Yep, There’s Another Barbie Movie on the Way (But This One’s Taking a Very Different Turn)

I didn't see that coming

Barbie
JAM STA ROSA/AFP via Getty Images

Who could forget Barbie? It was the pop culture moment of 2023. Like, truly, the moment. From the Barbiecore pink explosion to viral collabs with brands like Stanley, Crocs and even Burger King, Barbie basically owned the summer and, honestly, the whole year. Ever since the glitter-filled fantasy comedy hit theaters, fans have been wondering: Are we getting another movie? Well, the answer is yes… but it’s not exactly what you’re expecting.

According to Deadline, Mattel Studios and Illumination (yep, the minds behind Minions) are officially teaming up for a brand-new Barbie movie. The twist? This one’s going to be animated and the first Barbie film made specifically for theaters in that format.

Animated Barbie Movie
Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images

Let’s rewind for a second: Barbie (2023) premiered in July and quickly became a global sensation. Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the film delivered a hilarious, emotional, pastel-colored commentary on gender roles, identity and—yes—even cellulite. The cast was stacked with names like Simu Liu, America Ferrera (who could forget that monlogue!?), Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Will Ferrell and even featured cameos from Dua Lipa and John Cena.

The movie grossed $1.447 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2023 and landing it a spot among the top 15 highest-grossing movies ever. It also earned multiple Oscar and Golden Globe noms, including wins for Best Original Song (I'm still not over Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”).

So will this new animated Barbie film have the same magic? No clue. But if it brings even half the energy, style and existential chaos of its predecessor? Consider me sat in the theater—pink drink and popcorn in hand.

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