Amy Schumer recently explained the reason behind her departure from the role of Barbie, even after receiving a pair of shoes. Her March 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter resurfaced after the release of the new trailer for the movie, where she discussed why she turned down the opportunity to play the live-action character for Sony.
Back in 2015, fresh off the success of her box office hit, Trainwreck (2015), the multi-talented comedian and writer were inundated with numerous film offers, including the highly anticipated Barbie adaptation, which she had agreed to co-write with her sister and frequent writing partner, Kim, in addition to starring in. However, much to everyone’s surprise, Schumer abruptly withdrew from the project a few months later. So, what really happened?
Amy Schumer Says ‘No’ to Being Barbie
Amy Schumer has recently shed light on her departure from the original live-action Barbie movie, revealing that it was not simply due to “scheduling conflicts” as previously stated.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Schumer disclosed that the creative differences between her and the studio were the actual root cause of her exit. She explained that the studio did not share her vision for the film, which was centered around a fish-out-of-water storyline where she played a woman who doesn’t meet Barbieland’s ideal beauty standards.
“They definitely didn’t want to do it the way I wanted to do it, the only way I was interested in doing it,”
Instead, the studio wanted to feature a high-heel made of Jell-O as the character’s invention. This fundamental disagreement, among other issues, eventually led to the breakdown of the partnership. Schumer even expressed her disappointment with the studio’s gift of Manolo Blahniks shoes, which she believed was a misguided attempt to please her. The situation appears to have been more complicated than originally thought.
“The idea that that’s just what every woman must want, right there, I should have gone, ‘You’ve got the wrong gal,'” Schumer said.
We can now have a better understanding of Amy Schumer’s departure from the Barbie movie, all thanks to her recent statements.
Amy Schumer’s predecessors
After Amy Schumer’s departure from the live-action Barbie project, it seems to have found its footing with a new team. The movie has moved to Warner Bros., where it will be co-written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, with Gerwig directing. Gerwig has already proven herself as a talented director with her critically acclaimed films Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019). The studio has also announced Margot Robbie as the star of the film, playing the iconic role of Barbie, alongside Ryan Gosling, who will play Ken.
The upcoming Barbie movie is said to be made with an astounding budget of $100 million! Produced by a star-studded team of David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley, and Robbie Brenner, under the banners of Heyday Films, LuckyChap Entertainment, and Mattel Films.
Hold onto your seats, because the upcoming Barbie movie is set to feature not just one, but multiple versions of the iconic dolls! Get ready to be surprised, because the cast includes some unexpected stars, such as Hari Nef playing a doctor Barbie, Dua Lipa as a mermaid Barbie, and Nicola Coughlin as a diplomat Barbie. And that’s not all – Issa Rae will even be playing a Barbie president!
The male counterparts, Kens, are just as impressive, with Simu Liu and Ncuti Gatwa among the cast. But the surprises don’t stop there, as the film also boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Kate McKinnon, Emma Mackey, Michael Cera, and Will Ferrell. To top it off, the movie will be narrated by none other than Helen Mirren. This project is certainly shaping up to be an exciting and unexpected ride.
Head to the theaters on July 21, 2023, to catch Margot Robbie and the star-studded cast bringing the iconic dolls to life on the big screen. It’s time to get excited!
Amy Schumer is more than just-a-comedian
Amy Schumer may have passed on the chance to star in the Barbie movie, but her career has not slowed down one bit. In fact, she has continued to showcase her versatile talent with a dramatic performance in A24’s The Humans, proving she can tackle any genre. Not only that, but Schumer has also expanded her skills by writing, directing, and starring in the Hulu series Life & Beth alongside the talented Michael Cera.
Amy Schumer’s diverse career has seen her take on comedic and dramatic roles in various film and television projects. She began with the mother-daughter comedy Snatched (2017) alongside Goldie Hawn, followed by the dramatic Thank You for Your Service (2017) where she portrayed an Iraq War veteran struggling with PTSD. In I Feel Pretty (2018), Schumer plays a woman who gains unshakeable confidence after a fall.
Despite her busy schedule, Schumer continues to perform her stand-up routines and has premiered several specials, including Amy Schumer: The Leather Special and Amy Schumer Growing on Netflix. In 2020, she starred in the TV series Amy Schumer Learns to Cook with her husband, Chef Chris Fischer, and gave viewers a candid look into her pregnancy through the TV documentary series Expecting Amy.
And to top it all off, she co-hosted the prestigious 2022 Academy Awards with fellow comedians Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall.
Source: Screenrant, Flickonclick, Glamour.
