First Look at Margot Robbie as Barbie
Films The Arts

First Look at Margot Robbie as Barbie

Come on, Margot, let’s go party

As if we had any doubts that Margot Robbie was perfectly cast to play Barbie in the coming film about Mattel’s bestselling toy, this week Warner Bros teased the first official look of the blonde bombshell playing another iconic blonde bombshell. In the image, Margot as Barbie sports a polka-dotted headband in her lush blonde hair, colour-coordinating with her halter top and accessories. She’s smiling in her pink convertible, parked against a very pink backdrop, and the picture is simply gleeful and nostalgic of the Barbie dolls many of us begged our parents for as children.

The live-action film is making big waves ahead of its 2023 release date for a number of reasons. The internet practically blew up when it was announced that not just Robbie was playing the title character but that Canadian heartthrob Ryan Gosling would be playing opposite her as Ken. And the star-studded-ness doesn’t end there. Will Ferrell, Michael Cera, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu, and Emma Mackey (whom the internet has decided is Robbie’s long-lost twin) are just some of the other hyped names on the cast list. The film is also being directed by Greta Gerwig, whose two solo directorial ventures have notably centered around strong female characters and earned her several Oscar nominations. 

With so many big names onboard and validation from the industry for this project, it’s hard to imagine that Barbie will be a just vapid film about a superficial doll. 

For now, here are some fast facts about Barbie you might not have known:

  • Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.
  • According to the doll’s backstory, Barbie is from Willows, Wisconsin. 
  • Having debuted on March 9, 1959, Barbie is now 63 years old.
  • Although American, Barbie was inspired by a German doll that went by the name of Bild Lilli.
  • The bestselling Barbie doll ever was 1992’s Totally Hair Barbie, who had floor-length hair.
  • The first Barbie-theme restaurant, Barbie Cafe, was opened in 2013 in Taiwan.
  • “Barbie syndrome” is a recognized form of body dysmorphic disorder, in which people desire to have the physical appearance of Barbie.
  • Over a billion Barbies have been sold in 150 countries.
  • Mattel estimates that more than 100 dolls are sold every minute, with a total of 58 million sold annually. 

trending