In a recent interview with Jake Hamilton, Margot Robbie reveals her surprising lack of childhood fascination with Barbie dolls.
Growing up on Australia’s Gold Coast, Robbie spent most of her time outdoors, playing with her cousin and engaging in activities like making mud pies, playing with trucks, and building forts.
However, despite not being a Barbie enthusiast herself, Robbie recognized the immense global recognition and potential of the Barbie brand, leading her to embark on producing and starring in a live-action Barbie movie, slated for release in July.
Margot Robbie Unearthing the Potential:
Robbie’s production company, LuckyChap, saw an opportunity in the Barbie IP and sought to pitch their vision to Mattel, the company behind Barbie. Robbie and her team met with Mattel’s new CEO, Ynon Kreiz, at the Polo Lounge, emphasizing LuckyChap’s capabilities, values, and reasons for taking on the project.
Margot Robbie Navigating the Legacy and Controversy:
While LuckyChap didn’t have a specific concept in mind, they aimed to honor Barbie’s 60-year legacy while acknowledging the strong opposition and criticism the doll has faced. Robbie recognized that there were people who actively disliked Barbie and felt the need to find a way to address these concerns in their movie.
Collaborating with Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach:
After a series of meetings with Mattel and Warner Bros., LuckyChap connected with Greta Gerwig, who expressed interest in writing and directing the Barbie movie. Despite initial fears and skepticism, Gerwig agreed to take on the project alongside her partner, Noah Baumbach. LuckyChap granted them full creative freedom, ensuring that their vision would be reflected in the script.
The Creative Process:
Gerwig and Baumbach approached the writing process with openness and freedom. The project felt wide open, allowing them to explore and build upon ideas. The fact that the characters were dolls added an extra layer of imaginative play to their work. The script was developed during the pandemic, which contributed to the sense of uncertainty and fueled their creative drive.
Margot Robbie‘s journey to producing and starring in a live-action Barbie movie showcases her ability to recognize the untapped potential of a beloved brand, even without a personal attachment to it.
Collaborating with talented filmmakers like Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, Robbie and her production company, LuckyChap, aim to honor Barbie’s legacy while addressing the criticisms surrounding the doll. With their innovative approach and creative freedom, the upcoming Barbie movie promises to offer a fresh perspective on this iconic character and her world.