting in.

Who turned down Barbies role? ›

Dan Levy almost starred in the hit film "Barbie." Find out why the "Schitt's Creek" co-creator turned down a role in Greta Gerwig's movie, a decision he says still haunts him.

What is the furry thing in the Barbie movies? ›

Bibble is one of the main characters in the Barbie: Fairytopia series. He is Elina's pet puffball and sidekick. He is voiced by Lee Tockar.

How did Margot Robbie lose weight? ›

When preparing for a role, Margot reportedly avoids saturated fats, ultra processed-foods, sugar and chocolate. Instead, she opts for a high protein, nutrient-dense diet to keep her satisfied.

What is the Barbie movie trying to say? ›

In answer to my question, this movie teaches us to respect and accept one another. To recognise that, much like Barbie's overlord Mattel, the structures that damage our self-identity and plant insidious seeds within our society come from those who profit.

What is the hidden message in the Barbie movie? ›

When we look at the beginning of the film, Barbie is insecure of herself and who she is in the world. As the story continues, she begins to embrace her individuality and abilities. This sends an influential message to all audiences watching, encouraging them to be themselves, no matter what.

What is the message of Ken in the Barbie movie? ›

Ken's Realization: Men Can Have Power Too

Barbie is confronted with toxic masculinity and misogyny, while Ken is living the dream. He travels across our “mysterious” land (specifically Los Angeles, California) and gets the idea that the only people with power are men.

Why don't guys like the Barbie movie? ›

Greta Gerwig thought she was making a Barbie movie. But certain men saw an entirely different film, some accusing it of sexism and others heralding it as a pro-patriarchy awakening.

Why was the Barbie movie so impactful? ›

The Barbie movie was designed to shine light on how messed up the patriarchy is. The Barbie movie was not designed to belittle men or make them out to be the villain; the Barbie movie is about spreading awareness on how the patriarchy affects everyone, not just women.

What is the last line in the Barbie movie? ›

“I'm here to see my gynecologist,” Barbie says with a huge smile, despite not having any genitals (which is joked about earlier in the film). The movie then cuts to black. “With this film, it was important for me that everything operated on at least two levels,” Gerwig told USA Today about crafting that final line.

What is the real story of Barbie? ›

Ruth Handler's Inspiration Behind the Barbie Doll. Barbara, Handler's daughter, served as the muse for Barbie's creation after Handler observed her playing with paper dolls. Driven by a desire to inspire children to envision their future dreams, she sought to innovate beyond the common plastic baby dolls of the time.

What does Ken discover in the real world? ›

When Ken goes to the real world, he discovers patriarchy and he LOVES it. He has been “redpilled”. Patriarchy explains his aggrievement, and affirms his feelings. He takes patriarchy back to Barbieland and transforms it to Kendom, where the men change it to a society oriented around men and their power (and horses…).

What is the plot of the Barbie movie reddit? ›

Synopsis: After being banished from the utopian Barbie Land for being less-than-perfect dolls, Barbie and Ken go on a journey of self-discovery together to the real world.

Who is the main villain in the Barbie movie? ›

Warner Bros. In Barbie, Greta Gerwig masterfully crafts a surprising twist by turning Ken, typically portrayed as Barbie's loyal companion, into the unexpected villain of the story.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 6013

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-12-23

Address: 4653 O'Kon Hill, Lake Juanstad, AR 65469

Phone: +494124489301

Job: Marketing Representative

Hobby: Reading, Ice skating, Foraging, BASE jumping, Hiking, Skateboarding, Kayaking

Introduction: My name is Cheryll Lueilwitz, I am a sparkling, clean, super, lucky, joyous, outstanding, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.