The Unexpected Impact of Barbie Movie Sets: A Global Shortage You Wouldn't Believe

According to Barbie production designer Sarah Greenwood, the upcoming film caused a global shortage of pink paint due to its extensive use on set. Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the movie's trailers have already hinted at the prominent role the color pink will play in the film. In an interview with Architectural Digest, Greenwood explains that the team aimed to create a sense of nostalgia for the popular Mattel toy, resulting in the use of an enormous amount of pink paint. Gerwig specifically sought out a bright pink shade that would give the film a feeling of excess. The construction of Barbie Land required so much of this paint that the world's supply ultimately ran out.

Barbie Will Be More Than Just Pink

The upcoming Barbie film promises to deliver more than just a stereotypical pink and glitter-filled adventure. Co-written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, the movie is set to offer a fresh and nuanced perspective on the iconic Mattel character. The plot centers around Barbie's exile from her homeland due to her imperfections, and her subsequent journey with Ken to the Real World. While the trailers suggest that the film will be packed with humor, they also hint at a deeper exploration of self-discovery and existentialism. Despite being a plastic doll, Robbie's portrayal of Barbie is imbued with a human-like emotional range, showcasing a desire to understand her place in the world beyond her plastic confines.

In the Barbie Land portions of the film, viewers can expect an abundance of pink. However, the Real World scenes will offer a noticeably different aesthetic, with less vibrancy and a harsher atmosphere. This sharp contrast between the two worlds will add to Barbie's sense of displacement and contribute to her personal growth throughout the story. While many unknowns surround the upcoming Barbie film, the prominent use of pink pays homage to the iconic Mattel doll.