Warner Bros.’ Barbie is based on Mattel’s famous figure of the same name. The character has been popular with young girls worldwide for decades now, and there’s been no shortage of animated adaptations and movies that chronicle Barbie’s adventures. This will be the character’s first live-action adaptation, however. Barbie stars Margot Robbie as the titular heroine, while Ryan Gosling will bring her boyfriend, Ken, to life.

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During a recent appearance on Dua Lipa’s At Your Service podcast, Gerwig spoke about her thought processes when she first decided to direct the movie. “It was something that was exciting because it was terrifying,” Gerwig said. “I think that was a big part of it, like: ‘Oh, no, Barbie.’ It felt like vertigo, starting to write it, like: ‘Where do you even begin, and what would be the story?’ And I think it was that feeling I had was knowing that it would be really interesting terror. Usually that’s where the best stuff is, where you’re like, ‘I am terrified of that.’ Anything where you’re like, ‘This could be a career-ender — then you’re like, ‘I should probably do it.’”

Gerwig was nervous about directing Barbie because the character is not known for any deep storyline. However, based on some of the first looks at Barbie teased by Warner Bros, it does appear that Gerwig has settled down on a plot for the film. What that plot may be is currently unknown, as the project is surrounded by secrecy.

But, based on what is known about Gerwig’s Barbie movie, it’s clear that Gerwig has managed to create something special out of the project. In addition to Robbie and Gosling, she nearly got Saoirse Ronan to act in an undisclosed role for the film, though the actress had to pass up the offer due to scheduling conflicts.

It may be odd for audiences to see Gerwig go from Oscar-nominated films like Lady Bird and Little Women to a project like Barbie, which will likely be directed at children. Still, Gerwig’s enthusiasm for the project is intriguing, as is the excitement expressed by the Barbie movie’s growing roster of stars. It makes one wonder what may be in store for audiences when Barbie finally does hit theaters.

Barbie will be in theaters on July 21, 2023.

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Source: At Your Service (via The Hollywood Reporter)