Last week, Universal announced that they’re turning everyone’s favorite plastic blonde into a movie star. Barbie, that is. According to Variety, the 50-year-old superstar (and biggest toy in the world) will finally make it onto the silver screen.
“Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands,” said Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger. “So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture, but never before has she been brought to life in a motion picture. We’re grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity.”
It seems kind of crazy that the movie studios haven’t thought of this before. Barbie has already appeared in 16 animated direct-to-DVD movies, but this is her first foray into big-screen, live-action magic. The announcement brings up a couple questions: who will play the beloved blonde? Will the producers find an unknown actress (like Emma Watson was before Harry Potter), or will it be a big name? Ashley Tisdale? Emma Roberts? Someone a little older, like Blake Lively or Amanda Seyfried? We have to remember this will be a G or PG flick aimed for tweens and younger.
I’m also wondering if the movies will be as influential as Universal seems to think. Kit Kittredge: An American Girl hit theaters last year, and despite the massive industry created by those dolls, the movie was mostly a bomb. Before we talk about how the anatomically-impossible Barbie reinforces unrealistic standards of beauty for young girls, we have to ask if they will even pay that much attention to this movie.
Comments
Mary
September 29th, 2009 - 1:54:16 PM
I could be wrong, but I feel this one will bomb too. I mean, I really have no idea here, but do little girls even play with Barbies anymore? Is she still considered THE DOLL to have? I could be wrong, but I doubt it. Sure G.I. Joe was able to do the movie thing successfully, but it's got explosions and CGI and shit. Barbie? Ehhh, we'll see I guess.
LALA
September 29th, 2009 - 3:12:55 PM
I could see it being Ali larter- because shes gorgous and I bet theyll do what we dont expect and play her smart! or Amanda Seyfried, Hayden Pantiere, reese(unless too similar to legally blonde),- actually i think they should use up and comer whos only had supporting roles and let this define her like someone from the cast of melrose or 90210