Barbie Movie and Hollywood's Remakes Problem
The success of the Barbie movie sparked a wave of interest in other toy franchises. Hollywood is now looking to create more films based on popular toys, hoping to replicate the box office success of Barbie. But just because audiences flocked to Barbie, it doesn't mean that a repackaged version of the same formula will attract the same interest. Many viewers are increasingly tired of film remakes or movies that follow ideas previously done because they sell well. The best movies always take a chance at telling a bold story, which is how we get cinematic masterpieces like Barbie or timeless shows such as Game Of Thrones.
Statements like "the new Barbie" or "the next Game of Thrones" prove Hollywood has a problem: that the industry prioritizes films that are guaranteed to make huge profits rather than films with a unique story to tell. Instead of proving that audiences want more movies and shows exactly like Barbie and Game Of Thrones, their success demonstrates that what we really want are original, compelling stories. Hollywood has become stale because the industry wants to re-create iconic films or television shows rather than be creative. New ideas are always risky, but the highest risks often have the best rewards.
The Success of Barbie Movie
The Barbie Movie works because it does not try to be anything else. It keeps the essence of what Barbie means while putting its own spin on the franchise. Barbie has an all-star movie cast, a stellar soundtrack, and a unique villain twist that makes the film a memorable piece of media. However, just because the Barbie movie was highly successful does not mean Hollywood should start making films based on all toy franchises. Making a movie just because a predecessor did well rather than for the movie itself will not end well.
Some interesting Mattel toys, like American Girl Doll or Polly Pocket, could make a great movie. Both franchises have made their own mark in the world and can produce good movies with the right story. However, if the motivation is simply to create "the next Barbie," these films will fail. There is no integrity to a movie that tries to repeat past success rather than forge its own path. There will never be another Barbie, just as there will never be the next Game of Thrones. Each movie or show should stand on its own without relying on a previous film or show for success.
Why Original Content is Important
Hollywood is at its best when it is original, bold, and daring. Many film remakes are criticized because there is a lack of heart in the storytelling. However, the emphasis in Hollywood all too often seems to be on profit over creativity. A remake can put a unique twist on a great story while retaining its essence, but most of these films are just the same story with nothing new to say. Barbie is wildly different from what we expected, but at its heart, it is still the franchise we all know and love.
Despite wanting original content from Hollywood, it is unlikely that the industry will change its marketing tactics, especially when promoting a new movie. Chances are we will not see the end of phrases such as "the next Barbie" or "the next Game of Thrones" anytime soon. We just have to hope that the motivation for these new toy-based films is born from great stories to tell rather than just another means to make money. Then, we might be able to look past the marketing tactics if the movies provide a good story.
The Story of Barbie Movie
Barbie is a film adaptation of the generational iconic toy directed by Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote the script with Noah Baumbach. The film centers on Margot Robbie's Barbie who is expelled from Barbieland and travels with Ken (Ryan Gosling) to the real world in search of happiness. The film also stars Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, and several other famous celebrities in cameo roles.
Despite the capitalistic intent, the Barbie movie works because it does not try to be anything else. It keeps the essence of what Barbie means while putting its own spin on the franchise. Barbie has an all-star movie cast, a stellar soundtrack, and a unique villain twist that makes the film a memorable piece of media.
