$1.4 billion +1 Oscar: an animated film soon for the star of the biggest success of 2023?

What if “Barbie” were the subject of a new animated feature film, a year after the success of the live action version by Greta Gerwig? The rumor of a collaboration between Mattel and Illumination (“Despicable Me”) is circulating in Hollywood.

With $1.446 billion in revenue worldwide, Barbie has established itself as the biggest hit of 2023 in cinemas (except in France). And Greta Gerwig's film even earned eight Oscar nominations (for one trophy, that of Best Original Song, awarded to Billie Eilish) to conclude its incredible journey.

What's next? The actress and director is set to revive the Narnia saga for Netflix, and doesn't seem inclined to give a sequel to the adventures of Barbie and Ken, played by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in front of her camera. But the famous doll could be at the heart of another project.

According to Pucka meeting between Mattel and Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri reportedly took place with a view to a potential Barbie animated film. With the aim of giving its universe a success similar to that of Super Mario Bros., the second biggest hit of 2023 at the cinema (except in France, where it finished first).

But this is to be taken conditionally. Because of the source already, and because it is not specified to what point the discussions are advanced, which means that the project could never come to fruition. If it does see the light of day, on the other hand, Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie will not be involved, and they would be less than enthusiastic about this hypothetical film, according to rumors.

It has also not been specified what direction the story will take, but if the idea is to ride on the formula that made Super Mario Bros. a success, the feature film would take place more in the Barbie universe. And who knows if it will integrate elements of Princess Heart, The Secret Door or Mermaid Secret, previous animated films dedicated to her?