In the current state of film and TV, it seems like no property is off limits. Movie concepts that previously would have been impossible are suddenly being produced, and even delighting audience. Case in point: the latest trend of making Toy brands into quirky and delightful comedies. The Lego Movie was one of the biggest hits of 2014, and Trolls is faring well at the box office as well. And then there's the mysterious live-action Barbie movie, which is bringing the iconic doll onto the silver screen. The folks at Sony have just announced the film's star, as well as the overall concept, and they're a perfect fit
Comedian, actress, and writer Amy Schumer will be the lead character in Barbie. The PG comedy has a pretty exciting original concept, and Schumer's part is described as the following (via Deadline):
Amy Schumer will play a character that lives within Barbieland. Barbieland houses all of the various Barbie characters that have been introduced in the long running toy line. But Schumer will be a Barbie who doesn't quite fit into the idealistic world of her home. She's not perfect, she's loud, and she doesn't behave the way Barbies should. Schumer's character will eventually go on an adventure in the real world, before attempting to return and save her home. And while it's a bit similar to Enchanted in its premise, Barbie will teach both Amy Schumer's character, as well as the audience, that what is within really matters, and that we should all accept our imperfections.
I've got to say, that's not at all what I expected from Barbie. While I don't typically attend PG movies, a modern and inclusive take on the Barbie concept seems like exactly where the filmmakers should go. And with Amy Schumer's star power and comedic timing on the project's side, it may very well be a hit.
The Barbie brand has historically been rather divisive. Many praise Barbie for featuring women in basically every job possible. This teaches young girls and boys that they can become anything they want when they grow up, as long as they work hard. However, the doll has been criticized for setting unrealistic on women's bodies. While the brand recently expanded to petite and full figured dolls, Barbie herself is all legs and no tummy.
But the movie Barbie marks a possible change. Amy Schumer is an advocate for self love and body acceptance, so if she's signed up for Barbie, the message has to be positive.
Barbie is just the latest in a line of exciting acting projects that Amy Schumer has been booking. After her breakout role in Trainwreck, the actress has been transitioning from stand-up and TV to film, to the joy of anyone who has ever seen an episode of Comedy Central's Inside Amy Schumer.
Be sure to check back with CinemaBlend for updates on all things Barbie, as well as the quickly rising career of Amy Schumer.
