ryan gosling

Leading up to 2014’s LEGO Movie, there were heavy doubts from nearly everyone as to whether an entire feature length film could be adapted from a toy franchise, especially one that was largely absent of any sort of central cannon or narrative of any kind. The golden touch of Phil Lord and Chris Miller proved almost every doubter wrong and spawned an entire cinematic universe.

Film auteur power couple Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach could very well have the sort of shrewd and clever sensibility to balance adapting a historically broad IP, tell an engaging story with complex characters, be self-aware of the IP’s own inherent issues in society, and razzle dazzle with some panache and cinematic flair. The first full length trailer for the laboriously developed Barbie (remember when Amy Schumer was involved?) shows that might be exactly what’s coming. Come this Summer, Gerwig and Baumbach could be pulling off a Barbie movie that might be far more entertaining that the idea of a live action Barbie movie should be. Also, taking cues from Pixar’s playbook, it’s something that’s clearly written for adults, but has enough pastel and neon colors and high flying song and dance numbers to satisfy the “family friendly” crowd.

Of course, the dissection of the discourse around gender roles and the sexualization of Barbie is probably going to raise the ire of the former Tucker Carlson viewers, but was any sort of studio Barbie movie in 2023 (and not 1960) going to be for them?

Truly, Barbie could be a dark horse, surprise entry into cinemas this year and what a much needed surprise that would be. By the way, does it strike anyone as “kismet” that Will Ferrell essentially is playing the same role in the LEGO Movie as he does here in Barbie?

See all of that for yourself in the Barbie Main Trailer here, then look for it in theaters near you on July 21st.