The Untold Secrets Behind Ruth Handler's Influence on the 'Barbie' Movie Unveiled – A Shocking Revelation about Barbara Handler's Alleged Cameo

Barbie is aware of the joke in multiple ways, showcasing her self-awareness. Greta Gerwig's movie, featuring Margot Robbie as "Stereotypical Barbie," marks the initial release from the rejuvenated Mattel Films. Despite its affiliation with the company, Barbie fearlessly satirizes the contentious issues associated with the iconic doll.

The film also delves into Ruth Handler's personal challenges, in addition to tackling gender stereotypes and criticism regarding Barbie's unattainable physique and fantasy world. Ruth, who served as the president of Mattel from 1945 to 1975, created Barbie in 1959 and named the iconic doll after her daughter, Barbara Handler. Ruth's husband, Elliot Handler, who passed away in 2011, was the father of their children Barbara and Kenneth (the inspiration for the Ken doll).

"A Barbie movie inherently embodies the bond between mothers and daughters, as it pays homage to the dynamic between Ruth Handler and Barbara. Director Gerwig, in an interview with Time prior to its release on July 21, expressed this sentiment. Despite the passing of Ruth in 2002, there were some speculations among fans that Barbara makes a special appearance as an older woman who shares a heartwarming moment with Robbie's Barbie in the 'real world.' However, Gerwig addressed these speculations in an interview with The New York Times, clarifying that the role is actually portrayed by Oscar-winning costume designer Ann Roth."

Gerwig expressed her strong affection for that particular scene, commenting to People that Margot's portrayal in that moment was delicately executed and appeared entirely natural. Before the film was even released, Barbara showed her support for Robbie's casting by stating to TMZ that she found the trailer "super cute" and had a particular fondness for Margot's voice.

Barbara believes her mother would appreciate the doll being brought to life on the big screen. However, the movie portrays Ruth's personal problems through the character played by Rhea Perlman. In the film, jokes are made about Ruth's issues with the IRS and tax evasion. In 1978, Ruth faced accusations of falsifying reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and committing fraud. She pleaded no contest and was fined $57,000, as well as sentenced to 2,500 hours of community service. The movie hints at Ruth's departure from Mattel due to the financial troubles that initially arose in 1975.

Variety reported earlier this month that producer Robbie Brenner stated Mattel fully supported Gerwig's and Baumbach's collaborated script for the film.

"When the script was first read by everyone here, I'm certain there were aspects that pushed boundaries," Brenner expressed. "However, we collectively decided that there would be moments of discomfort, but they would ultimately be worth it. Playing it safe is not effective in this world. Our intention was for it to be daring. Barbie herself is daring, having accomplished remarkable feats and being a trailblazer. That's what we aimed for."

In the film, Perlman's character Ruth makes a joke about having a double mastectomy. (Ruth had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1970.) While Gloria, played by America Ferrera, and her relationship with her daughter Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt) serves as a significant plot point, the poignant conclusion between Barbie and Ruth also reflects the dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship.

Barbie is in theaters now.