During a recent podcast appearance hosted by Dana Carvey and David Spade, Sharon Stone revealed details about her failed attempt to pitch a Barbie film in the 1990s. In the interview, she mentioned that she had the then-CEO of Mattel on her side, along with a producer friend, but the studio executives did not share her vision for the iconic doll.
Stone described an ambitious opening scene for the Barbie movie, where Barbie arrives at the Mattel headquarters in her signature pink Barbie car. Secret service agents with feet as big as the car escort her inside, where she is treated like royalty by all the executives at Mattel. The concept was centered around the power and influence of Barbie as a character, but the studio executives did not see eye to eye with Stone on this vision.
The studio executives, as Stone recalled, were quick to dismiss the idea of Barbie being portrayed as powerful. They questioned why she would want to “destroy” an American icon like Barbie, and Stone ended up getting escorted out of the studio with a lecture about her misguided approach. Despite having the support of the head of Barbie at the time, Stone faced resistance from those in charge.
Reflection and Gratitude
In a recent social media post, Sharon Stone responded to actress America Ferrera’s acceptance speech by reflecting on her past experience with the Barbie movie pitch. Stone expressed gratitude towards Ferrera and others for their courage and endurance in the industry, acknowledging the progress that has been made since her unsuccessful attempt in the 1990s.
Legacy of Barbie
Although Sharon Stone’s Barbie film never came to fruition, the iconic doll continues to be a symbol of empowerment and influence for generations of fans. Most recently, Greta Gerwig directed an Oscar-nominated film starring Margot Robbie as Barbie, showcasing the enduring appeal and cultural significance of the character. Despite the setbacks faced by Stone in the past, Barbie’s legacy as a powerful and influential figure in popular culture remains intact.