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Barbie Heads to the Big Screen

Barbie is ready for her close up. The 50 year old iconic doll will soon have her own feature film. This won't be another cartoon or direct to DVD deal. This will be a real live action movie with a decent budget.

"Barbie is the most famous doll in history, a unique cultural icon in the world of brands," said Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger. "So many representations of Barbie frequent pop culture, but never before has she been brought to life in a motion picture. We're grateful to Mattel for entrusting us with this extraordinary opportunity."

Marc said the next step will be to canvas writers and decide a creative take for a family-friendly movie. Mark, who just produced Julie & Julia and is currently in production on the untitled James L. Brooks-directed comedy that stars Reese Witherspoon and Jack Nicholson, was one of several A-list producers who met with Mattel and U execs. Marc said he felt fortunate to get the job and said there is no shortage of plot possibilities, since Barbie has held more than 120 jobs over the years.

"Barbie may be the most popular girl in the world, and has always been a wonderfully aspirational figure, so we must do her proud," Marc said.

Universal wants a piece of the family-friendly pie and has decided that Barbie is the way to get it. It could work. But it will be tricky to get it right. For one thing, there is no actress alive today that has Barbie's measurements. If Barbie were a human, she would be 7' 2" tall, weigh 101 pounds, wear a size four dress and a size five shoe. She would have a 39" bust (FF cup), 19" waist, and 33" hips.

Posted on September 23, 2009

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