A New Chapter for Barbie: Animated Film in the Works
Two years after Warner Bros.’ “Barbie” became the highest-grossing film of 2023, Mattel Studios has announced a new venture that is set to bring the iconic doll to life in a different way. The studio has partnered with Illumination to produce an animated film based on the famous Barbie brand. This film will be released by Universal Pictures and marks a significant shift from previous efforts, which were primarily straight-to-video animated movies.
This project is the first theatrically released animated “Barbie” film in years, signaling a new direction for the franchise. It also represents Illumination’s second major project involving an outside intellectual property (IP), following the massive success of their 2023 film “Super Mario Bros.” with Nintendo. That film set a studio record with a global box office gross of $1.36 billion, and a sequel is already in the works for next year.
The announcement comes just a month after Mattel restructured its operations by merging its film and television production divisions into a single entity called Mattel Studios. Under the leadership of Robbie Brenner, the new studio is already planning several high-profile projects. One of these is a film adaptation of “Masters of the Universe,” scheduled for release in June 2026 through Amazon MGM. Other upcoming projects include “Matchbox,” starring John Cena, and “Hot Wheels,” directed by Jon M. Chu.
The original “Barbie” film, directed by Greta Gerwig, was a monumental success for Warner Bros., earning $1.44 billion globally. It broke records for the studio and became the highest-grossing film directed by a woman. The movie also received critical acclaim, earning eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Its impact on both the box office and cultural landscape was undeniable.
The new animated film is expected to build on this legacy while introducing a fresh perspective to the Barbie brand. With Illumination’s track record of creating successful and visually stunning films, fans are eager to see how the studio will translate the beloved character into an animated format. The collaboration between Mattel Studios and Illumination suggests a strong commitment to delivering a high-quality product that appeals to both longtime fans and new audiences.
As the details of the animated film continue to unfold, it’s clear that this project is more than just another entry in the Barbie franchise. It represents a strategic move by Mattel to expand its reach and explore new creative avenues. With a lineup of other exciting projects in development, the future of the brand looks brighter than ever.
The animated “Barbie” film is expected to be a major event in the entertainment industry, and fans are already counting down the days until its release. Whether it will match the success of the live-action version remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Barbie is far from being retired. Instead, she’s stepping into a new era with a fresh look and a new story to tell.
