In the 1990s, Sharon Stone attempted to pitch a Barbie film idea to studio executives, but it did not go as planned. Stone recently shared this story on the Fly on the Wall podcast, revealing the harsh reception her pitch received.
Stone described the opening scene of the proposed Barbie movie, which involved Barbie arriving at the Mattel headquarters in her iconic Barbie car. Secret service agents would then appear, with feet as big as the car, escorting Barbie into the building. Stone explained that the movie would focus on the power and influence of Barbie as a character, portraying her as the most important member of Mattel.
Despite Stone’s enthusiasm for the project, studio executives did not share her vision. They questioned why she would want to alter the image of an American icon like Barbie and ultimately rejected her pitch. Stone revealed that she and her producer friend were escorted out of the studio after receiving a lecture on the inappropriateness of their ideas.
Reflecting on the experience, Stone acknowledged that the executives at the time did not believe Barbie should be portrayed as a powerful figure. However, she also noted that those same executives were no longer with the company. In a social media post earlier this year, Stone expressed gratitude towards women like America Ferrera for their courage and perseverance in the face of rejection.
In the end, Stone’s Barbie movie pitch did not come to fruition, but the story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry. Despite the setbacks, Stone’s determination and creativity continue to inspire others, and her willingness to share her experiences highlights the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.