What We Know About Margot Robbie And Greta Gerwig’s Live-Action Barbie Film

Set for release in 2023

Margot Robbie is playing Barbie in an upcoming live-action film that Warner Bros. and Mattel first announced in 2019. The Oscar-nominated actress has also co-produced the movie under her company, LuckyChap Entertainment, alongside husband Tom Ackerley and producer Josey McNamara.

This project will mark the first live-action film from the Barbie franchise, and the first movie deal from Mattel Films, the film division of the company behind Barbie and other iconic toys. Details of the plot have not yet been announced, but we’ve already been treated to the first trailer (watch above).

Here’s everything we know so far…

Margot Robbie looks the part

In a preview photo shared at CinemaCon 2022, fans received a first look at Robbie in the titular role of the upcoming film. In the image, Robbie is riding around in her pink convertible sporting a headband and a matching halter top.

Here’s your look at Margot Robbie as #Barbie: https://t.co/jNxkFTjCiT pic.twitter.com/BUBN6kajUt

— Variety (@Variety) April 26, 2022

Ryan Gosling is playing Ken

The film landed another heavy hitter for its male lead in the form of actor Ryan Gosling, who plays Barbie’s beau, Ken. The Academy Award nominee was apparently the studio’s only choice from the beginning, and an official preview image has been released of Gosling in character as Barbie’s main man. Gosling almost looks unrecognisable while clad in a denim vest, matching jeans, platinum blonde hair and a very serious faux tan.

Here’s your first look at Ryan Gosling as Ken in #Barbie starring Margot Robbie. https://t.co/d6IH9PX0Yv pic.twitter.com/Smo0VYrg3e

— Variety (@Variety) June 15, 2022

Pictures from the set hint at what to expect

Gosling and Robbie were pictured filming scenes from the forthcoming film in LA, much to the delight of fans. The pair were seen sporting matching ’80s-style neon sportswear and rollerblades on Venice Beach, complete with visors and knee and elbow pads.

In another shot, Robbie was seen wearing a neon pink waistcoat and matching star-spangled flares.

Will Ferrell also stars

The actor was seen on set also sporting a pair of rollerblades, sparking speculation that he may play the film’s villain.

Robbie is “honoured” to take on the role

In a press release, Robbie praised Barbie for promoting “confidence, curiosity and communication” through childhood, and empowering children “to imagine themselves in aspirational roles from a princess to president”.

“I’m so honoured to take on this role and produce a film that I believe will have a tremendously positive impact on children and audiences worldwide,” she added in her statement.

The actress has undergone some impressive transformations for her previous roles, including Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, Tonya Harding in I, Tonya, and Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots. And although fans may be quick to tout the actress as a real-life Barbie, she has actually previously avoided being typecast for roles based on her looks.

“When I was trying to make my name as an actress, creative roles for women were limited,” she previously told Bazaar. “I didn’t want to pick up another script where I was the wife or the girlfriend — just a catalyst for the male storyline. It was uninspiring.”

Rumours of her casting had been circulating for years

Speculation of Robbie’s casting as Barbie first began in 2015, after a Sony email leak reportedly revealed that she was one of the potential actresses to play the iconic doll. Years later, in October 2018, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Robbie was in talks to star in and produce the film with Warner Bros.

She also wasn’t the only actress attached to the film. In 2016, Amy Schumer had reportedly landed the role but dropped out a few months later due to scheduling conflicts, according to THR. In 2017, Anne Hathaway was reported to possibly star.

Greta Gerwig is directing

Greta Gerwig had been attached to the Barbie flick since 2019, when she was confirmed to write the script with Noah Baumbach. The Little Women filmmaker has directed the film as well.

It will be released in cinemas in 2023

Fans will have to wait a while to see this film come to life. The movie’s release date is 21 July 2023.

Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, and more have joined the film’s jam-packed cast

Several cast announcements have been rolling out in the past few weeks, with several major stars joining Robbie and Gosling in the upcoming film. One surprising casting, star Emma Mackey, has drawn attention since she and Robbie look so similar. While no details from the plot have been released, the casting adds more allure to Gerwig’s take on the Mattel doll.

So far, the cast also includes Kate McKinnon, America Ferrera, Shang Chi star Simu Liu, And Just Like That‘s Hari Nef, Issa Rae, Michael Cera, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Ncuti Gatwa, Oscar-winner Emerald Fennell, Sharon Rooney, Scott Evans, Ana Cruz Kayne, Connor Swindells, Ritu Arya, and Jamie Demetriou.

Written by Quinci Legardye and Erica Gonzales for Harper’s Bazaar US

Lead Image Courtesy/@kaylatalksmovie on Instagram