The idea of creating a live-action Barbie film was first brought up in 2009. Development began in April 2014, when Sony Pictures acquired the film rights. At the time, there were rumors that Amy Schumer and Anne Hathaway were shortlisted for the role of Barbie. However, things came crashing down when the rights were transferred to Warner Bros. Pictures in October 2018. Starting from scratch, actor Gal Gadot was initially approached for the role but she declined due to scheduling conflicts.
Margot Robbie was then hired for the role in 2019 and Greta Gerwig was appointed as the director and co-writer in 2020. The director then wrote a story specifically for the actress. Gal Gadot was later praised by Robbie in an interview and Gadot reciprocated the positive energy.
Gal Gadot was approached for the role of Barbie
In 2019, actress Gal Gadot was initially approached for the role of Barbie in a live-action Barbie film. Unfortunately, the actress had to turn it down due to scheduling conflicts and as a result, Margot Robbie was offered the role. In May 2023, Robbie talked about Gadot’s casting in an interview with Vogue,
“Gal Gadot is Barbie energy. Because Gal Gadot is so impossibly beautiful, but you don’t hate her for being that beautiful, because she’s so genuinely sincere, and she’s so enthusiastically kind, that it’s almost dorky. It’s like right before being a dork.”
After Robbie got the role, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach were appointed as the writers, creating a story that was specifically written while keeping in mind that Robbie was playing Barbie.
Gal Gadot acknowledged Margot Robbie’s statement
In an interview with Flaunt magazine, Gal Gadot acknowledged Robbie’s kind words and reciprocated that energy by uplifting the actress,
“I adore Margot. Margot is one of those women who you just want to be friends with. She is so funny, warm, fun and smart and obviously so talented – She brings so much to the table. I would love to do anything with Margot and was very touched [by her comments]. She warmed my heart with everything that she said about me. I’m super excited for them, and I’m so excited for Barbie.”
Barbie was a massive hit as it has grossed $1.44 billion and achieved several milestones, including becoming the highest-grossing film of 2023 and the 14th highest-grossing film of all time. It has earned many nominations and awards, including nominations for twelve Grammy Awards and winning two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Original Song for What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish.
