Why Amy Schumer's Controversial Decision Shocked Hollywood About Barbie Movie

Amy Schumer recently spoke about her departure from the Barbie movie, which she was previously set to star in and rewrite. While it was initially reported that she left due to scheduling conflicts, Schumer explained on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen that the real reason was due to creative differences. Specifically, she felt that the project "didn't feel feminist and cool" enough. Produced and starring Margot Robbie, Barbie follows the story of the real Barbie as she leaves Barbieland due to an existential crisis and goes on a search for true happiness with Ken, played by Ryan Gosling. Directed by Greta Gerwig, the film is set to release this summer and will be competing against Oppenheimer at the box office.

The Barbie Movie's Long Development Explained

Despite criticism of my weight, I am eagerly anticipating the release of the movie. I have high expectations for it and believe it will be amazing. Initially, we cited scheduling conflicts as the reason for the delay, but in reality, it was due to creative differences. However, with a new team at the helm and a strong feminist message, I am excited to see how the movie turned out.

After several direct-to-video animated films, the production of an official Barbie adaptation began in 2009, but faced several obstacles. The project was passed between various studios, including Universal Pictures and Sony Pictures. The screenplay was rewritten by Diablo Cody, known for her work on Juno, and later by Schumer and her sister, Kim Caramele, who were also set to star in the film.

After Schumer's departure, Sony attempted to move forward with Anne Hathaway in the lead role and Alethea Jones as director. However, Sony ultimately lost the rights to the Barbie character, and Warner Bros. subsequently acquired them. This resulted in the project starting from scratch. After a decade of troubled development, the film finally gained some stability when Robbie signed on to star and produce, and Gerwig was brought on to direct and co-write with Baumbach. While it is unclear how different the current vision of the movie is from when Schumer was involved, her ongoing support for the project suggests that the creative differences were amicable.

Source: Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen