Last year, I had mentioned this as a real possibility. Now, it’s practically been confirmed. Mattel and Illumination are looking to turn “Barbie” into an animated movie, according to Puck’s Matt Belloni.
Mattel has been seriously talking to Illumination C.E.O. Chris Meledandri about an animated “Barbie” movie, per two sources. Last year’s live-action “Barbie,” which grossed $1.5B, has not had a sequel greenlit, mostly due to stars Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie’s reluctance to return for a continuation. Not to mention director Greta Gerwig doubting her return.
This has all led to Mattel, who retain animation rights to the doll, and Kreiz potentially hiring Illumination to do give “Barbie” the “Super Mario Bros.” treatment and turn it into a major animated franchise.
This isn’t good news for Warner Bros. Discovery, and for Gerwig and Robbie, who are apparently very well aware of the talks and “aren’t thrilled,” according to Belloni. Reps for Mattel and Illumination declined to comment.