Laurence Mark is bringing the plastic-fantastic 'Barbie' to the big screen.
The producer of such flicks as "I, Robot" and "Riding in Cars with Boys" has got the go-ahead from Universal Pictures to develop a film based on the eternally popular doll, says
Variety.
Mark 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,” Mark said.
“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.”
Mattel SVP Richard Dickson says we've never seen a live-action "Barbie" movie before because “The brand wasn’t ready for a movie,” the big-wig said. “In the last 10 years, Barbie has evolved from a toy into an intellectual property. We’ve already had enormous success in the entertainment industry. Barbie has a proven track record in home entertainment, there have been live stage shows, live symphonies and other non-traditional forms of entertainment. There is a flagship store in Shanghai. There are a lot of ways we are already communicating with Barbie’s audience, and there is a richness to the brand as an entertainment property.”
Sit down Jessica Simpson!...
