See Margot Robbie in the official trailer for the live-action 'Barbie' film

barbie
See the official trailer for the Barbie filmHearst Owned

Margot Robbie is playing Barbie in an upcoming live-action film that Warner Bros. and Mattel first announced in 2019. The Oscar-nominated actress has also co-produced the movie under her company, LuckyChap Entertainment, alongside husband Tom Ackerley and producer Josey McNamara.

This project will mark the first live-action film from the Barbie franchise, and the first movie deal from Mattel Films, the film division of the company behind Barbie and other iconic toys. Details of the plot have not yet been announced, but we've already been treated to the first trailer (watch above).

Here's everything we know so far...

The trailer is here

The second trailer of the upcoming Barbie film is pure joy, with the official Twitter page sharing: "Welcome to Barbie Land, did you bring your rollerblades?"

Official posters reveal the full cast

24 official cast posters revealed the famous faces joining the film, including pop sensation Dua Lipa, Sex Education's Emma Mackey and Ncuti Gatwa, as well as Kate McKinnon, America Ferrera, Shang Chi star Simu Liu, And Just Like That's Hari Nef, Issa Rae, Michael Cera, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Oscar-winner Emerald Fennell, Sharon Rooney, Scott Evans, Ana Cruz Kayne, Connor Swindells, Ritu Arya, and Jamie Demetriou.

Margot Robbie looks the part

In a preview photo shared at CinemaCon 2022, fans received a first look at Robbie in the titular role of the upcoming film. In the image, Robbie is riding around in her pink convertible sporting a headband and a matching halter top.

Ryan Gosling is playing Ken

The film landed another heavy hitter for its male lead in the form of actor Ryan Gosling, who plays Barbie's beau, Ken. The Academy Award nominee was apparently the studio's only choice from the beginning, and an official preview image has been released of Gosling in character as Barbie's main man. Gosling almost looks unrecognisable while clad in a denim vest, matching jeans, platinum blonde hair and a very serious faux tan.

Pictures from the set hint at what to expect

Gosling and Robbie were pictured filming scenes from the forthcoming film in LA, much to the delight of fans. The pair were seen sporting matching '80s-style neon sportswear and rollerblades on Venice Beach, complete with visors and knee and elbow pads.

margot robbie and ryan gosling filming barbie movie
MEGA - Getty Images
margot robbie and ryan gosling filming barbie movie
MEGA - Getty Images

In another shot, Robbie was seen wearing a neon pink waistcoat and matching star-spangled flares.

margot robbie as barbie
MEGA - Getty Images

Will Ferrell also stars

The actor was seen on set also sporting a pair of rollerblades, sparking speculation that he may play the film's villain.

barbie film set
MEGA - Getty Images

Robbie is "honoured" to take on the role

In a press release, Robbie praised Barbie for promoting "confidence, curiosity and communication" through childhood, and empowering children "to imagine themselves in aspirational roles from a princess to president".

"I'm so honoured to take on this role and produce a film that I believe will have a tremendously positive impact on children and audiences worldwide," she added in her statement.

The actress has undergone some impressive transformations in her previous roles, including Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, Tonya Harding in I, Tonya, and Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots. And although fans may be quick to tout the actress as a real-life Barbie, she has actually previously avoided being typecast for roles based on her looks.

"When I was trying to make my name as an actress, creative roles for women were limited," she previously told Bazaar. "I didn't want to pick up another script where I was the wife or the girlfriend — just a catalyst for the male storyline. It was uninspiring."

FIJI Water at the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards
Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley at the 2018 Golden GlobesStefanie Keenan - Getty Images

Rumours of her casting had been circulating for years

Speculation of Robbie's casting as Barbie first began in 2015, after a Sony email leak reportedly revealed that she was one of the potential actresses to play the iconic doll. Years later, in October 2018, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Robbie was in talks to star in and produce the film with Warner Bros.

She also wasn't the only actress attached to the film. In 2016, Amy Schumer had reportedly landed the role but dropped out a few months later due to scheduling conflicts, according to THR. In 2017, Anne Hathaway was reported to possibly star.

Greta Gerwig is directing

Greta Gerwig had been attached to the Barbie flick since 2019, when she was confirmed to write the script with Noah Baumbach. The Little Women filmmaker has directed the film as well.

2018 film independent spirit awards  show
Robbie and Gerwig at the 2018 Film Independent Spirit AwardsMatt Winkelmeyer - Getty Images

It will be released in cinemas in 2023

Fans will have to wait a while to see this film come to life. The movie's release date is 21 July 2023.

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