by Venus Sanders
In the realm of blockbuster hits, Margot Robbie's "Barbie" has proven that originality can indeed triumph over the predictable allure of sequels.
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The 33-year-old actress, who brought the iconic Mattel doll to life on the big screen, recently shared her perspective on the possibility of a sequel, hinting that the creative team poured everything into this cinematic venture, making the idea of a trilogy unlikely.
Robbie, in a recent interview with the Associated Press, expressed her belief that "Barbie" wasn't conceptualized as a franchise: “I think we put everything into this one. We didn’t build it to be a trilogy or something. It was like, Greta [Gerwig] put everything into this movie, so I can’t imagine what would be next,” she elaborated.
Directed by Greta Gerwig, "Barbie" features an ensemble cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Will Ferrell, Helen Mirren, and America Ferrera. The plot follows the journey of the Mattel doll (portrayed by Robbie) as she embarks on an adventure to the real world after facing challenges like developing cellulite and experiencing death anxiety in the utopian Barbieland.
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Robbie emphasized that the movie's success, having grossed over $1.4 billion in global ticket sales, proves that original films can still make a significant impact at the box office. "It doesn’t have to be a sequel or a prequel or a remake. It can be totally original. It can still be big given the big budget to do that," she asserted.
The actress also addressed the notion that having a female lead limits a film's audience. Robbie debunked this misconception, stating, “Just because there’s a female lead doesn’t mean it’s not going to hit all four quadrants, which is, you know, I think a misconception that a lot of people still have. So, it’s really important that ‘Barbie’ did well.”
The success of "Barbie" is particularly noteworthy as it has surpassed the global ticket sales of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," making it the highest-grossing Warner Bros. movie ever. The film's popularity has transcended the traditional cinema experience, sparking trends on platforms like TikTok.
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One TikTok trend involves users attempting to mimic the iconic doll's posture, even though podiatrists caution against such practices. Another trend revolves around reimagining the concept of aging. The impact of "Barbie" has gone beyond the screen, prompting companies to release various "Barbie"-themed products, further solidifying its cultural influence.
Director Greta Gerwig expressed her astonishment at the film’s success, stating, “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine something like this. I wanted to make something anarchic and wild and funny and cathartic, and the idea that it’s actually being received that way, it’s sort of extraordinary.”
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Since its release in July, "Barbie" has danced its way to No. 14 on the list of top 15 highest-grossing movies of all time. The film is now available for purchase or rent on Amazon and for ownership on DVD, allowing audiences to relive the unexpected triumph of a movie that dared to be truly original.