The Untold Secrets behind Hollywood's 'Barbie' Phenomenon: Unveiling the Fan Frenzy, Controversies and Beyond

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Oppenheimer may be about an atomic bomb, but Barbie’s the movie causing a pop culture explosion.

Director Greta Gerwig expressed her desire for the movie to serve as an inclusive invitation for everyone to let go of gender constraints that do not benefit us, as she mentioned in an interview with The New York Times on July 25. With Margot Robbie portraying the main character and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the highly-anticipated film was released on July 21 and achieved a remarkable opening weekend success, grossing $162 million. This satirical comedy outperformed Oppenheimer by almost double the amount.

The film revolves around Barbie and Ken as they venture out of the confines of Barbie World after experiencing an existential crisis. Barbie, amidst the dancing dolls, ponderously asks, "Have you ever contemplated mortality?" Together, they embark on a journey into the unfamiliar realm of reality. This movie delves into notions of self-discovery, challenging societal norms, and questioning the societal confines imposed on us.

Although the majority of Hollywood has embraced the film's pink-themed aesthetics long before its release, there are dissenters who disapprove of certain progressive themes portrayed in the movie. These detractors have made their criticism known.

Keep scrolling for the Hollywood discourse on Barbie:

The Stans

Jenna Bush Hager was openly emotional while taking her daughter Poppy to see the Barbie movie. The cohost of Today With Hoda & Jenna commended the film for its portrayal of humanity and womanhood. She stated on July 25th that the movie tackles important themes of what it means to be human, a woman, and a mother.

As for Eva Mendes, she eagerly expressed her admiration for her longtime partner Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Ken. In an Instagram post earlier this month, she affectionately referred to him as "Mi Hombre, Mi Vida, Mi Amor." Mendes also quoted Gerwig's commentary in Rolling Stone, where she praised Gosling's performance as a unique blend of Marlon Brando, Gene Wilder, John Barrymore, and John Travolta.

Amy Schumer, who was initially chosen to portray Barbie in the film before it took a different creative path, expressed admiration for the movie. Taking to Twitter on Monday, July 24, she humorously stated, "I truly enjoyed Barbie and Oppenheimer, although I believe I would have been better suited for Emily Blunt's character in Oppenheimer."

The Barbie-Burning Backlash

For all of the worldwide Barbie love, the movie was also met with drama — with some critiques more legitimate than others.

On the day of the movie's release, Robbie playfully shared with People that her friends were shocked that she and Gosling did not share a kiss in any scene of the film.

"My girlfriends couldn't believe it! They were like, 'You spent the entire movie with him and there wasn't even a kiss? What's going on with you?' I guess they thought you were the one calling the shots this time!" she humorously remarked.

Robbie’s friends' lighthearted humor, however, proved futile when confronted with the dismissive attitude of influential individuals who mocked the feminist themes and political undertones of the film. Senator Ted Cruz regarded it as "propaganda," while controversial political commentator Ben Shapiro denounced Barbie as a “flaming garbage heap” and denounced its "woke" storyline. In addition, he shared his scathing critique in a YouTube video titled, “Ben Shapiro DESTROYS The Barbie Movie for 43 Minutes,” where he incinerated Barbie and Ken dolls by setting them ablaze.

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The Defenders

Whoopi Goldberg, for her part, was having none of it when discussing Cruz and Shapiro’s commentary on The View.

"It's a film! It revolves around a doll!" exclaimed the 67-year-old Goldberg. "I anticipated everyone being pleased. [Barbie] is devoid of any genitalia, hence there is no sexual content involved. Additionally, Ken lacks genitalia, thereby establishing it as a movie centered solely on dolls!"

On the other hand, Alyssa Farah Griffin, cohost on Her View, strongly criticized the men for experiencing feelings of emasculation due to the film.

The Fashion, Because Pink Is the New Pink

Barbie’s fashion sense is something that cannot be disregarded, despite what critics may say. And it's not just the film where this is evident; costume designer Jacqueline Durran's potential for another Oscar win wouldn't surprise anyone. Every time Robbie made a public appearance to promote the movie, she showcased different variations of Barbie's iconic outfits from various eras. Unsurprisingly, movie-goers everywhere were inspired to follow suit.

Kim and Khloé Kardashian, along with their daughters and nieces, attended the World of Barbie Experience in Los Angeles in early July, all dressed in the doll's signature color. Kourtney Kardashian, however, chose to wear hot pink jorts for the occasion. Meanwhile, Bush Hager, accompanied by her 7-year-old daughter, opted for a pink sweater when watching the Barbie movie. The film's director, Gerwig, expressed her astonishment at the widespread impact of the movie, especially its fashion. In an interview with The New York Times, she shared, "It's truly incredible to see people embracing pink. I never could have imagined something like this."

Greta Gerwig. Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock

The Music

Gosling's "I'm Just Ken" steals the spotlight in the Barbie soundtrack, which features an extraordinary lineup of talent including Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice's "Barbie World," Lizzo's "Pink," and Dua Lipa's "Dance the Night," among many others. This powerhouse performance by Gosling has become the topic of endless conversations.

According to Gerwig, the actor not only possesses a beautiful voice and exquisite dancing skills, but also demonstrated them naturally. Gerwig revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone on July 25, that she successfully convinced the former member of the Mickey Mouse Club to showcase his singing abilities in the film. She stated, "If I had directly requested him to sing and dance, he might have refused. However, it was a gradual process, much like boiling a lobster. By the time he was performing, he was not even fully aware of how he got there. Nevertheless, he excelled at it."

Additionally, the scene where all of the Kens serenade the Barbies on the beach with Matchbox 20's "Push" was considered iconic. Even Rob Thomas, the lead singer of Matchbox 20, embraced the scene, despite initially believing that the band would be the subject of ridicule.

“I want to preface this by saying I thought it was hilarious,” the musician told USA Today, adding that Gerwig is “one of my crushes forever.”