Debunking the previous explanation given to the public, Amy Schumer disclosed the true reason behind her departure from the Barbie movie. During an episode of Watch What Happens Live, the comedian admitted that it wasn’t scheduling conflicts that led to her exit but rather creative differences.
Initially, Schumer stated that her departure was due to scheduling conflicts, but it seems like her decision to depart was based on a different underlying issue.
Amy Schumer revealed the real reason why she left Barbie
When asked by Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen if the project didn’t feel “feminist and cool” when she was involved, Amy Schumer confirmed this to be the case. However, she acknowledged the new team working on the movie and expressed excitement about its feminist and cool direction.
“I think it was scheduling conflicts. That’s what we said. But, yeah, it really was creative differences. But you know what? There’s a new team behind it, and it looks like it’s very feminist and cool.”
The Barbie movie has had a lengthy development process, starting in 2009, with Schumer joining the project in 2016. Her vision for the film involved rewriting the screenplay by Hillary Winston, alongside her sister Kim Caramele. However, Schumer withdrew from the project a year later, citing scheduling conflicts as the reason. She expressed disappointment but showed enthusiasm for seeing Barbie on the big screen.
Following Schumer’s departure, Anne Hathaway was considered for the role, with Olivia Milch tasked to rewrite the screenplay and Alethea Jones potentially directing.
Nevertheless, Sony’s option on the project expired in 2018, leading Warner Bros. Pictures to take over.
Twitter users react to Mattel CEO’s reaction to Amy Schumer’s revelation
Amy Schumer’s candid revelation sheds light on the creative differences that influenced her decision to leave the $100 million Barbie movie. And responding to it, Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s global head of dolls said, “The Amy Schumer pitch was understandably more comedic. Following which Mattel CEO Ynel Kreiz added, “didn’t feel as smart and as provocative as we would have hoped for.”
Despite Schumer’s departure, the upcoming film has undergone significant changes and garnered excitement due to its feminist and cool direction under the new team. However, agreeing with Mattel officials, a few Twitter users joked about how Schumer’s exit was a good decision for the movie.
Amy Schumer is as useful as a helicopter with an ejection seat. pic.twitter.com/TKiCvKOnax
— Me Tee (@Mrmeetee) July 10, 2023
When is the industry gunna wake up and realize that Amy Schumer really has nothing to offer
— Lou Hust (he/him) (@gehrighust) July 10, 2023
we dodged a nuke
— JustAlexx (@JustAlexxLIVE) July 9, 2023
I just feel bad for the producers who had to read a script written by Amy Schumer. Imagine that.
— Misandry Exists (@MisandryExists) July 9, 2023
Amy Schumer and “didn’t feel as smart and as provocative as we would have hoped for.” Go hand and hand
— Crimsun (@CrimsunYo) July 9, 2023
no clue at all how she was almost cast to begin with
— Brandon (@Xx__BR4ND0N) July 9, 2023
The current iteration of the movie, a fantasy comedy set to release on July 21, boasts an impressive lineup. It was written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, with Gerwig also directing. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling headline the film, alongside Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Dua Lipa, America Ferrera, and Will Ferrell. The storyline follows Barbie’s expulsion from Barbieland and her subsequent journey into the real world.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment, Bloomberg
