The “Barbie” hype has peaked. It feels like the whole world is shining in pink – a condition that the toy manufacturer Mattel obviously wants to maintain in the long term. So he sends a second doll to the cinema: what is probably the smallest play doll in the world – the Polly Pocket – is to have its first live-action film like her big sister Barbie.
The leading role is taken by “Emily in Paris” actress Lily Collins, who already proved her potential as a puppet in 2012 as Snow White in “Mirror, Mirror”. She is also a co-producer. “Girls” is directed and screenplayed by Lena Dunham, who – like “Barbie” creator Greta Gerwig – is known for her productions with a feminist touch that capture the spirit of the times and question social norms.
The new production has already been confirmed by “Barbie” producer Robbie Brenner. As she reports to the industry service “Variety”, there is already a “great” script. Collins and Dunham are “two of her favorite women ever”. She enthuses: “It was an incredible collaboration. Lena is so collaborative, rolls up her sleeves and really likes to dig through and listen to notes. She’s incredible. Lily is so smart (…) and so productive.” Brenner doesn’t reveal much about the plot. What is known is that it will be a “family comedy” in which a doll and a girl become friends.
Incidentally, Polly Pocket isn’t the only Mattel toy set to hit the cinemas alongside Barbie. Thirteen other projects, including Barney and Friends, American Girl doll and Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, are said to be in development to literally bring the toy universe to life.
The idea came from a new CEO of the group. He had the vision of turning the traditional toy company into an “IP-controlled production machine”. How is that supposed to work? By creating a “Mattel Cinema Universe”. With “Barbie”, the company has laid the groundwork for this. To date, the film has grossed more than $475 million – already breaking numerous records.
Those: “Variety”
