Actress Anne Hathaway recently opened up about her decision not to play the iconic role of Barbie in Sony Pictures’ upcoming film. In an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Hathaway revealed that she believes it was a “lucky thing” that she did not take on the role. Although Hathaway was considering the project back in 2017, she believes that the current team “hit a bullseye” with their version of Barbie, leaving her to imagine what could have been if she had taken on the role at that time.
While Hathaway reflects on her missed opportunity, she effusively praised Margot Robbie, who ultimately became the producer and onscreen Barbie for the film. Hathaway described Robbie as “sublime” and commended her for her creativity and inspiring work as both a performer and producer. She also acknowledged the strides that the team behind Barbie made in challenging longstanding narratives in Hollywood and creating opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the industry. Hathaway expressed her excitement as a cinema-goer and a woman in Hollywood, celebrating the success and empowerment of women in the industry.
Despite missing out on the role, Hathaway expressed her genuine belief that the current version of Barbie is the best possible iteration. She admitted that if she thought the version she was originally attached to could have achieved the same level of success and impact, she might feel differently. However, Hathaway wholeheartedly supports and applauds the team for their accomplishments and the positive change they have brought to the industry. As someone who loves watching women thrive and succeed, she finds joy in witnessing Robbie and the entire team “kill it” and break records.
Hathaway’s reflections highlight the importance of diverse representation and the impact it can have on audiences. The new version of Barbie not only brings fresh energy and anticipation but also challenges traditional narratives that have hindered opportunities for marginalized communities. It serves as a reminder of the progress that the film industry is making in creating inclusive stories and empowering voices that have long been overlooked.
Anne Hathaway’s decision to step away from the role of Barbie turned out to be a fortunate one. With Margot Robbie leading the charge, the team behind the current Barbie film has achieved immense success and broken barriers in Hollywood. Hathaway’s enthusiastic support for their accomplishments demonstrates her genuine excitement for the film’s positive impact and her appreciation for the power of female representation in the industry.