Netflix has dropped a new trailer and release date for “Black Barbie,” an upcoming documentary produced by Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland. Set to premiere on June 19th, the film shows into the untold story of the first Black Barbie and the pivotal role played by three Black women at Mattel in making it a reality back in 1980.
Described by Netflix as more than just a doll, “Black Barbie” shows the significant impact these women had on the evolution of the Barbie brand. Through their personal stories and insights, the documentary highlights the importance of representation and how dolls can shape identity and fuel imagination.
Rhimes, who spoke to Variety earlier this year, expressed her personal connection to the dolls from her childhood and the opportunity to enrich the documentary with additional context and interviews from inside Mattel.
The documentary features interviews with Rhimes herself, along with Kitty Black Perkins and Stacey McBride Irby, the two women who helped design the first Black Barbie, among others.
Lagueria Davis, the director, writer, and producer of the film, is the great-niece of Mattel employee Beulah Mae Mitchell, who advocated for a more inclusive doll starting in the 1960s.
Reflecting on the creation of the first Black Barbie, Rhimes emphasized the significance of creating an iconic doll that represented diversity, challenging the norm where dolls were predominantly one color.
“Black Barbie” is part of Rhimes’ broader deal with Netflix, which also includes the hit series “Bridgerton.” The documentary arrives later this month, shining a light on a pivotal moment in Barbie’s history.
As fans anticipate the release, questions linger about a potential sequel to Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” movie, with Gerwig expressing openness to the idea if the right story emerges.
