Summary
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz describes reading the Barbie script as a "crazy ride" and praises its uniqueness, depth, and imaginative qualities.
Kreiz's positive response to the script demonstrates his confidence in the toy-themed film and the potential for a Barbie sequel. Despite director Greta Gerwig's uncertainty about a possible sequel, Mattel is actively working on creating other toy-based content, such as Polly Pocket, American Girl, and Hot Wheels movies.
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz expressed his initial reaction to the Barbie script co-written by director Greta Gerwig and her creative collaborator Noah Baumbach. Praised for its clever phrases and societal commentary on feminism, the movie has become the highest-grossing film of 2023, continuously shattering box office records.
During an interview with The New York Times, Kreiz recently reflected on his first reading of Gerwig and Baumbach's Barbie script. He described the experience as an exhilarating and surreal journey. With his extensive experience in reading scripts, Barbie stood out to Kreiz in a highly positive way. Here is the full quote from Kreiz:
Barbie’s Great Script & Success Will Lead Either to More Barbie… Or More Toy-Based Movies
It felt like embarking on a thrilling roller coaster. Having read numerous scripts, I must say that this one stands out from the rest. Its uniqueness is evident and it holds a special place. Such an indescribable sensation is rarely experienced throughout an entire career. It delved into profound depths, stirred thought-provoking emotions, laid aside convention, and embraced boundless imagination. It surpassed all my expectations and left me utterly fulfilled.
Kreiz's admiration for the script is a testament to his confidence in the toy-based film. As the person in charge of the Mattel brand, he has a vested interest in how Barbie is presented to its audience. Barbie underwent years of development before achieving its current status as a $1.3 billion success. At one point, Juno screenwriter Diablo Cody was working on a Barbie movie that was slated to star Amy Schumer. This means that during Kreiz's five-year tenure as CEO, he likely reviewed numerous versions of the Barbie script, ultimately selecting Gerwig's as the winner. The casting choices for Barbie, including Margot Robbie as the lead character and Ryan Gosling as Ken, further added to the film's suitability.
If the box office numbers aren't convincing enough, Kreiz's remarks are also promising indicators that a sequel to Barbie is a possibility. The conclusion of Barbie, where the main character departs from Barbieland, effortlessly paves the way for expanding the world and its fusion of the toy and human realms in a potential sequel. Though Mattel hasn't officially confirmed anything, audiences eagerly anticipate the development of a sequel. Additionally, Gerwig has expressed uncertainty regarding a future sequel, stating, "it's all I've got... I'm at a complete standstill."
Regardless, Mattel has announced that they are working on various other content based on toys. These projects include a highly anticipated Polly Pocket film, an American Girl film, a Hot Wheels film, and more. Despite some critics' reservations about an overabundance of toy-based movies, this hasn't deterred companies like Mattel from pursuing this aspiration. With the possibility of Gerwig changing her mind, perhaps the toy company can find a way to push for the production of a Barbie sequel.
Source: The New York Times