Academy Award-nominated writer-directors Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach have closed a deal to write the “Barbie” movie, based on the iconic doll for Mattel and Warner Bros., an individual with knowledge of the project told The Wrap. Gerwig is also eyed to direct.
Academy Award nominated actress Margot Robbie is set to star.
Robbie will also produce with Tom Ackerley for LuckyChap Entertainment alongside Mattel executive producer Robbie Brenner, who heads the toy company’s film division.
Executive producers are Josey McNamara for LuckyChap Entertainment and Ynon Kreiz for Mattel. In 2014, it was announced Mattel would be partnering with Sony for a movie based on the popular doll, and at one point, Amy Schumer was attached to star. Schumer later dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, and Anne Hathaway was set to step in. The rights returned to Mattel last year.
Barbie marks the first announced deal coming out of Mattel’s newly-established Mattel Films, as well as the first collaboration between Mattel Films and Warner Bros. Pictures.
The script for “Barbie” has been worked on by various writers, with Diablo Cody, Lindsey Beer, Jenny Bicks, Kim Caramele, Bert V. Royal and Hilary Winston all sharing writing credit. When Schumer was first cast in the role, the original synopsis for the film followed a Barbie doll who goes to the real world after finding that she does not fit in the doll world because of her unique nature.
Gerwig was nominated for two Academy Awards for writing and directing “Lady Bird.” She was the fifth woman to be nominated in the Best Director category, and the first to be nominated for a debut film. Gerwig directed “Little Women” for Sony, which will be released on Christmas.
Baumbach is an Oscar-nominated writer and acclaimed director. Baumbach was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for his film “The Squid and the Whale,” which he also directed. His next film, which stars Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, will be released by Netflix this fall.
Gerwig and Baumbach have previously collaborated on “Greenberg,” “Mistress America,” and “Frances Ha.”
LuckyChap is represented by Management 360, CAA, attorney Jeff Bernstein and Narrative PR. Robbie is represented by Management 360, CAA, attorney Jeff Bernstein, Aran Michael Management and Narrative PR. Gerwig is repped by UTA and Management 360 and Baumbach is repped by UTA.