Stepping away from the realm of animation, the iconic toy doll, Barbie, is set to make her live-action film debut, thanks to the brilliant cinematic vision of Greta Gerwig. Backed by the stunning acting prowess of Margot Robbie in the titular role, Barbie is all set to become one of this summer’s biggest blockbusters. Here’s everything we know thus far about this highly anticipated project.
When Will We See Barbie On The Big Screen?
CinemaCon saw Warner Bros. reveal an exciting sneak peek of Margot Robbie in her Barbie avatar, along with the movie’s release date. Set to add sizzle to your summer, the live-action Barbie movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 21, 2023.
However, Barbie isn’t the only buzzing film hitting screens that month. It will face stiff competition from Christopher Nolan’s star-studded epic, Oppenheimer. Yet, Barbie fans can catch a glimpse of the comedy a little earlier. A nationwide event, the “Barbie Blowout Party,” is slated for July 19, 2023, treating some lucky audience members to an early viewing of the film.
Where Can We Watch Barbie?
Exclusivity seems to be the key for Barbie’s initial release phase, as the movie is slated to hit theaters alone. The advance bookings for the highly awaited film kicked off on June 21, 2023, and a promotional video was released simultaneously to amplify the anticipation.
When Will Barbie Stream Online?
Although initially exclusive to theaters, Barbie will eventually make its way onto the digital realm. After its theatrical run, Barbie will be available for streaming on Max, Warner Bros.’ revamped streaming service. This follows the digital distribution model of Warner Bros.’ recent releases, such as Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Magic Mike’s Last Dance.
Has A Barbie Trailer Been Released?
Following months of anticipation, the first Barbie teaser trailer was unveiled on the big screen on December 15, 2022, ahead of the Avatar: The Way of Water screenings. The trailer subsequently hit the internet the next day via Warner Bros.’ channel, causing quite a stir online.
The trailer opens with a clever tribute to Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, complete with Richard Strauss’ “Also sprach Zarathustra” playing in the background. It then showcases Margot Robbie as a giant Barbie in a black-and-white striped swimsuit, towering over little girls playing with their dolls, narrated by Helen Mirren. The teaser concludes with a series of brief glimpses into the film, including a quick look at Ryan Gosling’s Ken and Issa Rae cheering behind a “President” banner.
On April 4, 2023, a second official teaser was released following a series of amusing character posters. This trailer delves deeper into the film’s characters and offers a sneak peek at the film’s “PG-13” humor. A full-length trailer was released by Warner Bros. on May 25, 2023, giving us a look at Barbie’s quest to the Real World after her own world starts falling apart.
What Do We Know About The Barbie Plot?
Though Barbie’s brand seems restricting in terms of story crafting, Margot Robbie, along with the creative team, embraced this challenge with open arms. Robbie expressed the team’s intention to give audiences something completely different from their preconceptions.
Adding some insight to the film’s narrative, Will Ferrell, another key player in Barbie’s ensemble cast, praised the film for its balance of high and low art and its satirical commentary on societal issues. He also expressed his excitement about his role as the CEO of Mattel in the film.
While the plot remained a mystery even after two teasers, a synopsis was eventually released by Warner Bros., teasing Barbie’s existential crisis in Barbie Land and the unenviable situation of the Kens. The recent trailer and Margot Robbie’s Vogue interview shed more light on Barbie’s reason for leaving Barbie Land and the challenging journey the Kens have to undertake.
With costume designer Jacqueline Durran revealing that self-discovery will be a significant theme in the film, Barbie’s live-action debut is already setting high expectations. Featuring hundreds of unique outfits, Barbie’s journey of self-discovery looks set to be one of color, style, and intrigue. It’s evident that Barbie isn’t just a film about a doll; it’s a journey of self-discovery and existential crisis that challenges societal norms and expectations. With such an ambitious and intriguing premise, Barbie’s live-action debut is a must-watch this summer.
