Original plans for the Barbie movie were to have Diablo Cody rewrite it with Amy Schumer as the lead. Cody spoke out about the difficulties that came along with trying to bring this version to life after the writer left the project.
“I never even created an initial draft. That project was so difficult for me. I was literally incapable writing a Barbie screenplay. God knows that I tried,” the Jennifer’s Body screenwriter said to Screen Crush in 2018. To be truthful, the timeline coincided in my writing Tully. I was overwhelmed and could only reach in and pull out something very personal. The idea of a Barbie movie sounds really cool to me. I just hope that something happens and it is successful.
The comedian pulled out of the show months after Schumer was cast. This was due to scheduling conflicts. The New York native clarified later that she was unable to participate due to creative differences.
Schumer stated that “they definitely didn’t want it the way they wanted it to,” The Hollywood Reporter in February 2022. She noted that she wanted the character “ambitious inventor” but was rejected.
The Last Comic Standing alum claimed that the plan for Barbie was to invent high heels made from Jell-O. Schumer said that he felt disappointed by the decision to not be Barbie. “The idea that this is what every woman should want, right there, made me feel like I was disappointing my team,” Schumer admitted at the time.
After Schumer’s departure, MargotRobbie assumed the role of Barbie. Greta Gerwig, Noahbaum joined later to write the script. They also worked behind the camera to bring this story to life.
Robbie teased ahead of production during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter 2020 that Barbie would be “the thing you didn’t know you wanted”.
Who is in it?
Robbie will play Ken’s boyfriend, Ryan Gosling. America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon and Simu Liu will be part of the cast as well as Alexandra Shipp.
When will it be released?
The filming of Barbie will start in 2022, with a 2023 theatrical release.
What can viewers expect?
Robbie suggested that Barbie’s role “comes equipped with a lot baggage” and “a lot nostalgic connections” during a conversation with Vogue August 2021.
She shared that there were many exciting ways to approach it. People hear Barbie and think they know what the movie is about. Then they hear Greta Gerwig writing and directing it and are like, “Maybe I don’t.”