Margot Robbie’s leap into the world of Hollywood was nothing short of iconic. From her breakout role in The Wolf of Wall Street to her iconic portrayal of Harley Quinn in the DC Extended universe, the Aussie actress has always delivered characters that were both engaging and memorable. But it’s with her latest outing, Barbie, that Robbie has truly crafted her magnum opus, not just as an actor, but as a visionary producer. Now, she’ll be reaping the fruits of her efforts.
Drawing parallels between her journey and that of the infamous board game character “Rich Uncle” Pennybags, Robbie has navigated the high-stakes world of filmmaking with unparalleled success.
As Barbie obliterated box office expectations, it has not only cemented Robbie’s reputation as a Hollywood powerhouse but also as a smart businesswoman. Variety reports that the 33-year-old stands to make a whopping $50 million from the film, a testament to her foresight and negotiating prowess.
Beyond the numbers, it’s the narrative behind the billion-dollar film that’s truly enthralling. Robbie wasn’t just the lead star; she was its anchor. Taking on dual roles, Robbie championed the project through, LuckyChap Entertainment, her production company, aligning the iconic doll with Hollywood’s acclaimed director Greta Gerwig, an fateful alliance that, in hindsight, couldn’t have been better. The actress brazenly pitched Barbie to Warner Bros. as a potential billion-dollar film, and while skeptics might have thought she was overselling, the reality shows otherwise.
Warner Bros.’s silence on the matter speaks volumes. As the film continues its upward trajectory, grossing $1.18 billion globally, the accolades just keep coming. Not only has it become the highest-grossing film by a female director, but it has also solidified its position as Warner Bros.’ second-highest grossing release ever, coming in just behind the final installment of the Harry Potter series.
And while accolades are aplenty, Robbie’s trajectory wasn’t always this smooth. In a candid revelation, she admitted that she didn’t initially see herself as Barbie. The role, she believed, was more suited to Gal Gadot’s “dorky” energy. Yet, as fate would have it, Robbie donned the avatar of the world’s most famous doll, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Despite her massive success, Robbie has remained grounded. In the face of both praise and criticism, she’s taken it all in stride. Her journey is a testament to the transient nature of success in Hollywood. From being touted as “box office poison” to now being heralded as a game-changer, Robbie’s career has seen some dramatic turns.
Perhaps one of the most significant impacts of Barbie has been its ability to draw audiences back into the theaters. With the shadow of the pandemic still looming large, the film has managed to do what few others could. A survey from The Quorum highlighted that nearly a fifth of Barbie theatergoers either hadn’t seen a movie since before the pandemic or couldn’t recall their last theater visit.
As conversations about a potential sequel gain momentum, the future remains uncertain. Despite the fan fervor, both Robbie and Gerwig seem to be on the fence. With no formal deals in place and Gerwig admittedly devoid of ideas for a follow-up, the franchise’s future seems uncertain.
However, one thing remains clear: Robbie’s genius lies not just in her acting chops but in her ability to recognize and capitalize on opportunity. And as the curtain falls on “Barbie,” Robbie’s place in Hollywood is more cemented than ever. Here’s to hoping that her journey, much like Barbie’s, continues to inspire and break barriers.
