EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Jan. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and Warner Bros. Pictures Group today announced a partnership to bring the world-renowned Barbie franchise to theaters in its first ever live-action feature film, starring Academy Award-nominated actress Margot Robbie as Barbie. Robbie will also co-produce the film under her LuckyChap Entertainment Banner, alongside Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara from LuckyChap Entertainment.
Barbie marks the first announced deal coming out of Mattel’s newly-established Mattel Films, led by Academy Award®-nominated producer Robbie Brenner, as well as the first collaboration between Mattel Films and Warner Bros. Pictures.
Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel said: “Barbie is one of the most iconic franchises in the world and we are excited to partner with Warner Bros. Pictures and Margot Robbie to bring her to life on the big screen. We look forward to building on this collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures as we tell the stories of our beloved brands. Mattel Films is on a path to demonstrate the enormous potential of our brand portfolio, as we continue to execute on our strategy of transforming Mattel into an IP-driven, high performing toy company.”
“This project is a great start to our partnership with Ynon and Mattel Films,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “And, Margot is the ideal producer and actress to bring Barbie to life on screen in a fresh and relevant way for today’s audiences.”
Margot Robbie said: “Playing with Barbie promotes confidence, curiosity and communication throughout a child’s journey to self-discovery. Over the brand’s almost 60 years, Barbie has empowered kids to imagine themselves in aspirational roles from a princess to president. I’m so honored to take on this role and produce a film that I believe will have a tremendously positive impact on children and audiences worldwide. I can’t imagine better partners than Warner Bros and Mattel to bring this film to the big screen.”
Margot Robbie is represented by Management 360, CAA, Aran Michael Management, Attorney Jeff Bernstein and Narrative PR. LuckyChap Entertainment is represented by Management 360, CAA, Attorney Jeff Bernstein and Narrative PR.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global children’s entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas & Friends® and MEGA®, as well as other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40 locations and sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and technology companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach their full potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.
About LuckyChap Entertainment
LuckyChap Entertainment produced the award-winning feature film “I, Tonya.” They recently wrapped production on the independent film “Dreamland” starring Margot Robbie and Travis Fimmel and are currently in pre-production on “Birds of Prey (and The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)” with Warner Bros. Studios, Kroll & Co Entertainment and Clubhouse Pictures. LuckyChap Entertainment has several other projects currently in development and a first look production deal with Warner Bros. Studios. Its impressive slate of projects include an adaptation of the book “Bad Monkeys,” written by Jessica Knoll and co-produced with Universal/Dylan Clark Productions; and the much-anticipated “Marian,” which stars Margot Robbie and is being produced in collaboration with Donald De Line and Amy Pascal. In late 2017, LuckyChap Entertainment expanded its business with a television division and is currently in production on “Dollface” starring Kat Dennings with Hulu, ABC Signature studios and Clubhouse Pictures. LuckyChap has also teamed up with Hoodlum and Australia’s ABC to create a 10-part television series based on modern versions of the works of Shakespeare, told from female perspectives and to be led by an all-female creative team.
