Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach are co-writing the new Barbie film, starring Margot Robbie in the titular role. Gerwig is also rumoured to be directing, but this has not yet been confirmed.
The indie actress directed her first feature film in 2018 with Oscar-nominated Lady Bird. The movie secured two Golden Globes for both Best Picture and Best Actress in recognition of Saoirse Ronan's performance. Gerwig has previously collaborated with husband Baumbach on numerous occasions including Frances Ha (2012) and Mistress America (2015). She is currently writing and directing a new film version of Louisa May Alcott's literary classic Little Women, starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Laura Dern and Meryl Streep.
Variety reports that Warner Bros had been eyeing Gerwig and Baumbach to write and direct Barbie since it secured a deal with Mattel Films to distribute in January this year. Amy Schumer was first cast as the iconic doll, but had to pull out due to scheduling clashes. It emerged that Margot Robbie was the frontrunner to play the character in October 2018.
News of the duo's involvement suggests that the film will take an interesting, warm approach. Gerwig's directing style is characterised by its sympathetic characters, deadpan humour and interest in female dynamics. She specialises in coming-of-age films and movies that document the emotional maturity of women, so this should be an opportunity to see a new side of Barbie we've never seen before.
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