Barbie is less than a month away from arriving in theaters, and the first reaction to the movie has now been revealed in a new article from TIME.
In that, journalist Eliana Dockterman says, "it's a fun yet self-aware romp with shades of Clueless and Legally Blonde. It's also stuffed full of ideas, and occasionally overwhelmed by them." That's a mostly very positive response, though it does sound like Greta Gerwig threw a lot into this first chapter.
Yes, there may be more to come!
In the same piece, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz is said to have spoken enthusiastically about "more Barbie movies," suggesting the toymakers have big plans for this franchise and others in theaters. "We’re looking to create movies that become cultural events," he says. "If you can excite filmmakers like Greta and Noah to embrace the opportunity and have creative freedom, you can have a real impact."
Margot Robbie, meanwhile, responds to that by tempering expectations. Despite confirming she's been involved in sequel conversations, the actress adds, "It could go a million different directions from this point. But I think you fall into a bit of a trap if you try and set up a first movie whilst also planning for sequels."
While Robbie and Ryan Gosling lead the cast, t he epic ensemble also includes John Cena, Simu Liu, America Ferrera, Ariana Greenblatt, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Alexandra Shipp, Michael Cera, Issa Rae, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Kate McKinnon, Dua Lipa and Helen Mirren.
"To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place," reads a brief synopsis. "Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken."
We also have a new look at the movie thanks to a magazine cover which puts Barbie and Ken front and centre. Barbie will arrive in theaters on July 21, later this year.