Gal Gadot, renowned for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, was at the center of Hollywood’s latest casting drama. The Israeli actress was initially offered the iconic role of Barbie, a decision influenced by producer Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig.
via-people
The Barbie Energy>
Margot Robbie, the producer of the Barbie movie, and director Greta Gerwig saw in Gadot the “Barbie energy” they were looking for. They believed Gadot, with her “impossible beauty” and “genuine sincerity,” was perfect for the part. However, scheduling conflicts prevented Gadot from stepping into Barbieland.
The Reasons for Passing
Gadot had to pass on the role for a couple of reasons. One of the primary reasons was scheduling conflicts. Another factor was public perception. Gadot’s performance in “Wonder Woman 1984” and her vocal pro-Israel stance during the Gazan conflict made her a divisive public figure. This could have influenced her decision to pass on the role.
The Role Goes On
After Gadot declined the role, it was eventually offered to Margot Robbie. Robbie, a producer on the film, did not initially envision herself in the role but stepped in after Gadot’s decline.
Before Robbie, Amy Schumer was the first actress attached to play Barbie. Known for her comedic roles, Schumer’s Barbie would have had some notable differences from Gerwig’s finished project. However, due to “scheduling conflicts” and “creative differences,” Schumer left the project. After Schumer’s departure, Anne Hathaway was considered for the role. However, Hathaway did not end up taking the role.
Greta Gerwig’s Vision
Greta Gerwig was drawn to the Barbie project for several reasons. She had met Margot Robbie before and was impressed by her intelligence and charm. Robbie secured Barbie’s rights through her production company. She approached Gerwig about writing the script, and Gerwig agreed.
Gerwig saw the project as an opportunity to do something “wild and anarchic and unhinged and joyful and filled with fear” during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She aimed to give girls a feeling of empowerment and relatability with Barbie. While writing the script, Gerwig realized she also wanted to direct the movie. She felt a strong connection to the script and its story.
Intriguingly, Gerwig’s script not only tells a story. It also interrogates the way narratives have been presented in the past. This is reminiscent of her previous work in “Little Women.” A sense of fun and joy marked the entire process. It was an exhilarating experience for Gerwig, who aimed to create the most fantastic script that might never see the light of day.
The journey from Wonder Woman to Barbie is a tale of scheduling conflicts, public perception, and creative visions. It’s a reminder that in Hollywood, one person’s loss can be another’s gain and that the most unexpected decisions can lead to the most fascinating stories.
