Barbie, the live-action comedy film based on the popular Mattel doll, has achieved a remarkable feat: it has surpassed The Dark Knight, the critically acclaimed superhero film by Christopher Nolan, to become Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing domestic film of all time.
As of August 16, 2023, Barbie has earned $537.5 million at the North American box office, while The Dark Knight has made $536 million since its release in 2008.
How did this happen? What factors contributed to Barbie’s phenomenal success? And what does it mean for the future of Warner Bros. and the film industry?
In this article, we will explore these questions and more.
The Power of Female Creativity
One of the main reasons behind Barbie’s popularity is the involvement of talented female filmmakers and actors who brought a fresh and unique perspective to the iconic character.
The film was directed by Greta Gerwig, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019).
Gerwig also co-wrote the screenplay with Noah Baumbach, her partner and collaborator.
The film stars Margot Robbie as Barbie, who also produced the film with her company LuckyChap Entertainment.
Robbie is known for her roles in films such as The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Suicide Squad (2016), I, Tonya (2017), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).
Barbie is not a typical adaptation of a toy franchise.
It is a meta-comedy that satirizes the expectations and stereotypes associated with Barbie, while also celebrating her diversity and empowerment.
The film follows Barbie as she is expelled from Barbieland for not being perfect enough, and ends up in the real world, where she learns to embrace her flaws and find her true self.
Along the way, she meets Ken (Ryan Gosling), a cynical journalist who becomes her love interest, and various other characters who help or hinder her journey.
The film has been praised for its witty humor, clever references, colorful visuals, catchy songs, and heartwarming message.
It has also been hailed as a feminist triumph, as it showcases the creative vision and agency of women in Hollywood.
Gerwig has become the highest-grossing female director of a live-action movie at the global box office, while Robbie is expected to earn $50 million in a deal combining her salary and back-end box-office bonuses.
The Appeal of Nostalgia and Escapism
Another factor that contributed to Barbie’s success is the appeal of nostalgia and escapism for audiences who grew up with the doll or are familiar with her legacy.
Barbie was first introduced in 1959 by Ruth Handler, who co-founded Mattel with her husband Elliot.
Since then, Barbie has become one of the most recognizable and influential toys in history, selling over a billion dolls worldwide.
Barbie has also spawned numerous animated films, TV shows, video games, books, comics, and merchandise.
Barbie taps into the nostalgia and nostalgia for many fans who have fond memories of playing with or watching Barbie.
The film pays homage to various aspects of Barbie’s history, such as her iconic outfits, accessories, vehicles, careers, friends, pets, and more.
It also features cameo appearances by celebrities who have voiced or portrayed Barbie in previous media, such as Kelly Sheridan, Jodi Benson, Diana Kaarina, Erica Lindbeck, America Young, and more.
Barbie also offers escapism for audiences who are looking for a fun and uplifting experience amid the challenges and uncertainties of the real world.
The film transports viewers to a fantastical world where anything is possible, where dreams can come true, where problems can be solved with kindness and creativity, and where happiness is contagious.
The film’s upbeat tone, vibrant colors, catchy songs, and positive message create a feel-good atmosphere that leaves viewers smiling and inspired.
The Impact of Warner Bros.’ Strategy
A final factor that influenced Barbie’s success is the impact of Warner Bros.’s strategy of releasing the film simultaneously in theaters and on its streaming service HBO Max.
This decision was made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the traditional theatrical distribution model and forced many studios to delay or cancel their releases.
Warner Bros. decided to adopt a hybrid model that would allow audiences to choose how they want to watch their films: either on the big screen or on their own devices.
This strategy proved to be beneficial for both Warner Bros. and Barbie.
For Warner Bros., it helped them boost their subscriber base for HBO Max, which launched in May 2020 and had 67.5 million subscribers as of June 2021.
It also helped them generate revenue from both theatrical and digital platforms, which offset some of the losses caused by the pandemic.
For Barbie, it helped it reach a wider and more diverse audience, who could access the film more easily and conveniently.
It also helped it generate positive word-of-mouth and social media buzz, which increased its visibility and popularity.
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Conclusion
Barbie is a surprising box office success that has become Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing domestic film of all time, surpassing The Dark Knight.
The film owes its popularity to the power of female creativity, the appeal of nostalgia and escapism, and the impact of Warner Bros.’ strategy.
Barbie is a testament to the potential and value of original and innovative storytelling, as well as the resilience and adaptability of the film industry in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Barbie is not just a doll, she is a phenomenon.
