Margot Robbie’s ‘Barbie’ Film Moves Ahead as Warner Bros. Closes Deal With Mattel

By Justin Kroll

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) – Warner Bros. and Mattel have partnered to bring Barbie to the big screen. Margot Robbie is set to portray the live-action version of the iconic doll.

“This project is a great start to our partnership with Ynon and Mattel Films,” said Toby Emmerich, chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “And Margot is the ideal producer and actress to bring to life on screen in a fresh and relevant way for today’s audiences.”

Robbie will also co-produce the film under her LuckyChap Entertainment banner, alongside Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara from LuckyChap Entertainment.

“Playing with Barbie promotes confidence, curiosity and communication throughout a child’s journey to self-discovery. Over the brand’s almost 60 years, Barbie has empowered kids to imagine themselves in aspirational roles from a princess to president,” Robbie said. “I’m so honored to take on this role and produce a film that I believe will have a tremendously positive impact on children and audiences worldwide. I can’t imagine better partners than Warner Bros and Mattel to bring this film to the big screen.”

The Barbie adaptation marks the first announced deal to come out of Mattel’s newly-established Mattel Films, led by producer Robbie Brenner, as well as the first collaboration between Mattel Films and Warner Bros. Pictures.

“Barbie is one of the most iconic franchises in the world and we are excited to partner with Warner Bros. Pictures and to bring her to life on the big screen,” said Ynon Kreiz, chairman and CEO of Mattel. We look forward to building on this collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures as we tell the stories of our beloved brands. Mattel Films is on a path to demonstrate the enormous potential of our brand portfolio, as we continue to execute on our strategy of transforming Mattel into an IP-driven, high performing toy company.”

Robbie, who is about to start filming Warner Bros.’ “Birds of Prey” next month, reprising her role of Harley Quinn, is represented by Management 360, CAA, Aran Michael Management, and attorney Jeff Bernstein. LuckyChap Entertainment is represented by Management 360, CAA, and attorney Jeff Bernstein.