Atfirst glance, a live-action movie based on an iconic fashion doll might feel like a project aimed at toy-loving tweens, but Barbie director and cowriter Greta Gerwig has much bigger plans for her candycoloured new film. Factor in Margot Robbie in the titular role alongside Ryan Gosling as Ken – and a script that’s both heartfelt and comedic – and the potential for an eyepopping new blockbuster franchise rises through the roof.
‘You’ve never seen so many grown men find excuses to come to set,’ chuckles Margot Robbie, recalling the fivemonth film shoot on the Warner Bros. lot in Leavesden. ‘Everyone would gravitate towards it. I mean, Fast & Furious was shooting at the same studio and they would all come over to look. Our crew was made up of extraordinarily talented people who’ve seen the greatest sets in the world, and they would tear up. Everyone was so excited.’