Greta Gerwig’s last film saw her re-imagining an iconic novel, and now she’s set to put a fresh spin on an iconic toy. The “Little Women” helmer has officially signed on to direct “Barbie,” a live-action film based on the Mattel toy. Margot Robbie will topline the pic and produce.
“Gerwig has been on board the Warner Bros. project since 2019, when the actor and filmmaker signed on to co-write the movie’s script with Noah Baumbach. Since then, rumors have swirled that Gerwig had been eyed to direct the project, but the deal wasn’t officially done,” Variety details.
Robbie spilled the beans in an interview for British Vogue, and “sources confirmed the development to Variety.”
Shooting is slated to kick off in early 2022 with a 2023 theatrical release being planned.
One of seven women to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Director, Gerwig scored a nod for “Lady Bird,” her solo directorial debut. She also landed a Best Screenplay nom for the 2017 Saoirse Ronan-starrer. She re-teamed with the actress for 2019’s “Little Women,” a coming-of-age drama based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. The multi-hyphenate received a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination for the star-studded pic which counts Meryl Streep, Laura Dern, and Florence Pugh among its cast.
“Make the film,” Gerwig urged when we asked her advice for other women directors. “Just start the steps to make it. One foot in front of the other. Because we need your films. I need your films.” The “Frances Ha” co-writer and star added, “More practically, I think a lot of women wait for permission. I used to do that. I still do that. I think it’s the curse of being the ‘good student’ — never wanting to get out of line or be disruptive or deviate from the assignment. But making art? There is no assignment, there is no teacher — you must give yourself sovereignty. Never wait for permission. No one will ever give it to you.”
Gerwig’s on-screen credits include “20th Century Women” and “Jackie.”
Robbie produced one of 2020’s buzziest titles, Emerald Fennell’s “Promising Young Woman.” The revenge thriller received five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. A two-time Oscar-nominated actress, Robbie was recognized for her work in “Bombshell” and “I, Tonya.” She also produced the latter.
