Anne Hathaway In Talks To Replace Amy Schumer As A Barbie Girl In A ‘Barbie’ Movie
Anne Hathawaymay soon find that life in plastic, it’s fantastic.
TheColossalactress is reportedly eyeing the lead role in Sony’sBarbiemovie, whichAmy Schumerwas originally slated to play before shedropped out of the comedyin March. But before you start praising the film for casting someone who’s more classically beautiful, I just want to remind you: theBarbiemovie is a subversive comedy about a woman who doesn’t fit in, in the land of Barbies. But considering Hathaway’s underrated comedy chops, she could be a good choice for the role anyway.
Rising Australian directorAlethea Jonesis also in talks to helm the comedy, after being handpicked by Hathaway in the search for a director. Jones is known for her 2012 Tropfest Award-winning short filmLemonade Stand. She’s also recently directed the comedyFun Mom Dinnerstarring Toni Collette.
TheBarbiemovie under Schumer was intended to be a contemporary and feminist spin on the Mattel toy. According to THR, the script followed “a woman that slowly awakens to the fact that she doesn’t fit into the perfect land of Barbies and journeys to the real world, where she discovers that being unique is an asset. The fish-out-of-water tale is supposed to be in the vein ofBigorEnchanted.”
Hathaway and Jones seem like a promising duo to take on the long-gestating adaptation of theBarbietoy. Hathaway began her career in family comedies, starring in the Disney’sThe Princess DiariesandEllaEnchanted. While she has stretched her range into indie and dramatic work recently (and musical chops), going on to win an Academy Award for her role inLes Misérables, Hathaway still seems to be fond of returning to her rom-com roots.
Amy Pascal, Walter F. Parkes, andLaurie MacDonaldare producing theBarbiemovie while Mattel’sRichard Dicksonis executive producing.
The movie was originally slated for aJune 29, 2018, release, but Sony is reluctant to announce an official one if the deal with Hathaway’s schedule — which includes her upcoming filmsOcean’s 8alongside Cate Blanchett andNasty Womenwith Rebel Wilson — can’t be worked out.
It should be noted that the studio has not yet commented on the negotiations and, with Hathaway’s packed schedule, may not even seal the deal. If the search for the next Barbie girl continues, wedo have a list of suggestions, Sony.
