Exciting New Development in the Barbie Franchise
Two years after the groundbreaking release of Barbie, the feminist live-action adaptation of Mattel’s iconic doll that became a cultural phenomenon, there’s exciting news on the horizon. Illumination and Mattel Studios have finalized a deal to develop a new Barbie movie, which will be the first animated film in the franchise to be released in theaters. While specific details about the plot and creative team remain undisclosed, this marks a significant shift for the beloved brand.
The previous Barbie film, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie, was a massive success, grossing over $1.44 billion worldwide. It transcended expectations and left a lasting impact on popular culture. The film’s success was partly fueled by the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, where audiences attended screenings of Barbie alongside Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer as a double-feature event. This unique marketing strategy helped solidify Barbie as the highest-grossing film of 2023 and one of the highest-grossing films of all time. It also made history as the highest-grossing film directed by a woman.
The original Barbie film was released by Warner Bros., but the upcoming animated version is expected to be distributed by Universal Pictures. Universal has an exclusive financing and distribution partnership with Illumination, the animation studio behind the project. However, representatives from Illumination, Universal, and Mattel have not yet commented on the details of the new film.
A Growing Presence in the Toy Industry
Since its creation in 1959, Barbie has remained a global leader in the dolls category, with more than 100 units sold every minute. The brand continues to dominate as the top girls/dolls toy brand on social media, reflecting its enduring popularity among children and collectors alike.
In recent months, Mattel has made several strategic moves to strengthen its position in the entertainment industry. The company officially combined its film and television units to form Mattel Studios. This new division has two films slated for release in 2026: a live-action Masters of the Universe film, set to be released by Amazon MGM Studios, and a live-action Matchbox movie produced in collaboration with Skydance and Apple.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Jon M. Chu has been enlisted to direct a live-action Hot Wheels movie for Warner Bros., with Mattel Studios and Bad Robot producing. In addition, Mattel has recently announced feature adaptations of the toy brands Whac-A-Mole and View-Master. The company is also developing additional projects based on intellectual property including American Girl, Bob the Builder, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Thomas & Friends, UNO, and Wishbone.
Illumination’s Upcoming Projects
Chris Meledandri’s animation powerhouse, Illumination, is preparing for the release of two highly anticipated films through Universal. The first is a sequel to the box office smash The Super Mario Bros. Movie, set for April 3, 2026, in collaboration with Nintendo. The second is Minions 3, scheduled for release on July 1, 2026.
With the success of Barbie and the continued expansion of its entertainment ventures, Mattel is clearly positioning itself as a major player in both the toy and film industries. The upcoming animated Barbie movie is just the latest example of how the brand is evolving to meet the changing landscape of entertainment. As fans await more details, the anticipation for what comes next is building.
