July 1, 2022, 12:30 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
With the colorful live-action adaptation of “Barbie,” a remarkable comedy is set to hit theaters in 2023. TECHBOOK gathers all the information on the release, plot, and cast.
The official announcement for a blockbuster about the iconic Barbie doll was made back in 2014. Due to the pandemic and various changes in direction and casting, the project has been delayed. However, it is now finally taking shape–complete with promising set photos. TECHBOOK has compiled all the rumors and facts about the upcoming “Barbie” film.
Overview
When does the “Barbie” film premiere?
For a long time, 2023 was the only known timeframe for the “Barbie” film’s release, but now an exact date has been set. In the U.S., the film is scheduled to premiere on July 21, 2023. There is no official release date for Germany yet; however, films typically premiere there two to three days earlier. With some luck, we might be able to admire Barbie and Ken on the big screen as early as July 20, 2023.
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What we know about the plot
Barbie is arguably the most famous and best-selling doll in the world. Since 1959, these fashionable dolls, often reflecting the spirit of the times, have been sold. There are already several films about the originally blonde Barbie–over 40, in fact. However, all of them are animated or cartoon films. The 2023 theatrical release will be the first live-action adaptation. This film is also aimed at a slightly older audience for the first time.
This Barbie must leave the vibrant Barbieland because she is not “perfect” enough. Her eccentric style and demeanor do not sit well with the other residents. Once in the real world, she embarks on various adventures and eventually realizes that perfection comes from within. More about the plot is not yet known. However, the brief synopsis makes it clear that the film aims to challenge the Barbie stereotype. Lead actress Margot Robbie confirmed this approach in an interview:
… [We] like things that feel a little left of center. Something like Barbie, where from the IP, the name itself, people immediately have an idea: “Oh, Margot is playing Barbie, I know what that is,” but our goal is to say: “Whatever you think, we’re going to give you something completely different–the thing you didn’t know you wanted.”
Margot Robbie, The Hollywood Reporter
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First images
Filming has been underway since March 2022. There are now some images from the film set. We get a glimpse of the Barbie look with the first, very pink, official image featuring Margot Robbie. There are also images of a very platinum-blonde Ryan Gosling as Ken.
The costume design is certainly worth seeing. For example, scenes in neon-colored outfits were shot on the beach in Los Angeles. The two lead actors seem to be having a lot of fun. We’re also looking forward to the scene with the cowboy outfits.
The “Barbie” cast around Margot Robbie
Much is already known about the cast list, and besides the two lead actors Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, we can look forward to other big names. Will Ferrell, for example, is set to play the CEO of a yet unnamed major toy manufacturer. In addition to Robbie, there are also many other Barbies. Confirmed in these roles are Hari Nef and Issa Rae, among others. There will also be more versions of Ken, played by Simu Liu and Ncuti Gatwa, among others. It is certainly noticeable that the production is making a significant effort to portray the well-known dolls with diversity.
- Margot Robbie as Barbie
- Ryan Gosling as Ken
- Kate McKinnon
- America Ferrera
- Emerald Fennell
- Emma Mackey
- Ncuti Gatwa as Ken
- Simu Liu as Ken
- Will Ferrell as CEO of a major company
- Hari Nef as Barbie
- Issa Rae as Barbie
- Michael Cera
- Sharon Rooney
- Rhea Perlman
Indeed, the constantly changing cast is one reason for the long planning phase. When the project was announced in 2014, Sony was still on board. In 2016, Amy Schumer was supposed to play the lead role; however, due to scheduling conflicts, it didn’t happen. Anne Hathaway was also considered for the role afterward. The producers had to fight hard for Ryan Gosling as Ken; the actor officially signed on only in early 2022.
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Names behind the camera
None other than Greta Gerwig is taking the director’s chair for the colorful “Barbie” spectacle. The “Little Women” director is known for her award-winning portrayal of strong female protagonists. Her partner, Noah Baumbach, is responsible for the screenplay. The American was already responsible for the script of well-known titles such as “Marriage Story.”