Having crossed the much-coveted $1 billion milestone within less than a month of its release, Margot Robbie’s Barbie has etched a special place in the hearts of audiences across the world. However, before the stellar success of the film, a notable comedy figure in the industry quit the movie.
Initially, around 2016, comedian Amy Schumer was linked to the live-action adaption of Mattel’s Barbie. However eventually news about Schumer’s withdrawal due to ‘scheduling conflicts’ made the headlines. But it seems like that wasn’t the real reason for her departure
Amy Schumer revealed the real reason behind her decision to quit Barbie
The idea of a live-action adaptation of Barbie has been simmering since 2009. With news of Amy Schumer attached to the project in 2016, it was anticipated that the production will begin in March 2022. However, things took a turn when Schumer announced that she would no longer be able to continue with the project.
Reportedly, Schumer was slated to play the lead role in the film while also contributing to the script as a writer. Hence, her departure led to a myriad of questions. In her interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Schumer offered an insight into her decision, revealing the real reason for her surprising departure.
She explained that she envisioned her Barbie to be an ambitious inventor, a portrayal that was at odds with the studio’s plans. While she wanted to opt for something solid, the studio emphasized that the invention should revolve around high heels made of Jell-O. “They definitely didn’t want to do it the way I wanted to do it, the only way I was interested in doing it.”
Moreover, she revealed how a particular incident made her realize that she might actually not be the person the studio is looking for.
Amy Schumer revealed how an expensive gift from the studio prompted her to quit
During her interaction, Schumer further shared that a particular gift from the studio gave her clarity. She humorously recalled how the studio gifted her a pair of expensive Manolo Blahniks shoes. And surprisingly, she realized the stark divergence in their creative viewpoints. She explained,
“The idea that that’s just what every woman must want, right there, I should have gone, ‘You’ve got the wrong gal.”
As Schumer bowed out of the project, the movie’s producer Margot Robbie decided to step in. Although the movie’s core plot remained quite similar to what the studio has envisioned initially, which included Barbie’s expulsion from Barbieland, it did stray away a lot from Schumer’s take.
But despite the creative differences, Schumer appreciated the final product, promising that the Barbie series will continue to deliver unexpected surprises to the audience.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
