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Life in plastic! Margot Robbie to make live-action Barbie movie

Australian star Margot Robbie has signed on to play iconic doll Barbie in a live action movie she will also produce via her LuckyChap Entertainment company.

The 28-year-old, who has previously tested her ability to transform her appearance in movies such as I Tonya, Suicide Squad and Mary Queen of Scots, said she was “honoured” to portray the popular blonde doll.

“Playing with Barbie promotes confidence, curiosity and communication throughout a child’s journey to self-discovery,” Robbie said in a statement.

“Over the brand’s almost 60 years, Barbie has empowered kids to imagine themselves in aspirational roles from a princess to president,” she said.

“I’m so honoured to take on this role and produce a film that I believe will have a tremendously positive impact on children and audiences worldwide.”

The first Barbie doll was introduced to the world at the New York Toy Fair in 1959.

The high-powered, yet girlish, character went on to appear in a string of TV shows and animated films, including the animated Toy Story movies.

Scandinavian band Aqua famously had a hit in 1997 with their single, Barbie Girl, which included the lyrics: “Life in plastic, it’s fantastic.”

Robbie’s decision to produce the Barbie movie comes after   Variety reported in 2017 that comedian Amy Schumer departed over scheduling conflicts. Anne Hathaway was later reported to be in talks to join the project.

Mattel, the company that makes Barbie, said the new movie would be just the start of a series of films portraying its toys.

“Barbie is one of the most iconic franchises in the world, and we are excited to partner with Warner Bros Pictures and Margot Robbie to bring her to life on the big screen,” Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz said in a statement.

“We look forward to building on this collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures as we tell the stories of our beloved brands.

“Mattel Films is on a path to demonstrate the enormous potential of our brand portfolio, as we continue to execute on our strategy of transforming Mattel into an IP-driven, high performing toy company.”

The Barbie movie is yet to have a title, a director or a release date.

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