In the year 2023, fans of the iconic Barbie doll were treated to yet another dazzling adventure on the big screen. This movie not only transported viewers to a realm of fantasy and glamour but also brought with it a series of fascinating curiosities that invite us to explore the behind-the-scenes of this cinematic production. As we delve into the depths of this film, we will uncover secrets, curious facts, and nuances that contributed to its enduring magic and charm. Get ready for an exciting journey through the most intriguing details of the 2023 Barbie movie, where imagination meets reality in extraordinary ways.

1 – PINK FOR EVERYONE

According to actor Ryan Gosling’s account, Margot Robbie established an “order” for all crew members to wear pink during filming. Those who did not comply with the requirement were subject to a “penalty,” which sparked excitement among the crew to showcase a variety of styles, including pink shirts with rainbow fringe.

2 – PINK PAINT SHORTAGE WORLDWIDE!

Greta’s desire for a fantastical, extremely bright, and almost exaggerated environment led to a temporary shortage of fluorescent pink paint from Rosco on a global scale. This company is known for supplying paints for film and theater productions and ended up depleting its entire stock to meet the demand from the film’s production.

3 – MARGOT ROBBIE WASN’T THE FIRST CHOICE

Amy Schumer and Anne Hathaway were considered for the role of Barbie before Margot Robbie was chosen. Initially, Schumer was announced for the role, but she had to leave the project due to scheduling conflicts. Hathaway then took on the lead role, but her involvement lasted only until 2018 when the contract between Sony and Mattel expired, and the toy company sought Warner Bros. Pictures.

4 – RYAN GOSLING WAS THE FIRST CHOICE TO PLAY KEN

Unlike the selection process for the role of Barbie, the choice of actor to play the character Ken was more straightforward and swift. Greta and Margot unanimously decided on Ryan Gosling’s participation in the role. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the director stated that she had no hesitations about casting the renowned actor for the role.

5 – GAL GADOT ALMOST PLAYED BARBIE’S BEST FRIEND

In the early stages of casting auditions, Greta and Margot were selecting which actresses would play Barbie’s friends, and one of the names considered was Gal Gadot, known for her role as Wonder Woman in the DC Studios films. However, the actress was not available due to scheduling conflicts.

6 – VERY SIMILAR

Margot Robbie and Emma Mackey have been the subject of much online attention due to their striking resemblance. This coincidence was almost used in the movie as a fun joke, referencing their similar appearance. However, when they tried on the Barbie costumes, the actresses didn’t feel as alike as they had expected and decided to abandon the idea.

7 – CLASSICS AS REFERENCE

The director also drew from a variety of cinematic sources when creating the Barbie movie. She revealed a list of 33 films that served as reference and inspiration for the live-action, highlighting works such as “The Wizard of Oz,” “Singing in the Rain,” “The Truman Show,” “Modern Times,” and, of course, “2001: A Space Odyssey,” which influenced the first teaser of the film.

8 – PROJECT IN THE DRAWER FOR YEARS

The project had been in development since 2009. Mattel, the company behind Barbie, expressed interest in adapting the doll for a live-action film, and Universal Pictures was the first company to sign a contract for it. However, the film’s plot didn’t progress as expected, leading the production rights to be acquired by another company in 2014.

9 – THE MOVIE ALMOST WENT TO SONY

Before being taken over by Warner Bros., the adaptation was in the plans of Sony Pictures, which picked up the project after the end of the contract between Mattel and Universal. Filming was originally scheduled to begin in 2014 but was postponed to 2016. It was during this period that the first name considered to play Barbie was disclosed.

10 – CONTROVERSIAL BARBIES

Barbies with a more “controversial” approach were included in the cast, such as the Worn-Out Barbie, representing a doll worn from use, with uneven haircuts and pen marks on the face, created by its owners. Additionally, the movie featured Growing Up Skipper, an old Mattel doll whose breasts grow when her arms are rotated.

11 – DUA LIPA’S INVOLVEMENT

Dua Lipa made her foray into the world of cinema with this film, joining a growing list of music stars who expanded their careers to the big screen. In the production, the singer takes on the role of one of the protagonist Barbie’s friends, portraying the character Barbie Mermaid.

12 – BARBIE’S FEET WITHOUT SPECIAL EFFECTS

Barbie’s feet were not generated by computer graphics. This detail was one of the most notable aspects since the trailer release, highlighting the characteristic of the dolls having arched feet to better fit shoes. According to Margot, eight takes were done to capture the scene, as the actress wanted everything to be authentic, standing on tiptoes without using special effects.

13 – ORIGINAL CREATOR IS PORTRAYED IN THE FILM

In the movie, the original creator of Barbie, entrepreneur Ruth Handler, is portrayed by actress Rhea Perlman. A particular scene alludes to the famous Renaissance painting “The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo. In this scene, Barbie and Ruth meet at the lady’s house, and their hands come close together as the creator offers a cup of tea to the doll.

14 – REFERENCE TO MARILYN MONROE

Alongside the numerous references to significant films and icons in Barbie’s pop culture and history, the movie subtly pays homage to Marilyn Monroe. In one scene, the doll floats down from her house and “lands” in the car, with her dress lifting up identically to Marilyn’s iconic moment in the film “The Seven Year Itch.”

15 – ICONIC BARBIE MUSIC

The famous song “Barbie Girl” couldn’t be left out of the movie! Many fans clamored for the inclusion of this hit in the soundtrack, and even Margot Robbie requested Greta to make some reference to the song in the film. The solution found was to incorporate a remix titled “Barbie World,” produced by rappers Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice, which includes excerpts from the original song as a sample.

Through the various curiosities revealed about the movie “Barbie,” we are transported behind the scenes of a production that goes far beyond simple entertainment. From the careful casting choices to the meticulous details of the production, each aspect contributes to creating a universe rich in cultural references, tributes, and surprises. The journey from the beginning of the film’s development to its conclusion shows us not only the magnitude of Barbie’s influence on popular culture but also the dedication and passion of those involved in bringing this iconic doll to the big screen in a truly memorable way. With each curiosity revealed, we are reminded of the lasting power of Barbie to inspire generations and how her impact transcends the boundaries of the toy, resonating in the hearts and imaginations of people around the world. The movie “Barbie” is not just a cinematic production but a vibrant celebration of an iconic figure that continues to delight and inspire, carrying on her legacy in new and exciting forms.