The road to riches for a live-action Barbie movie was certainly a long and winding one. The project had been floating around Hollywood for years, with different studios and producers attached at various points in time. It wasn’t until Warner Bros got involved that things really started to take shape.
With Margot Robbie in the lead role and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the star power of the cast alone was enough to draw attention to the project. Robbie, known for her strong female characters, was determined to make a movie that empowered women, while Gosling added his own charm and charisma to the mix. Their chemistry on screen was undeniable and helped to elevate the film to new heights.
Despite initial projections, Barbie became a surprise box office hit in 2023. With a domestic gross of $162 million and a worldwide total of $356 million, the film exceeded expectations and quickly became the biggest opening of the year. Moviegoers and critics alike praised the film for its empowering message and strong performances.
The success of Barbie extended far beyond the box office. With over $150 million in consumer product sales, the impact of the movie was felt across various industries. From toys to clothing, Barbie merchandise flew off the shelves, further solidifying the film’s place in pop culture history.
Barbie didn’t just stop at the box office – it also made a splash during awards season. With eight Academy Award nominations, including a win for the original song “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, the film proved that it had both critical acclaim and commercial success.
In the end, Barbie became the highest-grossing movie in Warner Bros history, surpassing even the illustrious Harry Potter franchise. With a total gross of $1.44 billion, the film cemented its place in cinematic history and proved that sometimes, all it takes is a little faith and perseverance to achieve greatness.