The Fascinating History of Attempts to Make a Barbie Movie

Sharon Stone's Attempt: A 90s Dream Denied

In a recent revelation, actress Sharon Stone shared her experience of attempting to make a Barbie movie back in the 1990s. Despite having the support of the head of Barbie, Stone was met with ridicule and disbelief when she pitched the idea to the studio. In a comment on Barbie star America Ferrera's Instagram, Stone expressed her gratitude to the current team for their courage and endurance, highlighting the stark contrast to her own experience.

Barbie Sings in the car while Ken Screams in the back seat in the Barbie Movie.

Stone's failed attempt sheds light on the challenges faced by women in the film industry during that era, where women-led projects were not as widely supported as they are today. The rejection of Stone's Barbie idea serves as a testament to the progress that has been made in championing women-led projects in the modern film industry.

Margot Robbie Stereotypical Barbie biting her lip in the Barbie movie in the back of a car

Instagram article posted by americaferrera

The Pre-Greta Gerwig Attempts

Sharon Stone was not alone in her endeavor to bring Barbie to the big screen. Prior to Greta Gerwig's successful rendition, multiple attempts were made to create a Barbie movie, each with its own unique vision and challenges. One notable attempt involved a Barbie movie starring Amy Schumer, which saw significant development efforts before being shelved. Additionally, Anne Hathaway was also attached to a Barbie project, adding to the list of pre-Gerwig attempts to realize the iconic doll's story on film.

Ryan Gosling as Ken in his fur coat in Barbieland in Barbie

The journey to bring Barbie to life on the big screen was not without its setbacks, as evidenced by the various attempts that faced obstacles and eventual discontinuation. Despite the challenges, the persistence and resilience of those involved in these early attempts paved the way for the eventual success of the 2023 Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and celebrated for its groundbreaking portrayal of the iconic doll.

Ryan Gosling's Ken in Barbie standing and smiling while holding up ten fingers. The background is a blue wall and a blue and pink floor, and various other Kens, dressed in black just like Gosling, are dancing in the background.

The Rise of Barbie: 2023's Perfect Timing

The release of the 2023 Barbie movie marked a significant milestone in the history of attempts to bring the beloved doll to the big screen. The success of the Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, underscored the evolution of the film industry's support for women-led projects and the growing acceptance of unconventional film concepts. Moreover, the triumph of the Barbie movie served as a testament to the enduring appeal of iconic characters and the creative vision of talented filmmakers.

Barbie (Margot Robbie) with a confused expression on her face while Gloria (America Ferrera) and Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt) stand next to her in Barbie.

The journey to bring Barbie to the big screen, spanning decades and multiple attempts, culminated in the groundbreaking success of the 2023 movie. The film's universal acclaim and box office triumph further solidified Barbie's enduring legacy and the significance of its portrayal in modern cinema. The 2023 Barbie movie stands as a testament to the perseverance, creativity, and unwavering spirit of those who dared to bring the iconic doll to life, ultimately achieving unprecedented success.