Circling back to things the internet is absolutely hyped about, we have Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie.” Hailing from Warner Bros. with a reportedly massive $100 million budget, the film will finally bring the popular doll to the big screen in epic fashion. Though, if the teaser trailer was anything to go on, it’s not going to be what many people may think. But it does have a ridiculous amount of star power, with Margot Robbie in the title role, and a huge supporting cast that includes the likes of Ryan Gosling, Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, Kate McKinnon, and many more. On paper, you’ve got a stacked, A-list cast, a proven director, and some beloved IP to work with. It’s all there. Isn’t it?
I admit, I would have liked to see this movie made for a lot less money, as you’re firmly in blockbuster territory with a number like that. You’re looking at probably having to make at least $300 million globally to even have a chance at breaking even after a surely pricey marketing spend. I struggle to find a good comparison for this movie, but maybe “The LEGO Movie” ($468 million) is a good best-case-scenario comp? In the post-pandemic era of moviegoing, that is by no means easy to do. But, at the same time, if this can actually catch on, it has the potential to do even bigger numbers, as these are global stars with a globally recognized toy at the center of the story. This one really feels like a dice roll to me. Look for it in the heart of the summer movie season on July 21.