The American fantasy comedy film Barbie is directed by Greta Gerwig and written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach. It is the first live-action film after numerous computer-animated direct-to-video Barbie television films based on the Barbie dolls by Mattel. The star actors are Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, who embark on a journey of self-discovery and go through an existential crisis. Other cast members include America Ferrera, Michael Cera, Helen Mirren, Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell.
The film premiered in Angeles on July 9, 2023, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los and was released in the United States on July 21, 2023, by the production company Warner Bros. Pictures. The film shares its release date with Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, and this simultaneous release with the biographical thriller Oppenheimer gave rise to the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon and drove audiences to see both films in one day. The film received appreciation from critics and people of all generations, ages, and genders for its screenplay, direction, costumes, production design, music, and performances.
Could Barbie Join the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” movie has been making waves, offering an existential take on the iconic doll’s lore and introducing variant characters, such as John Cena’s Merman Ken. While these concepts are commonly associated with superhero films, it raises an intriguing question: Could Barbie ever join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)?
Surprisingly, Marvel and Barbie have a shared history in the world of comics. From 1991 to 1996, Marvel Comics released two series dedicated to Barbara Millicent Roberts, titled “Barbie” and “Barbie Fashion.” Unlike typical superhero comics, these stories presented slice-of-life adventures featuring Barbie and her friends, imparting wholesome morals to young readers. They bore similarities to the moralistic tales found in “Archie Comics,” portraying teenagers in a carefree and virtuous light.
Exploring Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” Movie and its Fresh Take
The “Barbie” comics may not feature Thanos-like supervillains, but they did encounter adversaries like wealthy industrialists, mysterious magicians, and burglars. Nevertheless, the villains were relatively harmless, maintaining the series’ family-friendly approach. The comics showcased the adventures of Barbie and her friends, including missions like rescuing animals and sailing on her Dreamboat. The issue covers sported phrases like “Poodle Pandemonium” and “Dancing Dilemma,” adding to the comic’s charm.
Despite the comic’s short-lived existence and Barbie never crossing paths with Marvel’s Avengers, there’s a precedent for Marvel Comics licensing pop culture properties while keeping them separate from their superhero universe. However, when it comes to joining the MCU, it seems unlikely for Barbie anytime soon due to distribution rights and existing agreements between Mattel Films and non-Disney entities.
Warner Bros. vs. Disney: The Roadblocks to Barbie’s MCU Journey
Currently, Warner Bros. Pictures holds the distribution rights for “Barbie,” while Disney controls the MCU. For Barbie to enter the Marvel family, all relevant parties must collaborate. Although anything is possible in Hollywood, such a merger remains improbable in the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, the wacky idea of Barbie joining the DC Cinematic Universe might appeal to directors like James Gunn.
While Disney and Marvel Studios have achieved seemingly impossible collaborations, such as integrating Spider-Man into the MCU, the chance of Barbie joining remains to be determined. It’s best to leave the collaborative efforts between Marvel and Barbie within the comic pages, as these stories can be extraordinary even without superheroes.
The beauty of Marvel’s “Barbie” comics lies in portraying the titular character as an aspirational heroine facing everyday challenges. She overcomes jealousy from competitors, as seen in “Barbie #3,” where she creatively deals with stolen footwear during a figure skating competition. Additionally, “Barbie Fashion #18” depicts Barbie helping a friend overcome the fear of the dentist. These heartwarming tales showcase the essence of Barbie’s Marvel Comics era.
Marvel’s Wholesome “Barbie” Comics: Everyday Adventures and Morals
Barbie’s Marvel comics may include globetrotting adventures, but they also celebrate the magic in everyday life. While the prospect of Barbie in the MCU is intriguing, her charm and appeal lie not in mingling with superheroes but in being a role model for young readers, inspiring them through relatable experiences.
While Barbie and the MCU may not converge in the foreseeable future, her presence in Marvel’s comics offers a delightful glimpse into a world where she remains a timeless and inspiring character. Regardless of her potential MCU journey, Barbie’s legacy as an aspirational and virtuous figure will continue to captivate generations of fans worldwide.
