Anne Hathaway Expresses Gratitude for the Unmade 'Barbie' Film
Anne Hathaway feels fortunate that her role in the anticipated 'Barbie' movie fell through, as the project was taken over by Greta Gerwig
Anne Hathaway. Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images
Anne Hathaway considers herself fortunate that her Barbie movie never came to fruition, allowing director Greta Gerwig's blockbuster film to shine. "What's so thrilling about what Greta, Margot, and their amazing team accomplished is that they hit the mark perfectly," Hathaway, 41, shared on a December 11 episode of the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast. "That mark brought the whole world to a level of exhilaration. Now imagine that same energy, anticipation, and emotion, but if it wasn't the right version. I truly see it as a stroke of luck that it didn't happen."
The actress from The Princess Diaries was originally set to star in Althea Jones’ Barbie film in June 2018, but the project was canceled. Later, Robbie, 33, acquired the rights to bring Mattel’s iconic doll to the big screen and enlisted Gerwig, 40, to develop the right story. Hathaway continued to express admiration for Robbie and her incredible role in the film during the interview. In addition to starring in Barbie, the Australian actress also served as an executive producer for the project with Lucky Chap Productions.
"Margot is absolutely amazing. Her work as a creative and producer is incredibly thrilling and inspiring," she commented. "The iconic barriers that [Barbie] shattered have opened doors for countless individuals. As a movie enthusiast and a woman in the film industry since childhood, I am absolutely thrilled by this progress."
Hathway continued, expressing her belief that Gerwig and Robbie's portrayal of Barbie is the ultimate and most commendable version.
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"If I believed that the version I was attached to could have achieved that, my perspective might be different," Hathaway explained. "It's simple to just be excited and happy [for them]. I enjoy witnessing women excel. To excel so impressively that they had to break new records... come on! I think it will likely improve things."
Hathway didn't end up being cast in Gerwig's Barbie, but she still believes that the right role will come along for her. "Sometimes it's meant to be and sometimes it's not," she explained. "When it doesn't work out, have faith and keep pushing forward... it may sound cheesy, but it's important to stay thankful."
The film, directed by Greta Gerwig and produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, was released in July and generated an impressive $155 million in its opening weekend at the domestic box office. To date, Barbie has amassed over $1.4 billion in global box office earnings.
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In July, Gerwig acknowledged that Barbie's success had exceeded her expectations.
"I intended to create something chaotic, wild, humorous, and cathartic, and the fact that it's being embraced in that way is truly remarkable," she shared with the New York Times. "I believe it was a unique alignment in the universe that made it possible. I'm incredibly grateful and astonished. I'm truly speechless. It's been incredible to see people embracing the color pink. I never imagined something like this in my wildest dreams."
