Margot Robbie's upcoming "Barbie" movie has been making headlines, not just for its star-studded cast, but also for the thought-provoking insights shared by the actress herself.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Robbie revealed that she initially envisioned Gal Gadot, known for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, as the ideal embodiment of "Barbie energy" for the film. While Gadot was ultimately unavailable for the role, her essence became a guiding force in the casting process for the various iterations of Barbie in the movie.
**1. Gal Gadot's Influence: The Concept of "Barbie Energy"**
But what exactly is "Barbie energy"? According to Robbie, it's the unique combination of impossibly beauty and genuine sincerity that Gadot exudes.
Robbie elaborated, stating, "Gal Gadot is Barbie energy. Because Gal Gadot is so impossibly beautiful, but you don’t hate her for being that beautiful because she’s so genuinely sincere, and she’s so enthusiastically kind, that it’s almost dorky. It’s like right before being a dork."
**2. Beauty, Sexuality, and Barbie: Margot Robbie's Thought Process**
Robbie's portrayal of the main Barbie character prompted her to grapple with complex questions surrounding beauty and sexiness, particularly considering Barbie's status as a children's doll.
She contemplated the notion of Barbie's sexuality, ultimately concluding that as a plastic doll without reproductive organs, she wouldn't experience sexual desire. Robbie emphasized that while Barbie is indeed sexualized, she should never be overtly sexy. Instead, people may project their own interpretations of sexiness onto her, as she can wear a short skirt for fun and in pink, rather than to intentionally exude sensuality.
**3. LuckyChap's Pitch: Honoring Barbie's Legacy and Addressing Criticism**
The "Barbie" movie, produced by Robbie's company LuckyChap, required a compelling pitch to secure the rights to the iconic character from Mattel. Robbie emphasized the need to honor Barbie's 60-year legacy while also acknowledging the polarized perceptions of the doll. She stated, "We of course would want to honor the 60-year legacy that this brand has. But we have to acknowledge that there are a lot of people who aren’t fans of Barbie.
And in fact, aren’t just indifferent to Barbie. They actively hate Barbie. And have a real issue with Barbie. We need to find a way to acknowledge that."
**4. The Creative Team: Greta Gerwig, Ryan Gosling, and Collaborators**
Directed by Greta Gerwig and featuring Ryan Gosling as Ken, "Barbie" promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the iconic doll's legacy. Gerwig, known for her distinctive storytelling, co-wrote the script with Noah Baumbach, adding further anticipation for the film's release.
Warner Bros is set to unveil "Barbie" in theaters nationwide on July 21, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the enduring cultural impact of the beloved Barbie doll.
